Fun to dance! A roundup of recommended dance songs for young children, perfect for daycare and sports days

PopcornSuzuki Tsubasa, Fukuda Ryūzō

Yakushiji Kindergarten R5 Sports Day: Parent-Child Dance for Junior Class “Popcorn”

With its popping rhythm and fun choreography, this song overflows with children’s energy and excitement.

The jump-filled moves use the whole body and create moments at sports day when everyone breaks into smiles.

Featured on the album “Banzai! Green,” this piece was lovingly delivered by Tsubasa Suzuki and Ryuzo Fukuda for children’s smiles and was produced in 2022.

Beyond sports days, it shines during morning meetings, exercise time, and any occasion where kids want to move freely.

From two-year-olds to the oldest kindergarteners, everyone can jump together and feel a sense of unity—one reason it’s highly rated by nursery and kindergarten teachers.

Maru Maru Mori MoriKaoru to Tomoki, tama ni Mukku.

Maru Maru Mori Mori! Video of Kaoru and Tomoki with choreography

This catchy song, sprinkled with bright, upbeat wordplay and rhythmic onomatopoeia, is a heartwarming track that gently embraces children’s growth and everyday joys.

Its simple, easy-to-remember melody and lyrics depicting familiar happiness resonate honestly with listeners.

Released in May 2011 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Marumo no Okite,” it marked the debut of Kaoru to Tomoki, Tamani Mook.

It reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and also earned a spot in that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With choreography everyone can enjoy and adorable vocals, it’s the perfect song not only as a cheer tune for sports days and athletic meets, but also for school events and any occasion where people want to get energized together.

Ninja Hattari-kun

@barbamaha

Ninja Hattari-kun#tempalay#armscontrol#handsperformance#vogue#choreography#dance

♬ Ninja Hattari – Tempalay

Let me introduce Ninja Hattari-kun, which also serves as the theme song for the WOWOW original drama I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die.

Tempalay’s Ninja Hattari-kun features a cool sound, and a key point is that the lyrics include ninjutsu techniques.

When practicing with children, it’s a good idea to use instruments like whistles to highlight key movements.

The rhythm is complex, so this is a recommended idea for preschoolers.

Gymnastics, transform! Ninja jump!

[Gymnastics: Transform! Ninja Jump!] Super popular at preschools! A ninja exercise kids love! / With Akira-chan and Jump-kun / Simple choreography for 1–2-year-olds [Great for sports days and recitals!]

Let’s dance while pretending to be ninjas that kids love! We’re introducing “Taiso: Henshin! Ninja-Jan!” When you want children to walk quietly, try saying, “Let’s walk like ninjas!” and they’ll sparkle with excitement, become little ninjas, and show you their stealthy steps.

This time, let’s fully become ninjas along with “Taiso: Henshin! Ninja-Jan!” Some children may even get into character and give you a sharp, ninja-like gaze.

Be sure to try it out!

[Dance] Chant

Reiwa 6 School Year Dance Performance: “Sho” (Elder/Oldest Kindergarten Class)

How about trying a dance to “Show” sung by Ado, the song that’s become a staple of Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween Horror Nights? It’s a very popular track, so many kids have probably heard it.

In the video, the choreography for the chorus is the same as the routine actually performed at Universal Studios Japan.

The tempo is fast, so the moves can be challenging, but even simple choreography becomes more powerful when everyone’s movements are in sync.

Why not give it a try?

[Dance] Love has burst forth

2018 Play Performance (^^♪ ‘Love Has Popped’ – Senior Kindergarten

The dance “Koi Hajikemashita,” with its eye-catching costumes for the children, looks like it will really liven up the recital.

Because the song is rhythmic, the children may find it easy to join practice and remember the choreography.

Let’s incorporate simple, easy-to-remember moves suitable for the older kindergarteners.

For the costumes, let’s make them easy to move in and suitable for dancing.

Adding sparkly materials to the outfits might boost the children’s motivation.

I hope it becomes a recital that leaves lasting memories.

Bamboo Shoot ExercisesSakushi: Nakazawa Yoshihiro / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi

♪Takenoko Exercises – Daba-daba, daba-daba, dadda, papapapa, papapapa, run run~♪ (with choreography)

Featured on numerous releases, including Nippon Columbia’s album “The Best: Kids Exercise Songs,” this piece is a bright, rhythmic track themed around the growth of bamboo shoots.

Since its release in April 2006, it has remained a favorite at sports days and in early childhood activities.

The composition is by Nobuyoshi Koshube, who worked on music for NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” for 40 years, with lyrics by Yoshihiro Nakazawa.

With a comfortable tempo and easy-to-enjoy choreography, it’s perfect not only for exercise time in kindergartens and nursery schools, but also for families to enjoy moving together at home.