RAG MusicJapanese Songs
Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes—songs that make you feel happy when you sing them.

There are so many nursery rhymes that are popular with children!

There are songs about animals, songs about food, songs about the seasons—the themes are varied, and each song has its own mood.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of especially cheerful songs from among the most popular nursery rhymes all at once!

We’ve gathered lots of songs that will put you in a happy mood whether you listen to them or sing along.

Please sample the songs we introduce below, and be sure to enjoy listening to and singing your favorites!

A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes: songs that make you feel happy when you sing them (1–10)

Green light from the blue sky

Blue Sky Go Sign [Together with Big Sister] Together with Dad
Green light from the blue sky

Known as a song from “With Daddy,” “Blue-Sky Go Sign” is a lovely track that gives the impression that once you take the leap, there are wonderful days waiting under the blue sky.

The blue sky feels like the start of a fun time, doesn’t it? It’s a song that’s enjoyable just to sing, so how about singing it while keeping rhythm with castanets or a tambourine? It also works great as a dance number—with lively choreography, it’s perfect for events like sports days.

I wish it were so.

[Children’s song] I Wish It Were So
I wish it were so.

It’s a popular song even on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” With a super fun rhythm and playful lyrics full of kids’ chaotic wishes and fantasies, it’s a delight.

Lots of kids—and adults too—love to daydream.

It’s a song that makes not only the singers but also the listeners smile.

You can’t help wanting to chime in with a “So true, so true!” It’s a cheerful tune that reminds you how wonderful a child’s imaginative dreams can be.

It’s a nursery song that both children and adults can enjoy singing.

Let’s go to the forest.

Let's Go to the Forest (Children's Song)
Let's go to the forest.

When you want to feel like you’re in a forest, the perfect song is “Let’s Go to the Forest.” This warm, heartfelt song lets you feel the joy of playing in nature and the gentle comfort of the woods.

If you sing it while picturing the green trees, chirping birds, and the pleasant breeze, both the singer and the listeners will feel as if they’re actually in the forest.

The key is to sing each word clearly and brightly.

It’s a song full of charm that naturally brings joy—sing it with excitement, letting your body bounce to the rhythm, and you’ll find yourself having fun.

A collection of cheerful children’s songs: tracks that make you feel happy when you sing them (11–20)

Picnic

♪ Picnic <with gestures> Let's go over the hill while whistling a tune ~ ♪ [Children's 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.

A Drop of Star

A Drop of a Star – With Mother – July 2021 Song
A Drop of Star

With its bright rhythm and easy-to-understand lyrics, “Hoshi no Hitoshizuku” is a cheerful song that makes you want to dance when you hear it.

If you start the intro with handclaps, everyone can match the beat and dance together.

Try swaying your body energetically to the lyrics as you dance.

You might just find yourself smiling without even realizing it.

Its captivating rhythm and lyrics are enjoyable for children of all ages.

It could be a big hit to sing at events like Tanabata, too.

Ms. Himawari

Himawari-san by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics | Summer Children's Song |
Ms. Himawari

Sunflowers, with their large yellow blossoms facing the sun, are uplifting just to look at, aren’t they? How about singing this sunflower-themed song, “Himawari-san,” together with the children? Its slow, gentle melody is easy to get familiar with, and the many repeated lyrics make it simple even for younger kids to remember—one of its charms.

When everyone sings, try forming a sunflower shape with both hands or stretching tall and singing up toward the sky; it’s a great way to nurture children’s expressive skills, so it’s highly recommended.

If you sing with big smiles and lots of energy, their hearts and bodies may grow quickly—just like summer sunflowers!

Yaho-ho

With hand motions: “Yaho-ho” – A popular song from Okaasan to Issho, children’s song, kids’ song
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!