[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.
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[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events (11–20)
rainbowSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
The song “Niji,” which everyone can sing together, is a simple, warm piece that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
When it rains, we sometimes feel sad because we can’t hang out the laundry or the events we were looking forward to get postponed.
But when a beautiful rainbow stretches across the sparkling sky after the rain, those sad feelings just blow away.
Even children who don’t like rain will surely start looking forward to the clear skies after singing this song.
Be sure to try singing it on a rainy day.
To the Sun in the Palm of Your HandSakushi: Yanase Takashi / Sakkyoku: Izumi Taku
Since it was featured on Minna no Uta in 1962, “Tenohira wo Taiyou ni” has been beloved by many children.
The lyrics were written by Takashi Yanase, with the music crafted by Mariko Miyagi.
The words, which portray the mystery and vitality of life, are sure to energize both singers and listeners.
Another charm of the song is how easy it is to add simple choreography that matches the lyrics, such as raising your hands or mimicking animals.
Adding movement while singing can help you immerse yourself even more in the world of the song.
We are explorers of the future.Izumi Tachibana
This is a song whose lyrics talk about setting out for the future, and it’s exciting to sing.
You can march to the rhythm, stomp your feet, sway your body as you sing, or even come up with simple choreography and dance along—it’s all fun.
We don’t know exactly how the idea of “the future” appears to children, but if you ask questions like, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” or “What do you think life will be like in the future?”, their imaginations will grow, and I’m sure it will lead to wonderful singing voices.
Surely a miracleHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
Perfect for spring, new beginnings, and the new school term—here’s an introduction to “Kitto Kiseki,” a song parents and children will want to listen to together.
Some listeners may find courage and hope in the message woven into the lyrics.
The song is being presented as the Song of April 2025.
Of course it suits the season of new encounters in spring, but it’s also a great listen when you’re feeling down or after a quarrel with a friend—it may help you feel gratitude for the people you meet and a sense of destiny.
It might even turn your attention to encounters with animals and nature beyond humans.
What a wonderful song.
Flower of ThanksSakushi/Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu
Arigatou no Hana (The Flower of Thank You) is a song that expresses gratitude to those close to us, such as family, friends, and teachers.
Since it was featured on NHK’s educational program Okaasan to Issho, it has been embraced by many people.
The greatest charm of this song lies in its lyrics: it likens the feeling of thankfulness to a flower, depicting the process from sprouting to blooming.
I hope you’ll try singing it gently, filled with gratitude for someone dear to you.
It’s sure to move anyone who listens.
Sing, Bam-Bam!Sakushi: Sakata Hiroo / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naozumi
Utae Banban, a song everyone can get excited about together, is also recommended.
It was created as the theme song for the NHK program “Utae Banban.” As its popularity grew, it even started appearing in elementary school textbooks.
The lyrics feature lots of onomatopoeia, so enjoy pairing them with hand motions.
The parts where you clap along with the phrase in the title are sure to be especially lively! Another appeal is that the onomatopoeia invites kids to imagine “What kind of feeling is that?”
[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events (21–30)
What color do you like?Sakushi/Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu
Composed and written by Osamu Sakata, this song features simple, friendly lyrics with a color theme.
By having children choose their favorite color and describing how that crayon quickly gets used up, it captures their innocent curiosity and creativity.
It has been broadcast on NHK’s popular program “Okaasan to Issho” since 1992 and has been loved for many years.
Singing this song helps children naturally learn colors and enjoy the freedom of choosing what they like.
It’s perfect for recitals and events, so be sure to sing it together and have fun!