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)
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.
Hitotsu to yawarabeuta
This is a Japanese counting song that conveys the bright, festive atmosphere of welcoming the New Year.
As you sing along—one, two, and so on—you can almost picture the cheerful scenes of the new year coming to life.
The song was lovingly passed down through children’s play from the Meiji to the Showa eras.
Set to a lively rhythm perfect for bouncing a handball, it’s ideal for naturally getting familiar with numbers while playing.
If parents and children sing while moving together, they’re sure to enjoy a wonderful, smile-filled time.
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)
Postman Jump Rope Song
It’s a classic jump rope game! It’s also known as a counting song that helps kids practice numbers.
You often see children happily playing and singing it at kindergartens and preschools, and many people probably played it while singing when they were little.
With this song, you can naturally learn numbers while moving your body—so let’s master counting with it!
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!
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!
Numbers Song 1–50
A very fun song that imagines the shapes of numbers as familiar things and sings about them! Factory chimneys, geese floating on a pond, a baby’s ears—objects around children transform one after another into numbers.
Like the anecdote about the lyricist getting the idea from seeing a factory chimney, it lets listeners feel the delight of discoveries hidden in everyday life.
Since its release as a record in 1957, the song has been loved for so long that it has even been featured in elementary school textbooks.
Because it helps children naturally grow familiar with numbers through play, it’s perfect for practicing how to count!