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 (31–40)
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!
Happy Children
It’s sure to bring a smile! Let me introduce the idea of “Happy Children.” When the temperature stays high, both adults and kids tend to get tired easily.
Many of you are probably thinking about activities that incorporate exercise to help build stamina.
How about using “Happy Children” as a warm-up before activities like jump rope or tag? The lyrics and rhythm are perfect for children, and since it has choreography too, it should help lower the risk of injury compared to jumping straight into exercise.
[Sing Together!] A Collection of Well-Known Children’s Songs (41–50)
Let’s go to the park.Sakushi sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu
This popular song from NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” is characterized by a bright tone that evokes the arrival of spring and a lively, uplifting rhythm.
Created by Osamu Sakata, it features lyrics that convey the joy of playing outdoors and a warm worldview that can be enjoyed across generations, from babies to the elderly.
It was sung by Ayumi Shigemori and Kentaro Hayami in August 1999, and around the same time it was also included on Ikkokudō’s album “Niji no Mukou ni.” It’s a heartwarming piece you’ll want to hum with someone special during a sunny walk or playtime at the park—perfect for enjoying with family and friends in the fresh green season.
Cute Hide and SeekSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao
This is a gentle children’s song about a game of hide-and-seek played by adorable animals.
Hatchlings, sparrows, and puppies try their best to conceal themselves, warmly portrayed in the words of Hachirō Satō, with Yoshinao Nakada’s melody enhancing its charm even further.
First released in 1951, the piece has inspired children’s playfulness and curiosity toward animals.
The thrilling hide-and-seek unfolds in everyday scenes—gardens, rooftops, and meadows.
It’s perfect for singing with your child in fresh, green May, while thinking of the animals you might meet on a walk.
The rhythm of the lyrics and the friendly melody truly seem to express the joy of spring.