Numbers Song: A fun nursery rhyme and fingerplay song to sing and learn with children

Daichan Counting SongTendō Yoshimi

"From 'Inakappe Taisho': Daichan Counting Song"

A lively counting song that makes you want to count on your fingers—“one, two”—with boundless energy.

It portrays a protagonist who leaves their hometown and lives with resilience, and simply listening to it feels like an uplifting cheer song.

This piece is the memorable debut work released by Yoshimi Tendo in September 1970 under the name Yoshimi Yoshida, and it also became widely known as the theme song for the anime Inakappe Taisho.

Singing along while folding your fingers to the story as a parent and child might naturally spark an interest in numbers.

Calendar March

[Eurhythmics Idea] Calendar March [Let’s Sing with the Piano]

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.

Acorns and a Little Squirrel

[Fingerplay Song] Acorns and the Little Squirrel

“Acorns and Little Squirrel” is also a counting song, making it especially recommended for children at the age where they want to learn numbers.

The acorns being chased by the squirrel increase—one, two, and so on—and the song counts from 1 to 10.

Even if kids don’t yet grasp the concept of numbers, they can happily learn the numbers and their order just by singing.

Before long, they’ll want to count all kinds of things on their own.

Even setting numbers aside, it’s an adorable song about a squirrel and acorns, so try singing it with children from infants to kindergarteners, adjusting how you enjoy it as they grow.

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Picnicdeguchi takashi

[Finger Play] "Picnic" [Takashi's Hand Play & Children's Songs] Japanese Children’s Song, Finger Play Songs

A gentle song that portrays the joy of a picnic in a meadow and friendly encounters with grasses, flowers, and insects.

Included on an album released in November 2022, it was also featured on a children’s educational TV program.

Perfect as a fingerplay song for having fun singing and dancing with kids—ideal for activities in nurseries and kindergartens, as well as for family bonding time.

Since numbers appear in the lyrics, it also helps children practice counting!

A Bath Counting Song

Bath Counting Song

This is a song about what it’s like to take a bath with a child.

It’s been covered by Takeshi Tsuruno, who’s also known as a “papa” TV personality, so many of you may already know it.

If you sing it to a child who doesn’t like bath time, those reluctant moments might turn into a fun, enjoyable time.

Number SongSakushi: Yume Niji Ni / Sakkyoku: Kotani Hajime

Numbers Song / With Mother / With Lyrics / For Children's Number Learning [Original Animation]

This song, which compares numbers to familiar things as it’s sung, was created in 1957.

It likens the numbers from 1 to 10 to approachable images like “factory chimneys” and “a raccoon dog’s belly,” making it full of playful number fun.

Its rhythmic melody is perfect for activities in nursery schools and kindergartens.

Singing together with friends can also spark important communication.

Be sure to enjoy it during morning meetings or end-of-day gatherings, too!

Song of numbers 1 to 100

The Numbers Song (1 to 100)

This song goes all the way up to 100, so it’s perfect even for kids who’ve already memorized the numbers from 1 to 10.

The melody is simple, too, so I think it works not only as an educational resource but also as great background music!