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: tunes that make you feel happy when you sing them (41–50)
It’s fun.sakushi: yamauchi kazuko / sakkyoku: terashima naohiko
When you sing it, you naturally want to clap your hands and sway your body to the rhythm—That’s Fun! Its theme—that clapping and singing together with everyone is so much fun!—is perfect for children’s choir.
It encourages kids to notice the unique joys of group singing, like comparing the sound of clapping your own right and left hands with the sound of clapping your hands together with a friend, and listening closely to the voices around you as you sing.
Let’s look at one another—friends and teachers alike—add some movements, and enjoy singing together.
A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes: songs that make you feel happy when you sing them (51–60)
Happy ChildrenShinzawa Toshihiko
This song, created by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, is a bright dance tune themed around the power of children’s innocence and smiles to bring happiness to those around them.
With its light rhythm and memorable melody, it’s an easy-to-sing-and-dance-to track that kids can’t help but hum along to.
Released in 2001, the song has been loved by many for years and is widely used in educational settings and at events.
It’s also great to dance to together with nursery and kindergarten teachers!
Good morning!Fukuda Sho
This song captivates with a bright melody and an energetic vibe, like morning light streaming in.
Created by Sho Fukuda, drawing on his experience in early childhood education, it features playful exchanges between animals and cheerful calls that make it great fun.
It was broadcast in February 2018 as the “Song of the Month” on NHK E-TV’s Okaasan to Issho and included on the album Tomodachi no Hana.
When sung together at morning gatherings, entrance ceremonies, and other occasions where children take their first steps forward, it brings hearts together and naturally fills everyone with smiles—a truly wonderful piece.
Under the big chestnut tree
“Under the Big Chestnut Tree” — Isn’t this a familiar song that many adults also loved as children? The lyrics are very simple and easy to understand, and the vivid scenery they evoke is part of its charm.
Another appeal is the choreography that lets you move your whole body freely, almost like an exercise routine.
Once everyone has gone through it once and gotten used to it, it can be fun to try singing it a little faster.
Use your whole body and enjoy it to the fullest!
There’s no such thing as ghosts.
This cheerful song, “Obake Nante Nai sa” (“There Are No Ghosts”), brightens listeners’ moods and became hugely popular after being broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta and Okaasan to Issho.
It’s a song about that cute feeling of being curious about ghosts but still finding them scary.
The childlike, unique ideas for what to do if a ghost appears are amusing, too.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is a famous song that everyone knows.
In nursery schools and kindergartens, it’s often sung with choreography.
Children all love it, and even very young kids can remember it right away after hearing it once, thanks to its clear and lovely melody.
Why not listen to it while gazing at the twinkling stars in the sky?
It’s fun.
“Tanoshii ne” is a delightful song that excites children’s hearts.
With its rhythmic lyrics and melody, it naturally makes kids want to move their bodies.
By singing along with hand claps and foot stomps, they can develop a sense of rhythm and cooperation.
It’s often used at kindergarten and nursery school events, and singing and dancing together fosters a sense of unity.
Singing with friends, teachers, and parents can also help nurture communication skills.
It’s a song you can enjoy anytime, anywhere—at home or outside—so be sure to sing it together with the children.