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.
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Get hyped with songs kids love! A memorable collection of timeless tunes that make you want to sing along (181–190)
Let’s move forward! Clap your hands!
This bright and lively song is a heartwarming piece themed around the courage to move forward and the bonds of friendship.
Structured so you can sing along while clapping to the rhythm, it embraces the anxiety and fear of taking steps ahead as natural feelings, while conveying the importance of overcoming them.
The desire to cherish friendships and hope for the future is expressed through a gentle melody.
Used as an insert song in the film Shimajiro and the Rainbow Oasis (released in March 2017) from the series Shimajiro no Wao! The Movie, it colors the adventures of Shimajiro and his friends.
It’s a perfect song to enjoy with children while moving their bodies, whether during group time at nursery and kindergarten or at home!
Get hyped with songs kids love! A memorable collection of timeless tunes that make you want to sing along (191–200)
My favorite things
It’s a warmhearted song that helps children find what they love and nurture a sense of cherishing it.
The staging that incorporates sign language is memorable, and there are thoughtful touches throughout that allow children of diverse backgrounds to sing together and have fun.
The melody is pleasant and so familiar you can’t help but hum along.
Released around 2011, it has been used in various settings, including the educational program “Shimajiro no Wao!”, concerts, and events at childcare facilities.
This work truly supports children’s growth, teaching the beauty of expressing gratitude for familiar things and important people.
Singing it together with parents or guardians can also be an opportunity to foster an even deeper bond.
Etiquette Man
This is a character song that blends fun and learning, and it’s hugely popular with children.
Set to a bright, poppy melody, it clearly teaches important everyday manners and etiquette.
Takashi Fujii’s friendly singing and dancing really capture kids’ hearts.
The song has been broadcast on Shimajiro no Wao! since September 2017 and is also included on the DVD Shimajiro no Wao! Shimajiro to Dance! Dance! Dance!.
It’s a track that lets parents and children enjoy moving their bodies together while learning easy-to-practice topics like table manners and cough etiquette.
Sunsun Exercise
Anpanman’s exercise number, “Sansan Taiso.” Since it’s part of the Anpanman series, which is hugely popular with young children, it’s easy to get into.
It starts with a marching rhythm—one, two, three—and lets kids have fun moving their bodies: waving their hands, stretching to the side, and twirling their arms.
Encourage them with phrases like, “Let’s move our bodies full of energy like Anpanman!” and “Spread your hands wide,” and lead the routine with big, dynamic actions to keep it lively.
They say they want to wake up feeling refreshed.
It’s a lively exercise song that gives a boost to bright mornings.
While copying the cute movements of animals together, it invites kids to move their whole bodies in a fun way.
Released in April 2014, it was also broadcast on the popular TV show “Shimajiro no Wao!” Seeing Shimajiro and friends dance joyfully on the program had a big impact on children.
This piece is loved as a morning wake-up workout and as an exercise song you can do indoors.
Start a cheerful day by moving your body—together with parents, or with friends at daycare or kindergarten.
Fortune Cookie in Love
AKB48 is an idol group that’s hugely popular not only among adults but also with small children.
Among their songs, “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie” sparked a trend of people posting videos imitating the dance.
It might be a bit difficult for toddlers, but the choreography is easy to copy.
Run! Run! Plarail
Among toys, Plarail is especially popular with boys.
Many people may feel nostalgic, remembering how they often played with it as children.
Here is its theme song, “Run! Run! Plarail.” Sung with an energetic voice by Nanami Matsumoto, who is also active as a voice actor, this song feels like just memorizing the lyrics could make you more knowledgeable about railways.
