Let's sing together! A collection of nursery rhymes everyone knows
Nursery songs that many people have sung in day-care centers, kindergartens, and schools.
These children’s songs, passed down through generations, are still sung today in childcare settings, schools, and even senior facilities.
That said, fewer people are singing them nowadays, and some children can be found who don’t know nursery songs at all.
In this article, we’ll introduce nursery songs that everyone—young and old—will recognize.
If you’re not very familiar with nursery songs, start by listening to the ones we introduce here.
Try singing nursery songs together with your child, your friends, or your grandparents, and have fun!
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[Let’s Sing Together!] A Collection of Well-Known Children’s Songs (21–30)
Teacher and friendsSakushi: Yoshioka Osamu / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi
It’s a memorable song with warm lyrics that gently support children’s hearts.
It cherishes encounters with teachers and friends and carries the hope of starting school life with joy.
The lyrics—holding hands, greeting each other—naturally bring smiles to children’s faces, which is part of its charm.
Created by Osamu Yoshioka and Nobuyoshi Koshibe, this piece is often sung in April, when new terms begin at kindergartens and nursery schools.
How about singing it together with your child during the season of entrance or advancement? You’re sure to share a heartwarming moment as a family.
Frog ChorusSakushi : Okamoto Toshiaki / Genkyoku: Doitsu min’yō
With its easy-to-remember melody that anyone can start singing right away, this piece is based on a German folk song, with Japanese lyrics written by Toshiaki Okamoto.
When you think of a round, this is the first song that comes to mind.
Because you can enter every two measures from any point, it’s easy to catch the timing to join in.
There’s only a first verse, and the lyrics are very simple, so you won’t spend time memorizing them and can enjoy singing in a round immediately.
When trying a round in kindergarten, nursery school, or elementary school, encourage the timing to come in by calling out loudly, “Ready, go!”
[Let’s Sing Together!] A Collection of Well-Known Children’s Songs (31–40)
Oh, the ranch is green.
Let’s move our bodies to the rhythm! Here are some ideas for “Oh, the Meadow is Green.” These ideas are perfect for summer, when the weather is nice and the air is crisp.
They’re especially recommended if you’re thinking, “What song should we sing this month?” or “I’m looking for something with a good rhythm!” The song “Oh, the Meadow is Green” is the Japanese version of the folk song “Ach, synku, synku”/“Ach, krásná louka” (often known in English as “Ah, Lovely Meadow”), which has been sung for a long time in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
By adding some choreography, you can enjoy engaging with the music even more.
Potato Jaguar
From the intro, it’s exciting! Let me introduce an idea for “Potato Jaguar.” The song “Potato Jaguar” was broadcast on the TV program “Minna no Uta” from December 1991 to January 1992.
Right from the start of the track, you can hear sounds that capture children’s interest.
The lyrics are cute and the tempo is pleasant, making it perfect for kids! It could also be fun to come up with choreography together with the children.
Be sure to give it a try.
Zebra Swirl
The rhythmic and fun “Zebra Swirl” also features lyrics that are easy for children to remember.
Let’s sing along to the cute, rhythmic words.
The repeated phrases may match the zebra’s stripes and the song’s background, capturing children’s attention.
Try singing to the rhythm while feeling the melody’s lively yet somehow nostalgic vibe.
You might broaden the fun by first asking, “What around us looks like stripes?” and then singing the song.
Picnic
With its lively, energetic rhythm, “Picnic” is a sprightly song that makes you want to start walking.
Ducks, goats, dogs, and pigs appear in the lyrics.
Try singing while imitating their animal sounds! If you ask the children what sounds each animal makes before singing, they’ll be able to enjoy the song more while understanding its meaning.
Since it’s a song about heading to the fun place that is a picnic, sing it brightly and cheerfully with the children.
Yaho-ho
Lyrics that call out like “Yah-ho-ho!” are so much fun to sing, aren’t they? Some children might call out with energetic voices.
In those moments, try replying with a cheerful “Yah-ho!” like an echo—it makes things even more fun and is highly recommended.
Enjoy varying the volume of your voice, making it louder and softer.
Open your palms and add a motion as if you’re raising them toward the sun while you sing.
And at the end, try singing even more energetically!