Get pumped with kids’ favorite songs! A memorable collection of classics that will make you want to sing along
There are plenty of songs across a wide range of genres that children can enjoy singing.
From timeless favorites like “Sanpo” and “Odoru Pompokolin” to recent kids’ songs, there are many classics loved across generations.
Whether for kindergarten, nursery school, or elementary school music activities—or simply singing together at home—these songs can turn any moment into a wonderful time filled with natural smiles.
From upbeat, energizing tunes to gentle, heartwarming songs, here we introduce pieces that children can enjoy together.
We hope you find a favorite one.
- Popular Songs Ranking for Toddlers
- A big hit with kids! A collection of songs that gets everyone pumped for childcare and recreation
- Kids will love it! A collection of dance song ideas with easy-to-follow rhythms
- Get pumped with popular songs from “Okaasan to Issho”! A collection of timeless tunes everyone will want to sing together
- [Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.
- Choral songs that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of heartfelt song ideas for junior kindergarten recitals
- Recommended for preschool recitals! Choral songs that 3-year-olds can adorably sing
- Fun to dance! A collection of dance songs for young children, recommended for childcare and sports day
- Sing and dance along to popular songs! Recommended hits from kids’ TV shows.
- Childcare: Today's recommended fun songs
- Popular Disney songs for kids | Fun Disney songs
- Children’s Songs: Karaoke Rankings [2026]
- What karaoke songs can kids sing? Popular karaoke songs for parents and children to sing together as a family.
Get excited with songs kids love! A collection of unforgettable classics that make you want to sing along (141–150)
Close It, Open It
The hand-clapping song “Musunde Hiraite” is hugely popular with young children.
With its simple melody and motions, it has been loved across generations.
As you sing “Clench and open, clap your hands,” the actions of closing and opening the hands are perfect for developing children’s fine motor skills.
The lyrics also carry the meaning of teaching manners, giving it an educational aspect.
Originating in France, the song has been widely enjoyed in Japanese kindergartens and nursery schools since it was included in textbooks in 1947 with the current lyrics.
Sing and dance with the children to create a fun time together.
A Drop of Star
With its bright rhythm and easy-to-understand lyrics, “Hoshi no Hitoshizuku” is a cheerful song that makes you want to dance when you hear it.
If you start the intro with handclaps, everyone can match the beat and dance together.
Try swaying your body energetically to the lyrics as you dance.
You might just find yourself smiling without even realizing it.
Its captivating rhythm and lyrics are enjoyable for children of all ages.
It could be a big hit to sing at events like Tanabata, too.
Let’s take a step into the future
A bright, lively Shima Jiro song about the importance of friendship was born in March 2013 as an insert song for the film “Shimajiro and Fufu’s Great Adventure: Save the Rainbow Flower!” It gently conveys the feelings of the protagonists as they set out on a new journey, and its warm vocals—giving courage to take a step toward the future—leave a lasting impression.
The song has also become popular on the TV program “Shimajiro no Wao!” and makes children’s hearts bounce with joy.
It’s a fun tune that shines in many settings, from dancing at nursery and kindergarten events to singing together as a family.
It’s a reassuring companion that cheers on those first steps in a new environment.
Seven-colored soap bubbleSakushi sakkyoku: Yusa Mimori
This is a popular song from NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” known for its gentle, dreamlike atmosphere.
Through the image of soap bubbles riding the wind and dancing in the sky, it sings of “adventure” and “the importance of dreaming.” With Mimori Yusa’s clear, transparent vocals and lyrics that nurture rich imagination, the piece was broadcast in April 2018 as the “Song of the Month.” As children enter preschool and face both excitement and anxiety about a new environment, singing it together offers comfort and naturally gives them the courage to look ahead.
It’s a heartwarming song that helps welcome the start of a new life with a bright, hopeful feeling.
Full of dreamsSeki Yumiko
Its refreshing melody brims with kindness and dreams, and the vocals—filled with the children’s wholehearted excitement—are truly captivating.
You can feel the desire to cherish the spirited feelings from childhood while enjoying encounters with new friends and the thrill of adventure.
In harmony with Yumiko Seki’s translucent voice, each day feels fun and pure emotions overflow.
Released in April 1990, this work captured the hearts of audiences from children to adults as the opening theme for the first season of the TV anime Chibi Maruko-chan.
It’s the perfect cheer song for energetic kids who can quickly make friends in a new environment.
It’s Hamu Hamu ON-DO, Ham-chans!
“Hamham ON-DO da, Ham-chans!” by the Ham-chans is an energetic Bon Odori dance song born from the anime Hamtaro.
All the small, cute characters make an appearance, and a lively rhythm unfolds that makes you want to dance.
With its brisk tempo, it’s fun to join in with call-and-response and hand claps, which will boost children’s eagerness to participate.
The instruments are lively, and the atmosphere builds in step with the song’s progression.
The vocal expressions are rich as well, with a structure that lets each character’s personality shine through.
Even children who don’t know the anime can enjoy it, and using it at summer festivals or school events will create a time filled with smiles.
Peekaboo
“Pika Pika Boo” is a gymnastics routine featured on the popular show “Inai Inai Baa!” It incorporates a variety of movements, like spinning around, using your hands, and crawling like a baby.
The lyrics include lots of onomatopoeia, which makes it easy for children to understand what actions to do.
It’s a lively song that’s perfect for playful, movement-based activities.
