Numbers Song: A fun nursery rhyme and fingerplay song to sing and learn with children
When teaching your child numbers, do you ever feel like “they just won’t remember them”? It can be quite confusing that the way you count changes depending on what you’re counting—for example, ichi, ni versus ippon, nihon—so many parents struggle with how to teach it.
That’s where “number songs” come in handy! Children can naturally learn numbers to the rhythm of a song, making it fun to study.
In this article, we’ll introduce kid-friendly songs for learning numbers, from fingerplay songs that teach vegetable names along with counting, to lively tunes featuring ice cream and melon bread.
Sing together with your child and help them get comfortable with numbers!
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Number Song: A Fun Nursery Rhyme and Hand-Clapping Game to Sing and Learn with Kids (1–10)
counting songpoppu shinanai de
This song features a rhythmic, friendly melody that lists animals, days of the week, and everyday events while counting.
It’s characterized by Pop Shinanaide’s uniquely catchy style and simple arrangement, designed to help children naturally learn numbers and develop a sense of rhythm.
Released in August 2022, it was included on the TV Tokyo children’s program “Shi-na-pu-shu” album, Shi-na-pu-shu no Uta 3.
Although created for babies and toddlers, it’s enjoyable for adults as well, making it perfect for the whole family to sing along together!
Calendar March
This children’s song about the calendar of the year not only conveys the fun of numbers, but also helps kids learn the seasonal feel from January through December.
For children around three or four years old, it could also spark interest by linking the calendar to events—for example, “It’s [month] now, so the sports day is coming up soon,” and so on.
Let’s count and danceSuper Simple Nihongo
A perfect song for early childhood learning that lets kids move their bodies while counting.
Featuring lyrics that rhythmically count from 1 to 20 and a fun, catchy melody, it’s widely used in early childhood education settings.
Released in October 2018, the song was created as part of the “Super Simple Songs” series.
It’s recommended for those who want to sing and dance with children, as well as for learners who want to enjoyably practice how to say numbers in Japanese.
[Number Song] A fun nursery rhyme and finger-play song to sing and learn with kids (11–20)
Vehicle Counting Song
An educational song with a lively atmosphere that makes you want to move to the rhythm.
It’s especially recommended for kids who love vehicles like cars and trains.
Popular vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, and the Shinkansen appear one after another, and just energetically singing their names helps children naturally learn numbers.
You might even see your child eagerly counting along in response to the questions in the song.
Sing together as a family and have fun learning vehicle names and numbers!
Number Song 1 2 3 4 5neba~ru-kun
A super fun song that helps you memorize the numbers from 1 to 5 rhythmically along with the music! The lively piano melody and Nebaaru-kun’s adorable singing voice really boost children’s motivation to learn.
This track is an educational song sung by Nebaaru-kun, the familiar natto fairy.
It was released around 2017 as part of the “Nebaaru-kun no Uta” series and has been beloved by many parents and children ever since.
Counting on your fingers or counting snacks might help kids enjoy getting familiar with numbers through play.
One, two, three
In the lyrics of “One, Two, Three,” many creatures that capture children’s interest—like frogs and penguins—make an appearance.
If you change the way you jump to match each animal, you can dance joyfully with lots of variety in your movements.
The lyrics that inspire hope and courage for the future as you sing are also memorable.
Be sure to dance and have fun while picturing a hopeful future!
Mitsuya Cider
Mitsuya Cider features the numbers 1 through 3, giving children a chance to engage with numbers.
It charmingly expresses the fizz of cider, and the song structure makes it easy for kids to imitate.
The key point is the play on words between counting “one, two, three” and “Mitsuya Cider”! What’s more, you can likely liven things up by freely arranging the lyrics in the middle section.
Be sure to incorporate this hand play activity and enjoy a fun time together with the children!
