[For 3-year-olds] Songs to sing at nursery schools and kindergartens! Popular and recommended songs
Kids who love to sing! Around age three, children gradually start to match pitch and keep rhythm, and singing becomes more fun for them.
Let’s have everyone sing together so they can feel the joy and comfort of singing.
So this time, we’ve gathered lots of popular songs that three-year-olds will enjoy singing.
They’re perfect not only for daily childcare, but also for events like recitals and birthday parties! These are songs that energetic three-year-olds will want to sing—so try singing them together as a group.
Add clapping or simple choreography to the music, and it’ll be even more exciting!
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[For 3-year-olds] Songs to sing at nursery school or kindergarten! Popular and recommended songs (61–70)
Carrot Engine RocketHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
“Carrot Engine Rocket” is a song with a delightful concept: imagining carrots as engines for a rocket blasting into space.
It first aired on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in October 1961.
The lyrics were written by Keisuke Yamakawa, and the music was composed by Hachidai Nakamura.
With its strong sense of rhythm and friendly, catchy melody, the song brought children a world of dreams and adventure.
It has been immensely popular with kids since its original broadcast and continues to be loved over many years.
Norimaki Pera Pari OndoHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
The lively, festival-style song Norimaki Pera Pari Ondo, which bursts with summer festival vibes, appeared in July 2022 as the “Song of the Month” on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho.
The lyrics are by Tomomi Fujimo, and the music is by veteran composer Yasuo Kosugi, who has created numerous songs for E-Tele.
Centered on the theme of norimaki (seaweed-wrapped rolls), its catchy “pera-to pari-to” rhythm sticks in your head, and the dazzling production and characters leave a strong impression.
Yuichiro Onii-san appears as Noriko, and Maya Onee-san as Makiko, making this an irresistibly addictive tune that naturally makes you crave norimaki just by watching!
Hardworking BoogieHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
Taking off your pajamas in the morning, checking the weather forecast, jotting down notes so you don’t forget anything… It shares the little hard-working moments of everyday life set to a fun boogie tune.
With a lively, spirited rhythm, it’s a cheerful song that tells kids “working is cool.” Debuting as the Song of the Month in October 2023, “Hatarakimono Boogie” features lyrics by Morihisa Yamamoto and music by Asei Kobayashi.
Listening to this track might even make cleaning and tidying up more fun!
Happappa, haaa!Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
This is a rhythmical song themed around the beauty of nature and scenery, long beloved by children: “Happapa no Haa!” It was broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in October 1974, with lyrics by Takako Yamada and music by Hachidai Nakamura.
The song features the distinctive, repeatedly sung phrase “happapa,” designed to make it fun and easy for children to sing along.
Hachidai Nakamura is also known as a composer active in the Showa era who produced many hit songs.
It’s a heartwarming piece that conveys the joy of music and a love for nature.
We were born with a bang!Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
An intro that starts with the sound of Japanese taiko drums makes a striking impression! Let me introduce “Bon! Tō umareta bokutachi wa.” Many people probably feel like listening to this song in the summer.
Popular on the show as the song for August 2025, it’s characterized by its rhythmic sounds and call-and-response shouts.
The lyrics are easy for kids to remember, making it a standout track.
Move your body to the calls and the music, and it’s guaranteed to get everyone excited! It should be easy to include at summer festivals and events, too.
It’s a song that’s fun to listen to and fun to dance to.
Yo-kai Exercise No. 1Dream5
When it comes to songs that are easy for elementary school kids to sing, Dream5’s “Yo-kai Exercise No.
1” is probably at the top of the list.
Known as the ending theme of the anime Yo-kai Watch, its lyrics can be memorized like a wordplay game.
Plus, since the song comes with a dance, you end up learning the words before you know it just by dancing along.
The tempo is slow, making it easy to keep the rhythm and sing.
Why not add it to your karaoke repertoire?
Picnic
With its lively, energetic rhythm, “Picnic” is a sprightly song that makes you want to start walking.
Ducks, goats, dogs, and pigs appear in the lyrics.
Try singing while imitating their animal sounds! If you ask the children what sounds each animal makes before singing, they’ll be able to enjoy the song more while understanding its meaning.
Since it’s a song about heading to the fun place that is a picnic, sing it brightly and cheerfully with the children.
Friend Ponkurton
The song that brings a heart-thumping time with lively music was born in March 2016.
Featured on the soundtrack of the film “Shimajiro and the Book Kingdom,” it stands out for Naomi Minami’s bright voice and its rhythmic melody.
With themes of friendship and bonds with companions, it has a fun structure where the tempo gradually changes.
It’s included on the album “Shimajiro no Wow! The Movie: Shimajiro and the Book Kingdom + TV Version ‘Shimajiro no Wow! Original Soundtrack’,” and has been used in both the movie and the TV show.
It’s perfect for singing and dancing together at nursery and kindergarten parent-child events, and it’s a track that children who watch “Shimajiro no Wow!” will enjoy.
Morning Song (Good Morning)Sakushi: Masuko Toshi / Sakkyoku: Honda Tetsuma
This bright and energetic song is perfect for children’s morning greetings.
The way it calls out “Good morning” to teachers, friends, flowers, and even the sun helps kids feel connected to nature.
Its simple, easy-to-remember melody makes it ideal for singing during morning circle time.
It’s commonly used in kindergartens and preschools for morning activities, and videos of it have reportedly been on YouTube for about nine years.
It’s also appealing because it can be used in many ways—helping ease children’s nerves and giving them a cheerful start to the day.
This song is recommended even for children who aren’t comfortable with morning greetings or singing.
A strawberry is a strawberry.Sakushi: Kotaki Kiyomi / Sakkyoku: Fujita Taishi
This is a charming song with a bright, rhythmic, and fun melody paired with heartwarming lyrics.
It was broadcast in May 1997 as the “Song of the Month” on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, with lyrics by Kiyomi Kotaki and music by Taishi Fujita.
The gently told story follows a protagonist who dreams of becoming a cake and, while chasing that dream, discovers their own true self—making it a song that enriches children’s imaginations.
Sung and beloved by Kentaro Hayami and Ayumi Shigemori, it was later carried on by Akihiro Sugita and Ryoko Tsumoda.
It is also included on the album NHK Okaasan to Issho Memorial Album and has been cherished by many children.
It’s perfect for humming during walks or outdoor play, and for singing together on spring field trips or fun outings.
When sung with family, it’s sure to become a wonderful memory that shares the joy of spring.