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!
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A collection of cheerful children’s songs: tracks that make you feel happy when you sing them (11–20)
Yokai Shiritori
Lyrics by Okuhara Yume, music by Tane Tomoko.
It’s a song that was sung on “Okaasan to Issho.” The names of yokai form a shiritori chain, and the lyrics simply have them appearing one after another, but together with the melody, it becomes an unforgettable song.
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.
your smile
Bright and uplifting, “Kimi no Egao” is a feel-good song that won’t be defeated even by a rainy day.
Try singing it with the children, making eye contact and smiling.
Adding gestures and movements can make it even more fun to sing.
Pay attention to the lyrics, too—they’ll fill you with energy that won’t lose to the summer heat.
It’s perfect for singing under the glittering summer sun.
Sing this heart-boosting song and share the importance of smiles with the children.
Let’s all sing it together with lots of energy!
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.
I want to become the sun!Sakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
It’s a song filled with gentle feelings, where the warmth of love shines like the sun.
Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa tenderly express the warm emotions of falling for someone through a bright, expansive melody.
This piece was performed in July 2017 by Satoko Yamano, Toshihiko Shinzawa, and the Kotonomi Children’s Choir, and included on the album “Toshihiko Shinzawa & Hirotaka Nakagawa Songs <30th Anniversary Commemorative: Children’s Chorus Version>.” Its poppy melody and positive message make it perfect for occasions like kindergarten entrance ceremonies and the start of a new school term.
Why not sing it together, warmly watching over the children as they take their first steps toward the future?
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.
A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes: Songs that are fun to sing (21–30)
Row the boat
We’d like to introduce the hand-play song “Ofune o Koide,” which is perfect for keeping things fun and cheerful even in the hot summer.
Moving in a way that feels like you’re rowing a boat to a pleasant rhythm naturally brings smiles to everyone’s faces.
The lyrics convey scenes like swaying waves and blowing wind, letting you feel as if you’re actually out at sea on an adventure.
It also sounds fun to sit facing a friend, hold hands, and do it together! Adding a sound effect like “Splash!” between sections of the song will make it even more exciting.
Give it a try for inspiration!