Lovely childcare

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

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 for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

Dance activities in daycare and at sports festivals are very important times for children!By moving their bodies to music, they can learn a sense of fun and rhythm.Choosing a special dance for the upcoming sports festival is one of the exciting parts, too.Here, we introduce recommended dance songs for young children that are perfect for daycare and sports festivals.Kids who are tuned into trends will also enjoy dancing to more mature-sounding songs.Choose dances and exercises that match the children’s preferences, and have both kids and adults get excited together!

Fun to dance! A roundup of recommended dance songs for young children for daycare and sports days (211–220)

Arale-chan Ondo

Arale-chan Ondo rec Bon dance Midori/Noryo Bon Odori Festival 2023-07-15

Arale-chan Ondo

This is a bon odori song that reflects the brightness of the anime Dr.

Slump Arale-chan.

Its tempo perfectly matches the energetic characters, and the playful sound creates a fun atmosphere.

With lots of choreography you’ll want to imitate and catchy call-and-response shouts, it makes kids eager to jump in and dance.

The structure further heightens the festive excitement, letting you fully enjoy the lively mood.

It’s easy for children unfamiliar with the original work to enjoy, and it’s a song that naturally brings smiles as you dance.

It delivers a joyful festival experience that blends the anime’s world with music.

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Ultraman Ondo

Ultraman Ondo 2006

Ultraman Ondo

It’s a fun number that mixes the world of tokusatsu heroes with the rhythm of bon odori.

The presence of Ultraman—familiar to everyone—overlaps with the music and captures children’s hearts.

Adding choreography to the “signature pose” lines in the lyrics makes it easy to enjoy even for first-time festival-goers.

The drums and percussion in the background evoke the feeling of summer and bring liveliness to the whole track.

The vocals are dynamic, with clear shifts between sections that make it thoroughly engaging to listen to.

It’s highly recommended not only for kids who love Ultraman, but also for anyone in the mood to soak up a festive atmosphere.

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Ophroski’s Chappong Bushi

Ophroski's Chappong Bushi

Ophroski's Chappong Bushi

The charming lyrics are the highlight! Here are some ideas for “Ofurosuki no Chappombushi.” It’s a humorous song performed by Ofuroski, a character from the TV show “Miitsuketa!” “Ofurosuki no Chappombushi” has a rhythm and tempo that are perfect for Bon Odori.

The lyrics focus on bath time while weaving in seasonal elements, so it’s likely to become a memorable song for children even after dancing at summer festival Bon Odori.

Be sure to give it a try!

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Dancing is fun! A roundup of recommended dance songs for preschoolers for daycare and sports days (221–230)

It’s Hamu Hamu ON-DO, Ham-chans!

It's Ham-Ham ON-DO, Ham-Hams!

It’s Hamu Hamu ON-DO, Ham-chans!

“Hamham ON-DO da, Ham-chans!” by the Ham-chans is an energetic Bon Odori dance song born from the anime Hamtaro.

All the small, cute characters make an appearance, and a lively rhythm unfolds that makes you want to dance.

With its brisk tempo, it’s fun to join in with call-and-response and hand claps, which will boost children’s eagerness to participate.

The instruments are lively, and the atmosphere builds in step with the song’s progression.

The vocal expressions are rich as well, with a structure that lets each character’s personality shine through.

Even children who don’t know the anime can enjoy it, and using it at summer festivals or school events will create a time filled with smiles.

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Ponchararin on a moonlit night

Ponchararin on a Moonlit Night (Okaasan to Issho) / Yuzo Imai, Shoko Haida, Hiromichi Sato, Yoriko Taki

Ponchararin on a moonlit night

It’s a lively ondo song featuring a variety of animals.

The rhythm moves at a comfortable pace, packed with a fun energy that makes you want to move your body.

You can enjoy imagining the movements of raccoon dogs, rabbits, and fireflies.

The instrumentation is cleverly arranged, and the layered sounds create a distinctly summery atmosphere.

The dance choreography is easy to learn, so even children new to Bon Odori can quickly join the circle and have fun.

Through both song and dance, this piece evokes the bustle of a nighttime scene.

As an ondo that colors summer festival memories, it’s beloved by many children.

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Ondo Dango Three Brothers

Dango 3 Brothers Ondo

Ondo Dango Three Brothers

Bon Odori version! Here’s an idea for “Ondo Dango 3 Kyodai.” It’s an arranged version of “Dango 3 Kyodai,” which has been loved by children since its 1999 release.

Keeping the same catchy lyrics and rhythm that stick in your head after just one listen, this version incorporates call-and-response shouts and taiko drums to create a Bon Odori arrangement! With its irresistibly singable, fun atmosphere, children will naturally join the circle and enjoy dancing.

It could also be fun to design choreography inspired by dango.

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Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

Tried dancing to “Saikō Tōtatsuten”! [Dance] [3-year-olds] [4-year-olds] [5-year-olds]

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

As a dance track that delivers courage and energy, a song by SEKAI NO OWARI was released in September 2023.

With powerful vocals and a pop melody, it expresses the importance of taking on challenges toward dreams and goals.

Conveying the brilliance of moving forward without stopping in life, the song was also chosen as a theme song for the anime ONE PIECE, adding color to the characters’ adventures.

The track is included on the album Nautilus and was performed at the FNS Music Festival in December 2023.

If everyone dances to it at a school sports day, it’s sure to inspire a positive mindset in children.

The soaring chorus and driving rhythm will create fun memories alongside their smiles!

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