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! Collection of classic and popular songs (161–170)

The animal train has arrived.Ozawa Kazuto

[Yotsuba & Mitsuba] 2021 Sports Day, 1-year-old Play: “Animal Train”

The animal train has arrived.Ozawa Kazuto

A great recommendation for a dance program is “Animal Train.” In this one, children pretend to be animals like rabbits and monkeys who get on the train and dance.

Because you don’t need strict choreography, even younger kids can easily have fun dancing.

For example, when a rabbit gets on the train, try making ears over your head and jumping—use your imagination to mimic the animals’ movements! Besides animals, feel free to include train-like movements too.

The lively, cute dance will surely make parents smile.

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Song of CourageOno Atsuko

"Song of Courage" Music Video – Theme song of the Shimajiro movie "Shimajiro and the Song of Courage" – In theaters Friday, March 14, 2025

Song of CourageOno Atsuko

A wonderful song, harmonizing gentleness and strength, has been born as the film’s theme song.

Atsuko Ono’s warm singing voice eases the anxiety of taking that first step and gives you courage.

Centered on themes of bonds with friends and the importance of believing in yourself, the piece delivers a heartwarming message.

Written specifically for a film releasing in March 2025, it blends beautifully with the story.

Ono also takes on her first voice-acting role in the film, showcasing new charms beyond her singing.

It’s perfect not only for families to enjoy at the theater, but also for activities in preschools and kindergartens, and for singing and dancing together at home.

It’s a lovely song that stays close to children’s hearts and cheers them on as they take new steps.

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[Childcare] Recommended for sports day performances and dances! Collection of classic and popular songs (171–180)

Happy ChildrenShinzawa Toshihiko

Happy Children (Lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa) [From Toshihiko Shinzawa’s 40th Anniversary of Musical Activities “Nursery Song Concert”]

Happy ChildrenShinzawa Toshihiko

This song, created by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, is a bright dance tune themed around the power of children’s innocence and smiles to bring happiness to those around them.

With its light rhythm and memorable melody, it’s an easy-to-sing-and-dance-to track that kids can’t help but hum along to.

Released in 2001, the song has been loved by many for years and is widely used in educational settings and at events.

It’s also great to dance to together with nursery and kindergarten teachers!

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Otherworldly Mixed Grand Ball (feat. Ghost)Hoshino Gen

Otherworldly Mixed Grand Ball (feat. Ghosts) / Gen Hoshino [Sports Day, Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

Otherworldly Mixed Grand Ball (feat. Ghost)Hoshino Gen

This is a song by Gen Hoshino, written as the theme for the film “Ghost Book: Obake Zukan,” which is based on the popular children’s story series Obake Zukan.

The choreography for the chorus, known as the “Ghost Dance,” became hugely popular, and many dance videos were posted on TikTok.

Nowadays, various creators are sharing original choreography videos for school sports days, so be sure to check them out.

The chorus choreography, where you act like a ghost, is sure to delight the kids!

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KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi

“KICK BACK” (Kenshi Yonezu) Dance Cover ② – Elementary School Dance Class, Culture School

KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi

This is a song that gained popularity as the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man and proudly joined Kenshi Yonezu’s lineup of hit tracks! It was co-produced with Daiki Tsuneta from King Gnu, and its unique music video also became a hot topic.

If you’re going to perform a dance at a sports day, why not try this song? It’s a well-known track that people of all ages have probably heard at least once, and its catchy, cool vibe makes it perfect for the event! There’s no official choreography, but plenty of original choreography videos have been uploaded, so you’re all set!

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chantAdo

ADO 'singing' USJ Halloween Horror Nights Zombie de Dance – Tried Dancing

chantAdo

Ado’s “Show” is a captivating song that blends exotic beats with EDM.

It’s a popular track that was also used at USJ’s Halloween event, and it’s a tune everyone—young and old—can enjoy together.

The lyrics carry a message celebrating diversity and freedom, making it perfect for a school sports day dance.

It’s fun to come up with choreography and outfits while listening to the song with the kids! With this upbeat track, let’s dance with full energy and get everyone hyped!

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Clap and ClapDa-iCE

Da-iCE / 「Clap and Clap」Lyric Video

Clap and ClapDa-iCE

Let me introduce Da-iCE’s track “Clap and Clap.” Clapping your hands or keeping time with hand claps is called “clap,” and this song is exactly the kind that makes you want to sing along and start dancing just by listening, clapping your hands with a bright “pan-pan.” It’s perfect for livening up a sports day! The lyrics are positive, too, so playing it during practice will make everyone feel happy.

It’s a super uplifting number that you’ll find yourself humming along to.

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