Choral songs that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of heartfelt song ideas for junior kindergarten recitals

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.

Friendship HymnSakushi: Sakata Hiroo / Sakkyoku: Amerika Min’yō

Friendship Hymn

This is a bright, energetic song with the theme of the importance of friendship.

Set to the melody of an American folk tune with Japanese lyrics, it’s characterized by a lively rhythm and approachable words.

It spread from the 1970s to the 1980s and has been beloved as part of school education and choir repertoires.

It’s perfect for entrance ceremonies to ease the nerves of new students.

If everyone holds hands, forms a circle, and sings while dancing, smiles are sure to appear naturally.

I think it’s a wonderful song that creates a warm atmosphere to celebrate meeting new friends.

Peep-peep, pao!Kimura Kaera

TV anime “Hanakappa” opening theme “Pi-Pi-Pao!” video

Kaela Kimura is in charge of the new opening theme for the anime Hanakappa, currently airing on NHK Educational TV (E-Tele).

This work, filled with happiness and fun, portrays the children’s stories set in Hanahana Land through an exciting melody and heartwarming lyrics.

Incorporating memorable melodies she created in her childhood, the song is packed with Kaela Kimura’s passion for music.

Beloved as the new opening theme for Hanakappa since November 2024, it is also slated to be included in Kaela Kimura’s 20th-anniversary album, “KAELA KIMURA 20th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL BOX.” It’s perfect for morning gatherings at nursery schools and kindergartens, as well as for singing and dancing together with children.

Picnic

♪ Picnic <with gestures> Let's go over the hill while whistling a tune ~ ♪ [Children's song]

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.

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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.

Oh, the ranch is green.

Oh, the pasture is green — oh, the pasture is green; over the sea of grass the wind blows~ (with gestures)

Let’s move our bodies to the rhythm! Here are some ideas for “Oh, the Meadow is Green.” These ideas are perfect for summer, when the weather is nice and the air is crisp.

They’re especially recommended if you’re thinking, “What song should we sing this month?” or “I’m looking for something with a good rhythm!” The song “Oh, the Meadow is Green” is the Japanese version of the folk song “Ach, synku, synku”/“Ach, krásná louka” (often known in English as “Ah, Lovely Meadow”), which has been sung for a long time in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

By adding some choreography, you can enjoy engaging with the music even more.

Ganbarappa☆Ganbarūn

Song: Ganbarappa☆Ganbaruun <with choreography> [Children’s Song, Nursery Rhyme, Hand Play, Kids, Dance] Japanese Children’s Song, Nursery Rhymes

“Gambarappa☆Gambarūn” is an uplifting song that gives you energy in the summer.

Its rhythmic melody and lyrics make it really charming.

You’ll feel more energized as you sing, so try singing along with some hand claps.

For older and middle kindergarteners, it’s also recommended to use instruments like castanets to make it even more fun.

On hot days when playing outside isn’t possible, using instruments while enjoying the song can help the children feel more united and have an even better time together.

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