![[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/5DfWkp7uQMs/maxresdefault.webp)
[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events
By the time they turn four, children show growth in many ways: they can listen to stories and words and let their imaginations soar, and they become able to express their feelings and thoughts in words.
Through music, we hope they encounter many words and melodies and grow healthy in both mind and body.
Here are some highly recommended songs that are perfect for four-year-olds.
We’ve gathered a wide range of genres: songs that feel exhilarating to sing, songs with storylines that spark imagination, and songs that express feelings for family and friends.
These selections are great not only for everyday childcare settings but also for recitals and events!
Find songs that suit the children, and be sure to have fun singing together.
[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events (1–10)
Let’s dance in a circle (Wasshoi)NEW!V6
V6’s song “WA ni Natte Odorō” is a single released in July 1997.
It was also aired on NHK’s program Minna no Uta and has long been a beloved classic by many people.
Its warm message about everyone joining hands in a circle, along with its friendly, naturally toe-tapping melody, is truly appealing.
How about having your five-year-olds sing it at their recital? The easy-to-remember chorus is perfect for children to sing out together with energy.
Add handclaps with friends or simple choreography, and if everyone sings in a circle, the whole venue is sure to feel united.
For creating wonderful memories of kindergarten life, be sure to have everyone sing it joyfully together.
We are explorers of the future.NEW!icchī・naru
It’s a song overflowing with Icchi and Naru’s positive spirit, powerfully cheering on children as they take their first steps toward the future.
The image of moving forward into tomorrow is expressed in warm, friendly words like “ship” and “expedition team,” making it a very heartwarming piece.
Included on the album Bonbon Academy: Let’s All Sing Choral Songs, released in December 2025, this work has no explicit commercial tie-ins with TV anime or the like, but it has long been cherished in early childhood settings as a practical choral piece.
You can sway your body to the buoyant march rhythm and sing out energetically with your friends.
With hopes for growth ahead, why not bring everyone together and sing it at your recital? Adding hand motions as you enjoy it would be lovely, too.
100% CourageNEW!naniwa danshi
A bright, spirited cheer song that has been beloved by many children for years.
It carries a positive, straightforward message, and its hope-filled world—evoking adventure and friendship—really strikes a chord.
With Naniwa Danshi singing it, the song gains a dazzling vocal sparkle and an even warmer feel.
Originally released by Hikaru Genji in 1993, this version has been selected as the theme song for the film “Nintama Rantaro the Movie: The Dokutake Ninja Corps’ Strongest Strategist,” coming to theaters in December 2024.
Singing it together in unison is sure to deepen bonds with friends.
Why not sing it at special moments that celebrate children’s growth—like senior kindergarten recitals?
Hello, my friends.NEW!Ponkitki no uta
Hello, My Friends gently teaches us about connecting with friends and sharing warmth from the heart.
It was released to the world as the B-side to the single More!, which came out in May 1990.
As the ending theme of Fuji TV’s children’s program Hirake! Ponkikki, it was beloved for two years starting in April 1990.
The vocals were performed by Ms.
Kano Shibata.
Set to a soft, pleasant melody, it expresses the joy of hearts connecting between people.
It’s a warm, charming song that’s perfect for bringing everyone together to sing in a senior kindergarten class performance.
strollNEW!Inoue Azumi
A beloved classic released as a single in March 1988 as the opening theme song for the film My Neighbor Totoro.
Sung by Azumi Inoue with a beautifully clear, transparent voice, this piece lightly portrays the small adventures of everyday life.
The joy of walking and the excitement of new discoveries are expressed through a bright, uplifting melody.
The repeatedly sung phrase “Let’s walk” is easy for children to remember, and you can just picture them singing it out loud with friends, full of energy.
It’s a song that has long been cherished in kindergartens and nursery schools, making it perfect for year-end recitals that showcase older kindergarteners’ growth, or any occasion where you want to fill the room with lively singing!
LET’S GO! Something good will happen.NEW!Sakushi/sakkyoku: Jacques Morali
This is a song that became popular as an insert track on the children’s program “Ponkikkies” and was released as a single in August 1995.
It is widely known as a Japanese-language cover of “Go West,” a song by the Village People composed by Jacques Morali and others.
With a bright melody that encourages looking ahead and moving forward, it carries a warm message about walking together with friends, smiling side by side.
The tune is easy for everyone to sing in unison, making it perfect for older kindergarteners to unite their voices.
Featuring a lively, marching-like rhythm, it’s ideal not only for recital choruses but also for everyday recreational sing-along activities.
Why not include it to help create wonderful memories and strengthen bonds with friends?
Color Explorersicchī・naru
With its bright, upbeat groove, this song tickles kids’ curiosity.
The lyrics overflow with the excitement of exploring a colorful world, and just listening fills you with anticipation.
Icchi and Naru’s energetic vocals are sure to spark children’s spirit of adventure.
Released in July 2022, the track is also hugely popular on the YouTube channel “BonBon Academy”! Through the fun of searching for different colors, it also conveys the importance of discovering your own uniqueness.
It’s perfect for performances and events, so try incorporating it into your everyday childcare activities.