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[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 (41–50)

Full of dreamsSeki Yumiko

Its refreshing melody brims with kindness and dreams, and the vocals—filled with the children’s wholehearted excitement—are truly captivating.

You can feel the desire to cherish the spirited feelings from childhood while enjoying encounters with new friends and the thrill of adventure.

In harmony with Yumiko Seki’s translucent voice, each day feels fun and pure emotions overflow.

Released in April 1990, this work captured the hearts of audiences from children to adults as the opening theme for the first season of the TV anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

It’s the perfect cheer song for energetic kids who can quickly make friends in a new environment.

Let’s move forward! Clap your hands!

Let's Move Forward! Clap Your Hands! ~Tie-in Song for the Movie “Shimajiro and the Rainbow Oasis”~ [Official Shimajiro Channel]
Let's move forward! Clap your hands!

This bright and lively song is a heartwarming piece themed around the courage to move forward and the bonds of friendship.

Structured so you can sing along while clapping to the rhythm, it embraces the anxiety and fear of taking steps ahead as natural feelings, while conveying the importance of overcoming them.

The desire to cherish friendships and hope for the future is expressed through a gentle melody.

Used as an insert song in the film Shimajiro and the Rainbow Oasis (released in March 2017) from the series Shimajiro no Wao! The Movie, it colors the adventures of Shimajiro and his friends.

It’s a perfect song to enjoy with children while moving their bodies, whether during group time at nursery and kindergarten or at home!

Peep-peep, pao!Kimura Kaera

TV anime “Hanakappa” opening theme “Pi-Pi-Pao!” video
Peep-peep, pao!Kimura Kaera

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.

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

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.

I want to scribble on the sky.sakushi: Yamagami Michio / sakkyoku: Izumi Taku

I want to doodle in the sky by Himawari 🌻 with lyrics | Children's song |
I want to scribble on the sky.sakushi: Yamagami Michio / sakkyoku: Izumi Taku

Let us introduce a dream-filled children’s song that’s perfect for the season when May’s fresh greenery sparkles.

Created by Michio Yamagami (lyrics) and Taku Izumi (music), this piece is a delightful song that nurtures children’s rich imagination.

With lyrics brimming with free-spirited dreams—like a big apple tree, a bulldog, and a long bridge—paired with a light, cheerful melody, it’s truly charming.

It’s included on the albums “Kodomo no Uta: Paku Paku Itadakimasu!” and “Uk­iuki Wakuwaku! Kodomo no Uta,” and is also used as teaching material in kindergartens and nursery schools.

It’s a wonderful song to enjoy the joys of spring—whether you sing it while looking up at the sky on a walk, or sing along with friends while drawing pictures.

Ghost Party

Ghost Party (feat. Mana Ogawa)
Ghost Party

A fun song packed with Halloween excitement is included on the September 2020 album “Shimajiro Ages 1–2: Hit Songs.” With its bright, rhythmic melody and a delightful world where friendly ghosts enjoy a party, it sparks children’s imaginations.

The energetic vocals by Shimajiro and Mana Ogawa are another highlight.

This track is perfect not only for Halloween-season events but also for daycare and kindergarten activities, as well as family parties—any occasion where kids can sing, dance, and have fun together with their friends!

I love stripes!

[Classic Song] I Love Stripes ♪ [Shimajiro Channel Official]
I love stripes!

The song, created from a child’s perspective, features a bright, rhythmic melody and familiar, easy-to-sing lyrics.

Naomi Minami’s appeal as a voice actress shines through, and her energetic vocals capture children’s hearts.

Released in March 2018, the track was featured on the children’s educational program “Shimajiro no Wow!” and has become popular with many kids.

It is also included on the album “Shimajiro no Wow! Uta♪ Dance Special Vol.11,” and has been developed as related content for Benesse Corporation’s early childhood correspondence course “Kodomo Challenge.” Since it’s a song that children can enjoy singing and dancing to together, it’s recommended for music time or use at events.