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

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Spring nursery rhyme [Hibari Hibari] Parent-child play [Childcare]

In the pleasantly breezy month of May, here’s a nursery rhyme game with a springtime bird theme that we hope parents and children will enjoy at a relaxed pace.

It’s characterized by short, repeated phrases that call to the birds and depict traveling over mountains and through valleys.

You can rock your child on your lap, use your fingertips to represent hills and valleys—there’s no single right way to play! Though it’s a traditional song passed down in local communities since long ago, new audio recordings with fresh ways of singing were released as recently as March 2021, and it continues to be loved today in various forms, especially in early childhood settings.

Precisely because there’s no fixed answer, you can tailor it to your child’s age and the atmosphere of the moment—that’s the charm of this piece.

On a warm, sunny day, why not find your own original way to play together with your child?

Good morning, crayonSakushi / Sakkyoku: Taniyama Hiroko

[March] Good Morning, Crayon / Music: Hiroko Taniyama

This is a charming song where colorful crayons, awakened from their box, leap out with energy and, as if by magic, bring the breakfast table to life.

Just imagining the reds and greens turning one after another into delicious-looking foods is enough to make your stomach rumble.

Its lively, rhythmic wordplay is so fun that once you hear it, your child will want to imitate it right away! It aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in June 1987, and has been beloved by many for Hiroko Taniyama’s gentle singing voice and the delightful animation.

The song was also included on the album “Shippo no Kimochi,” released in May 1988, and continues to be cherished across generations.

Even children who aren’t morning people might perk right up if they hum along to this piece.

Gather around a delicious breakfast table and sing it together as a family!

Haohao

Hao Hao / With Mother (Covered by UtaSuta) [Akihiro Sugita & Ryoko Tsunoda]

It’s a famous song that was also included on “NHK Okaasan to Issho Latest Best,” released in 2001.

Above all, Haohao—the little ghost that looks like a sea angel—is just so cute! I think if someone covered it and sang it now, it could become a hit again.

The laid-back melody is easy to get into and seems perfect for a kindergarten performance.

Even just mimicking the actions to the song—smiling, crying, puffing up—is adorable.

The part where they share a biscuit offers lots of room for creativity, like holding hands with friends.

It might be a ghost song that deserves even more attention!

Let’s go to the forest.

Let's Go to the Forest (Children's Song)

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.

Children all over the worldSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

♪If all the children of the world — if all the children of the world smiled all at once〜♪ (with gestures)

Created in 1987 by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, this work is a modern children’s song that sings of grand hope—the smiles of children making even the sky and sea smile.

With simple, repeated phrases, it depicts a ripple of peace and smiles spreading across the world, leaving you feeling uplifted every time you sing it.

Released on CD in 1992 and broadcast on Fuji TV’s “Ponkickies 21,” it spread nationwide.

It’s a perfect song not only for graduation ceremonies and school performances, but also for singing together with family when you want an energy boost, or when you want to teach children the importance of peace.

Picnic Marchsakushi: Ide Takao / sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi

Picnic March (Okaasan to Issho) / Kentaro Hayami, Ayumi Shigemori, Mido, Fado

A lively, energetic march that makes you look forward to walks and picnics! This piece, created by the golden duo of lyricist Takao Ide and composer Nobuyoshi Koshibe, is a beloved classic from NHK’s puppet show “Nikoniko, Pun.” The lyrics gently speak to your own feet, turning simple walking time into a special adventure that sparks children’s imaginations.

When you hear the buoyant marching rhythm, it feels like you’re parading across a field with everyone, doesn’t it? It’s the perfect track for pre-outing background music or for parent-child playtime.

Green light from the blue sky

Blue Sky Go Sign [Together with Big Sister] Together with Dad

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.

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