Nursery rhymes you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular songs everyone can enjoy together.
If you’re wondering what to sing at karaoke with your kids—what songs you can sing together—why not try choosing some children’s songs? Nursery rhymes and kids’ songs are great because everyone from children to adults can have fun together.
We’ve picked not only the songs children learn in kindergarten, daycare, and elementary school, but also popular tunes from TV programs for young kids.
These aren’t just for children—older adults at karaoke can join in and have a great time singing along, too.
Let’s support them so they can sing without feeling shy.
And of course, it’s perfectly fine for adults to enjoy them as well!
Nursery rhymes I want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular songs everyone can enjoy (1–10)
There’s no such thing as ghosts.
Lots of kids are afraid of ghosts, aren’t they? Here’s a children’s song that even kids who don’t like spooky, horror-type things can enjoy singing.
It flat-out denies the existence of ghosts, but that hint of uneasiness and the way it tries to convince itself is kind of adorable, isn’t it? (lol) The idea of putting a big ghost in the refrigerator is so childlike and funny.
It might be a hit at karaoke after watching a horror movie or visiting a haunted spot.
soap bubble
It’s the song that made me want to sing every time I blew soap bubbles as a child.
I bet many people, while chasing the bubbles floating away, found themselves thinking, “Please don’t pop.” The lyrics are very beautiful, but this piece also carries a touch of the author’s sadness; I’ve heard it was written by likening a precious “person” to a soap bubble.
As expected of the master lyricist, Ujo Noguchi.
strollInoue Azumi
It’s “Sanpo,” the theme song from Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro, beloved by people of all ages.
This song hardly needs any explanation.
Not only does everyone know it, but it’s also so fun to sing.
Try it together as a parent and child, marching your feet right where you are!
Dango Three Brothers
A title and lyrics that play on the words “tango” and “dango.” Once you hear it, it sticks with you.
It was written specifically for NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” In fact, when tallying Oricon single sales from December 1989 to November 1999, it ranked number one.
Among the many hit songs that defined the 1990s music scene—from the Komuro Family to SMAP—it was the best-selling track of them all!
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.
Little Errand Ant
It’s the children’s song “Otsukai Ari-san,” which I’m sure everyone is familiar with.
It was created in 1950 for NHK’s radio program “Time for Toddlers” and is a long-beloved song still sung today.
In the lyrics, the little ant runs errands while making mistakes, and it’s depicted in an adorably comical way.
The simple lyrics make it easy for young children to enjoy.
The melody is probably slow, so I think older adults can enjoy it too.
It’s a recommended song that can really liven things up—great for singing together with children and seniors while adding some simple dance moves.
aye-aye
Since its release in 1962, this children’s song has been beloved by many and is often sung on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” While the title could have been “Osaru-san” (“Little Monkey”), the cute and catchy “Ai Ai” might make it easier to remember.
The chorus features call-and-response, so it’s a great song for everyone to get excited together at karaoke!