[Childcare] Fun Songs for 2-Year-Olds to Sing! Recommended Song Collection

stroll

My Neighbor Totoro ~Stroll~ [Original Choreography] Sports Day Dance / Recital Dance for Nursery Schools and Kindergartens

Sampo, the opening theme of Studio Ghibli’s film My Neighbor Totoro released in 1988, is a hugely popular song among children of every generation.

Its bright rhythm that makes you want to start walking, along with lyrics that seem to capture the joys kids discover on a stroll, make singing it feel like going on an adventure! The song is also popular as a dance tune, so it’s fun to come up with choreography that matches the words and try dancing to it.

Perfect as BGM or for dances at school sports days!

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sasashina

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Fruit TarōHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya

Fruit Boy Taro (with Mother) – Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

A whole bunch of different “Taros”—like Peach Taro, Banana Taro, Strawberry Taro, and Cherry Taro—show up, jostle each other shoulder to shoulder, and end up in tears.

Those tears mix together to become mixed juice and special juice in this energetic and humorous song.

This is “Kudamono Taro,” which appeared as the May 2022 monthly song on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho.

The lyrics and illustrations are by picture-book author Yume Okuhara, and the composition is by BearGround, also known for the music in the puppet show “Garapiko Pu.” With its vividly colorful visuals and upbeat, fun melody, it’s a track that really grabs children’s hearts!

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kepiko

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All set and ready to go!Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya

Junbi Bantantan — Live-action Dance — With Mother — May 2023 Monthly Song / E Tele — NHK

Let me introduce “Junbi Bantantan!”, a song that cheers kids on as they get ready in the morning and at night.

It’s very rhythmic and easy to remember.

It appeared as the May 2023 monthly song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” With its fresh, bright melody, it became popular as a tune that makes parents and children want to hum along while getting ready.

The lyrics are by Momi Fujimoto, and the music is by Tetsuro Oda, a producer behind many J-pop hits.

It’s an energetic song that brightens up families’ daily routines.

If kids get ready while singing, it might boost their mood, too!

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kepiko

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I Stepped on the CatSakushi / Sakkyoku: Fushou

[62 minutes] ♫ A fun, uplifting, high-energy song medley ♪ 26 tracks in total

Neko Funjatta (literally “I Stepped on the Cat”) has a distinctive rhythm and melody that really gets kids excited.

It’s said to be loved around the world under various titles like “The Flea Waltz” and “The Dog Waltz,” and in Japan, its unique cat-themed lyrics have timeless popularity among children.

In terms of keyboard playing, the melody is composed almost entirely of black keys, and it actually spans more than two octaves, making it great practice for producing a wide vocal range.

Try singing it while enjoying choreography that matches the lyrics, like mimicking a cat!

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hiyori

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I’ve grown up—I’m off!

Enrollment Support Song: “I’ve Grown Up—Off I Go!” [Shimajiro Channel Official]

This is a cheer song that gently sings, over a tender melody, the mix of excitement and anxiety children feel as they step into a new environment.

Produced by the Shimajiro Channel, well known from the early childhood program “Kodomo Challenge,” it vividly portrays the scene of starting preschool with shiny yellow school bags and brand-new uniforms.

It warmly expresses both a sense of self-affirmation—children feeling glad to have been born—and gratitude toward those who have supported them so far.

Popular not only for entrance ceremonies but also for practice during school events in early childhood settings, it’s a song that naturally invites children to sing together.

Sing it with your kids and make your send-off moment a cherished memory.

Lovely Wonderlandshimajirou

Lovely Wonderland - Kodomo Challenge [Shimajiro Channel Official]

Set to a bright, rhythmic melody, this song celebrates children’s spirit of adventure and the joy of discovering something new every day.

It portrays the entire Earth as a wonderful place of adventure for kids, spreading a warm, inclusive world where everyone can dance together and have fun.

It was included on the DVD “Shimajiro no Wao!” released in February 2015 and is also used in the dance segment of the TV program.

The song is memorable for Shimajiro and his friends energetically singing and dancing in nature.

It’s perfect for enjoying with children at nursery and kindergarten events, as well as for dance time at home.

Let’s keep walkingbiriken

Billiken / Let's walk on

This is an upbeat song that blends folk and hip-hop, perfect for singing and dancing together.

Its friendly lyrics warmly portray the joys and fun of everyday life, as well as the playful spirit of children.

Released in September 2010, it was loved by many viewers as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Mainichi Kaasan.” With its melodic tone and pleasant rhythm, it resonates with children’s hearts and encourages them to take their first steps in new environments.

Singing it at entrance ceremonies or morning gatherings brings out children’s smiles and naturally leads to clapping and swaying.

Let teachers and children enjoy singing it together and create wonderful memories.