Lovely childcare

[Nursery School] Recommended Songs for Sports Day Dance

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

The dance at sports day is one of the programs both children and watching adults really look forward to!

Seeing the adorable kids dancing energetically at a nursery school sports day really shows how much they’ve grown.

Here, we’ll introduce some fun songs that are perfect for sports day dances!

We’ve gathered lively tracks ranging from songs kids love to classic favorites everyone knows.

When you hear cheerful music, you’ll find yourself wanting to move your body.

Choose songs that match the children’s personalities and vibe, and have fun dancing together!

[Daycare/Preschool] Recommended Songs for Sports Day Dance (161–170)

Animal Exercises 1-2-3okazaki hiromi

[Gymnastics] Animal Exercises 1, 2, 3♪

Animal Exercises 1-2-3okazaki hiromi

“Animal Exercise 1-2-3” is a fun exercise song that incorporates movements inspired by animals kids love.

By mimicking distinctive actions—like a rabbit’s hop-hop or an elephant’s stomp-stomp—children can move their bodies while having a great time.

Released in 2006, the song is widely used at kindergartens and nursery schools for sports days and daily exercise time.

Through animal movements, it naturally gets kids active, fostering rhythm and motor skills while also deepening their affection for animals.

It’s a wonderful track, perfect for times when everyone wants to move their bodies and have fun together.

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Banana-kun ExerciseShinzawa Toshihiko

Banana-kun Exercise (Lyrics and Music by Toshihiko Shinzawa) [from Toshihiko Shinzawa’s “Dance! Sports Day”]

Banana-kun ExerciseShinzawa Toshihiko

A gymnastics number created by Toshihiko Shinzawa—an author of picture books and a singer-songwriter who continues to craft songs loved by children and adults alike, such as “Niji.” Set to a light, Latin-style rhythm, this simple piece uses the familiar theme of “bananas,” making it easy for young children to enjoy.

Watching the official video featuring Shinzawa himself, you can feel the message that it’s okay to dance freely.

We hope children will move openly and energetically, experiencing the joy that moving your body is “fun!”

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[Nursery School] Recommended Songs for Sports Day Dances (171–180)

Where is this mushroom?Yokoyama Daisuke / Mitani Takumi

Nursery school recital, “Dokonoko no Kinoko” 2011

Where is this mushroom?Yokoyama Daisuke / Mitani Takumi

It’s a song that lets you fully enjoy the world of mushrooms that children love.

The lyrics describe mushrooms in the sky, the sea, and the forest undergoing mysterious transformations, which really spark children’s imaginations.

Sung cheerfully and energetically by Daisuke Yokoyama and Takumi Mitani, it’s especially appealing.

The song was introduced in September 2010 as the Monthly Song on “Okaasan to Issho” and is included on the album “Okaasan to Issho: Latest Best—Koronpa.” It’s perfect for sports day dances or school events.

How about having each child transform into their favorite mushroom and enjoy dancing?

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Idol Precure with You♪ Light Up!Ishii Ami, Kumada Akane, Yoshitake Chihaya

“You and Idol Precure♪” Opening Theme Song “You and Idol Precure♪ Light Up!” (Non-teleop version / textless version)

Idol Precure with You♪ Light Up!Ishii Ami, Kumada Akane, Yoshitake Chihaya

A bright, energetic, and fun-filled anime song has arrived! Sung by Ami Ishii, Akane Kumada, and Chihaya Yoshitake, this track features captivating vocals that convey the power of friendship and the beauty of music.

Its dazzling, lively melody and lyrics about smiles and sparkle will resonate with your heart.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Kimi to Idol Precure♪,” which began airing in February 2025, it’s slated for release in March of the same year in two formats: a CD+DVD edition and a standard edition.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants a boost through music, as well as for kids who want to sing and dance together with their friends.

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Let’s hang out!Hayami Kentarō

2016 School Year Tega no Oka Kindergarten and Nursery School Sports Day – Junior Class

Let’s hang out!Hayami Kentarō

Atsuko Ono, the 21st “Uta no Oneesan” on NHK Educational TV’s “Okaasan to Issho,” made her debut with the song “Aou yo!” The composer is Kentaro Hayami, who was active as the 8th “Uta no Onii-san.” On the program, the big brother and big sister performed choreography that included waving their hands and stepping with their feet.

I think younger children look adorable just moving their bodies to the music.

By all means, try arranging the dance in different ways and enjoy it together.

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Shimajiro Ondo!Nojima Naoto

Shimajiro Ondo! [Shimajiro Channel Official]

Shimajiro Ondo!Nojima Naoto

It’s a fun ondō that makes your heart dance along to an energetic rhythm.

Born in March 2018, this song carries messages about the spirit of challenge, a sense of adventure, and the importance of life.

Children’s curiosity and positive lyrics are sung in Shimajiro’s gentle voice.

It’s used in the dance segment and ending of the TV show “Shimajiro no Wao!” and is loved by children at concerts and events nationwide.

There’s choreography that kids can dance to as well, making it a sure hit at nursery and kindergarten events! It’s a perfect song for parent-child bonding time or whenever you want to get moving together with children.

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U.S.A.DA PUMP

DA PUMP / U.S.A. Dance -Mirror ver.-

U.S.A.DA PUMP

If you want to capture kids’ cute expressions in photos or videos, we recommend “U.S.A.” DA PUMP, the music group led by ISSA, released a cover in 2018 that created a huge buzz.

Its nostalgic Eurobeat evokes disco sounds.

The “Like Dance,” where you hop on one foot, give a thumbs-up, and swing your arm, is guaranteed to get everyone pumped! Be sure to try this danceable number that’s perfect for making memories at kindergartens and nursery schools.

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