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[Preschool] Recommended choral pieces for 3-year-olds

In nursery schools and kindergartens, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to sing together—not just during daily activities, but also at events like recitals and music festivals.

Choral singing is a wonderful activity: children can feel the joy of singing, strengthen their sense of unity with friends, and deepen their interest in seasons and events.

We’d like to incorporate a variety of songs so that children grow fond of music and come to love singing.

So this time, we’re introducing recommended choral songs for 3-year-olds (the youngest class).

We’ve gathered lots of lively, energetic pieces that suit 3-year-olds, along with many cute songs.

Find a lovely piece that matches your class’s character, and have fun singing together!

[Childcare] Recommended Choral Songs for 3-Year-Olds (61–70)

Happy ChildrenSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

Happy Children (Lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa) [From Toshihiko Shinzawa’s 40th Anniversary of Musical Activities “Nursery Song Concert”]
Happy ChildrenSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

This heartwarming piece by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa gently sings of the mysterious power of children’s smiles and pure hearts.

Set to a bright, lighthearted melody, it portrays how being with children naturally fills us with happiness, kindling a warm light in the listener’s heart.

It is included on albums such as “How Softly the Heart Warms: Children’s Songs Grown-ups Love, Too.” In April 2024, Daisuke Yokoyama released a cover, and the song continues to be cherished across generations.

Perfect for childcare and educational settings or joyful moments with family, it’s a song everyone can sing together to share smiles—why not give it a listen?

I love stripes!

[Classic Song] I Love Stripes ♪ [Shimajiro Channel Official]
I love stripes!

The song, created from a child’s perspective, features a bright, rhythmic melody and familiar, easy-to-sing lyrics.

Naomi Minami’s appeal as a voice actress shines through, and her energetic vocals capture children’s hearts.

Released in March 2018, the track was featured on the children’s educational program “Shimajiro no Wow!” and has become popular with many kids.

It is also included on the album “Shimajiro no Wow! Uta♪ Dance Special Vol.11,” and has been developed as related content for Benesse Corporation’s early childhood correspondence course “Kodomo Challenge.” Since it’s a song that children can enjoy singing and dancing to together, it’s recommended for music time or use at events.

Shimajiro Ondo!

Shimajiro Ondo! [Shimajiro Channel Official]
Shimajiro Ondo!

It’s a fun ondō that makes your heart dance along to an energetic rhythm.

Born in March 2018, this song carries messages about the spirit of challenge, a sense of adventure, and the importance of life.

Children’s curiosity and positive lyrics are sung in Shimajiro’s gentle voice.

It’s used in the dance segment and ending of the TV show “Shimajiro no Wao!” and is loved by children at concerts and events nationwide.

There’s choreography that kids can dance to as well, making it a sure hit at nursery and kindergarten events! It’s a perfect song for parent-child bonding time or whenever you want to get moving together with children.

Etiquette Man

Etiquette Man [Shimajiro Channel Official]
Etiquette Man

This is a character song that blends fun and learning, and it’s hugely popular with children.

Set to a bright, poppy melody, it clearly teaches important everyday manners and etiquette.

Takashi Fujii’s friendly singing and dancing really capture kids’ hearts.

The song has been broadcast on Shimajiro no Wao! since September 2017 and is also included on the DVD Shimajiro no Wao! Shimajiro to Dance! Dance! Dance!.

It’s a track that lets parents and children enjoy moving their bodies together while learning easy-to-practice topics like table manners and cough etiquette.

Kupurupā is a secret word!

Movie tie-in dance song “Kuprupa Is a Secret Word!” [Shimajiro Channel Official]
Kupurupā is a secret word!

This is an insert song from the film that, with its bright, poppy sound and lyrics that capture children’s hearts, conveys the importance of friendship and cooperation.

Using the “secret word” as their motto, Shimajiro and his friends embark on an adventure that communicates the value of bonds and a spirit of kindness.

With its rhythmic groove and dance, it’s designed for kids to enjoy together.

The song appears in the March 2019 film Shimajiro and Ururu’s Hero Land, where it’s used memorably alongside the adventure in Hero Land.

It also comes with a fun group dance, making it a recommended track for preschools and at home.

To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

Hands to the Sun — Vocals: AI Kiritan (with lyrics)
To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

It’s a classic children’s song brimming with the joy and hope of living.

Through the sight of blood glowing red when sunlight shines through a hand, it gently conveys the preciousness of life.

Earthworms, dragonflies, frogs, and other creatures make appearances, and the warm melody teaches the wonder of living together.

The lyrics, imbued with Takashi Yanase’s deep sentiments, harmonize beautifully with the bright tune crafted by Tak Izumi.

First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, it was performed by the Boys Jacks on the 1965 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It later appeared in elementary school music textbooks and has continued to be cherished by many.

It’s a perfect cheer song for children swelling with hope as they take a new step forward.

Yo-kai Exercise No. 1Dream5

Yo-kai Watch: Yokai Exercise No. 1
Yo-kai Exercise No. 1Dream5

The ending theme of a TV anime, sung by Dream5 and beloved by both children and adults, is creating a buzz.

This work charms listeners with its fun, upbeat style that portrays everyday little happenings—like oversleeping or being picky about food—as the doings of yokai.

Their 12th single, released in April 2014, was a tie-in with a TV Tokyo anime, and with choreography by Lucky Ikeda, it became a huge topic among children.

It’s a song that kids can enjoy moving their bodies to together, with easy-to-learn choreography that makes it a hit at nursery and kindergarten events.

It’s also recommended for parent-child recreation and as a dance for sports days.