Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Recommended for sports day performances and dances! A collection of classic and popular songs

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

Sports Day, the once-a-year event that’s also a special occasion to feel the children’s growth!

It’s an important event for parents and teachers too.

Here, we’ve gathered a variety of recommended songs to make the games and dances even more exciting.

From classic favorites to theme songs from anime kids love, and even tracks that adults can enjoy together—we’ve got a wide range of genres.

Use the videos as a reference and come up with choreography that perfectly matches the kids’ personalities!

Find the best song to light up Sports Day, and let both children and adults have fun!

[Childcare] Recommended for sports day performances and dances! A collection of classic and popular songs (1–10)

Anpanman’s Marchdoriimingu

[Anpanman’s March] With choreography ♪ Song ♪ Dance ♪

Anpanman's Marchdoriimingu

This song, known for its lyrics brimming with the joy and hope of life, is a popular choice for sports day performances and dances.

It conveys, in straightforward words, the compassion for others and the courage to face difficulties.

Released in November 1988, it has continued to be loved by many as the opening theme of the anime “Soreike! Anpanman.” The lyrics were written by the original creator, Takashi Yanase, and the music was composed by Takashi Miki.

With its bright and lively melody, the song delivers a heartwarming message and is recommended as a staple for group performances and routines at school sports days.

It’s a wonderful track that children and adults alike can enjoy dancing to together.

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mismatchedTHE SUPER FRUIT

Zigzag/The Super Fruits [Pom-Pom Dance for Toddlers and Lower Grades]

mismatchedTHE SUPER FRUIT

The pop track Chiguhagu by the male idol group THE SUPER FRUIT is extremely popular, frequently featured in dance-cover videos and on TikTok.

The chorus line “chiguhagu hagu chiguhagu hagu” has an irresistibly catchy ring to it.

With its lively, bursting-with-energy choreography, Chiguhagu is perfect for school sports days and recitals—why not give it a try? Enjoy this cute dance that will excite both the kids dancing and everyone watching.

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OLA!!yuzu

OLA!!/Yuzu [Dance for Toddlers]

OLA!!yuzu

“Hola” is a greeting used in Portuguese-speaking regions such as Spain and Mexico.

It’s used as a casual salutation similar to “hello” or “hi” in English.

It was chosen as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: My Moving Story! Cactus Large Attack!.

“OLA!!” is a playful title that also puns on the protagonist Shin-chan’s first-person pronoun, “ora,” and it’s a lively track with the cheerful sound of the marimba, an essential element of Latin music.

Just like Crayon Shin-chan, whom kids love, try dancing with lots of energy and have fun!

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[Childcare] Recommended for sports day performances and dances! Classic & Popular Songs Collection (11–20)

Happy Jam JamM.S.J

Happy Jam Jam | Song tied to the Shimajiro Concert [Official Shimajiro Channel]

Happy Jam JamM.S.J

Packed with fun moves like clapping, turning, and jumping, “Happy Jam Jam” is perfect for kids’ dances at sports days and school performances.

“Happy Jam Jam” is a dance number where Shimajiro, the popular character from the preschool distance-learning program Kodomo Challenge, joyfully dances with his friends.

It’s loved by a wide audience, appearing in dance-cover videos and on social media.

Move to the easy-to-dance tempo and catchy melody, and have a blast dancing energetically with your friends and classmates!

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Let’s go look for Morry’s seedgaagaaS

Let's Go Look for Morry's Seed

Let's go look for Morry's seedgaagaaS

This is a song that invites you into a fun world of exploration, like setting off on an adventure with children! As the story travels through the jungle, the sea, tunnels, and even the sky, you can enjoy the choreography along the way.

Inspired by the story of Aeon Group’s mascot character “Lala-chan,” it was produced in 2018 as a tie-in with Aeon Fantasy.

gaagaaS handled both the music and choreography.

It’s filled with movements kids can enjoy together, like making glasses with their hands to peek through, swimming, and pretending to be a train.

Perfect not only for sports day performances but also for everyday early childhood activities—be sure to give it a try with your kids!

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100% CourageJanīzu Jr.

Courage 100% [Pop'n Dance] Let's dance together!

100% CourageJanīzu Jr.

The anime Nintama Rantarō, long beloved on NHK Educational TV (E-Tele), is hugely popular with children as well.

Its theme song, Yuuki 100%, was originally released in 1993 as a single performed by Hikaru Genji, and that original version inspired many covers.

The song has been used as the show’s theme for decades and is still widely known and cherished today.

It’s also used for sports days and school performances as a dance or marching tune, and its bright, upbeat melody remains a big hit.

Try dancing to it with energetic choreography!

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swallowYOASOBI with Midorīzu

Tsubame / YOASOBI with Midories [Sports Day/Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

swallowYOASOBI with Midorīzu

Since the massive success of their debut song “Yoru ni Kakeru,” the music duo YOASOBI has gained popularity for their one-of-a-kind song concepts.

Their 13th digital-only single “Tsubame,” chosen as the theme song for NHK’s children’s SDGs program series “Hirogare! Irotoridori,” also drew attention for featuring Midories, a group formed by members from first to fifth grade in elementary school.

The arrangement, highlighting a simple beat and fresh, youthful vocals, is perfect as background music for young children’s playtime or dance.

It’s a refreshing pop tune that will liven up and brighten any school sports day.

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Hoshino Takashi

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