[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 (21–30)
Children around the worldSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
This song is by the golden duo: lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa.
It was created in 1988, and since then it’s been loved and sung by many children.
The tempo is lively and the rhythm is fun.
Singing it lets kids engage with the lyrics and could be a great opportunity for them to learn that there are many different children and friends in the world.
Rather than just memorizing it, it might be nice to create opportunities for children to talk with each other about the content prompted by the lyrics.
I wish it were so.Sakushi: Ide Takao / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako
The song “Sou dattara ii no ni na,” which sings about all kinds of dreams like “I wish it were like this” and “I wish it were like that,” has lyrics imagining how fun it would be if your house were like that, if it were Christmas all the time, or if you knew a wizard.
Just like this song, there are surely many children with delightful dreams.
It’s wonderful to make time to sing while imagining your own dreams.
Add some choreography to match the lyrics and try singing it at recitals or during everyday activities!
Hello, my friends.Takahashi Mariko, Yangu Furesshu
Hello, My Friends was selected as the ending theme for the 1990 season of Hirake! Ponkikki and has become widely beloved.
The lyrics imagine the lives of people overseas whom we haven’t met yet and dream of the day we can become friends.
Try approaching it while enjoying the fun of picturing places you haven’t actually visited.
It might also spark an interest in foreign countries and the wider world.
By the way, the song leans toward a ballad style, so it’s perfect when you’re in the mood to sing something relaxed.
Lovely Wonderlandshimajirou
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.
Song of CourageOno Atsuko
A wonderful song, harmonizing gentleness and strength, has been born as the film’s theme song.
Atsuko Ono’s warm singing voice eases the anxiety of taking that first step and gives you courage.
Centered on themes of bonds with friends and the importance of believing in yourself, the piece delivers a heartwarming message.
Written specifically for a film releasing in March 2025, it blends beautifully with the story.
Ono also takes on her first voice-acting role in the film, showcasing new charms beyond her singing.
It’s perfect not only for families to enjoy at the theater, but also for activities in preschools and kindergartens, and for singing and dancing together at home.
It’s a lovely song that stays close to children’s hearts and cheers them on as they take new steps.
Ganba RangersHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
The exciting intro really gets you pumped! Let me introduce “Ganba Rangers.” It’s one of those wonderful songs that sing about the warmth of family and how much we care for one another.
This song was presented as the song for May 2025.
Both the lyrics and music are by Masashi Sada, a renowned creator of many classic tunes.
The lyrics are sprinkled with themes of family love and the feelings children have, and even though the melody is upbeat, you might find yourself moved to tears as you listen.
It’s a poppy number you’ll want to sing along to with your kids.
Small WorldSakushi/Sakkyoku: Robāto Shāman, Richādo Shāman
How about “It’s a Small World,” a song that carries the message “Let’s all get along”? It was written as the theme song for the Disneyland attraction “It’s a Small World.” Not only are the lyrics heartwarming, but the mid-tempo feel is sure to lift your spirits.
With many sustained notes, it’s also fun to enjoy long vocal lines.
That makes it perfect for choir, and its thematic lyrics should pair well with performances like school plays or recitals.