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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.

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

Good morning, crayonNEW!Sakushi / Sakkyoku: Taniyama Hiroko

[March] Good Morning, Crayon / Music: Hiroko Taniyama
Good morning, crayonNEW!Sakushi / Sakkyoku: Taniyama Hiroko

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!

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

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
Picnic Marchsakushi: Ide Takao / sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi

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.

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.

Ghost Village MazeNontan to otomodachi

Let’s try singing a song themed around ghosts and mazes together with Nontan, the beloved character from picture books! From the mysterious-sounding intro, you can feel the excitement and suspense building, right? The melody is easy to remember and the tempo is comfortable to sing, so it seems perfect for kids.

The humorous lyrics expand the world you imagine in your head and are likely to spark children’s creativity! Various ghosts appear in the middle of the song, so it would be fun to play along with hand motions while pretending to turn into ghosts, too.

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.

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.