Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

Nursery rhymes you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular songs everyone can enjoy together.

lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

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)

aye-aye

Ai Ai (with hand motions)

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!

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A Little Bear in the Rain

A Rainy Little Bear (♪ It rained on the mountain ~) by Himawari / With Lyrics | June Children's Song [100 Best Japanese Songs]

A Little Bear in the Rain

“Amefuri Kumanoko” (The Little Bear in the Rain) was written by Masao Tsurumi in 1961 and composed by Akira Yuyama.

After it was broadcast on NHK’s “Uta no Ehon” in 1962, it became widely loved and was selected in 2007 as one of the 100 Best Songs of Japan.

With its straightforward lyrics and very gentle melody, it’s a children’s song that crosses generations—parents who heard it in their own childhood want to share it with their kids.

It’s the kind of song three generations—grandparents, parents, and grandchildren—can enjoy together at karaoke!

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Toy Cha-Cha-Cha

Japanese Children’s Song – Doyo – Omocha no Cha Cha Cha – Omocha no Cha Cha Cha

Toy Cha-Cha-Cha

Many people sang “Omocha no Cha-Cha-Cha” when they were little, right? In fact, among children’s songs, this one is actually on the more difficult side in terms of rhythm and pitch.

But once you’re an adult, that level of complexity can actually make it easier to sing.

It’s a song where everyone—kids and adults alike—can get excited together, adding hand claps during the “cha-cha-cha” parts.

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Nursery rhymes I want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular songs everyone can enjoy (11–20)

Spring has come.

Spring Has Come [Children's Song] Spring has come ♪ Where has it come? ♪

Spring has come.

Even people who are now elderly almost certainly sang “Haru ga Kita” when they were children.

Amazingly, this children’s song has been sung continuously ever since it was published in the 1910 compilation Shinjō Shōgaku Tokuhon Shōka.

Its simple lyrics and the uplifting feeling of spring’s arrival make it a delightful tune.

If you’re wondering what to sing at karaoke with your child, this is a highly recommended choice.

I hope parents and children will enjoy singing it together at karaoke as a way of passing it down from one generation to the next.

Your child is sure to love it!

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carp streamer

♪ Koinobori – Carp Streamers | Carp Streamers Higher Than the Rooftops; The Big Black Carp Is Father [Japanese Song / Shoka]

carp streamer

Koinobori is a song that makes you feel happy just by listening.

The lyrics were written by Miyako Kondo, and it has reportedly been sung since 1931.

It remains popular—selected for the Japan 100 Songs in 2007 and included on the 2019 album “Akari Oneesan no Nikoniko Henna Uta.” Above all, it’s an essential song for Children’s Day on May 5.

Fitting for a song sung on Children’s Day, its waltz rhythm fills you with excitement.

Still, it’s a tune that both kids and adults can enjoy singing together any time, not just on Children’s Day.

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Ogre’s Pants

Japanese Children’s Song – Demon’s Underpants 3D! – Oni no Pants

Ogre's Pants

“Funiculì, Funiculà” is an Italian song composed in 1880.

Based on this tune, a children’s parody version was created and became widely established as “Oni no Pantsu” (The Ogre’s Underpants).

The lyrics simply sing about how sturdy an ogre’s underpants are.

After being introduced with vocals by Seiji Tanaka in 1975, it was released as a single by the Victor label five years later in 1980.

It drew attention at the time, with portions of the lyrics even appearing in a popular manga.

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Donguri Korokoro

Japanese Children’s Song – Donguri Korokoro 3D! – Donguri Korokoro

Donguri Korokoro

When you think about it, it’s pretty strange and funny that almost everyone in Japan knows a song about an acorn rolling and falling into a pond.

That universally known “Donguri Korokoro” actually gets the crowd going when you sing it at karaoke.

Try singing it together with everyone.

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