Get pumped with kids’ favorite songs! A memorable collection of classics that will make you want to sing along

I want to become the sun!Sakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

Nursery song / I Want to Be the Sun / 36th Children’s Song Contest – Children’s Division

It’s a song filled with gentle feelings, where the warmth of love shines like the sun.

Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa tenderly express the warm emotions of falling for someone through a bright, expansive melody.

This piece was performed in July 2017 by Satoko Yamano, Toshihiko Shinzawa, and the Kotonomi Children’s Choir, and included on the album “Toshihiko Shinzawa & Hirotaka Nakagawa Songs <30th Anniversary Commemorative: Children’s Chorus Version>.” Its poppy melody and positive message make it perfect for occasions like kindergarten entrance ceremonies and the start of a new school term.

Why not sing it together, warmly watching over the children as they take their first steps toward the future?

Let’s draw a picture in the blue sky.Sakushi: Kazumi Kazuki / Sakkyoku: Hajime Kamishiba

Heisei 25 (2013) Tega no Oka Kindergarten Music Recital – Senior Class – Singing – Let’s Paint a Picture in the Blue Sky

Let us introduce a wonderful song that parents and guardians can sing at the entrance ceremony.

“Aoi Sora ni E o Kakou” (Let’s Draw on the Blue Sky) is a lively piece that sings of a dreamlike world where you draw a big ship in the blue sky and set off on an adventure.

It features lyrics that spark children’s imaginations and a bright, upbeat melody.

The energetic call-and-response “Ei! Ya!” is fun too, making it great to sing together with the children.

It’s also popular in educational settings, so singing it at the entrance ceremony will surely delight the kids.

It’s perfect for easing the nerves of children who may feel anxious in a new environment.

Five melon breads at the bakery.Sakushi: Nakagawa Hirotaka / Sakkyoku: Igirisu dōyō

♪ Five Melon Breads (with choreography)

Shall we sing a fun fingerplay song themed around a bakery’s melon bread together with the children? It’s an adaptation of a traditional English nursery rhyme, arranged to be familiar and appealing to Japanese kids.

The fingerplay involves counting with fingers in time with lyrics that show the bread being sold, nurturing children’s imagination.

It’s often used in early childhood settings, and this work—through which you can enjoy playful counting with children via song—is sure to be a big hit both at home and in nursery or kindergarten!

strollSakushi: Nakagawa Rieko / Sakkyoku: Hisaishi Joe

♪ Stroll – Let’s walk, let’s walk, I’m feeling great~ ♪ <with choreography> [Studio Ghibli film “My Neighbor Totoro” opening theme]

This bright, cheerful march-style song is perfect for connecting with your child.

It was included on the album “My Neighbor Totoro Image Song Collection” released in November 1987, and is also well known as the opening theme song of Studio Ghibli’s animated film “My Neighbor Totoro.” The lyrics were written by children’s author Rieko Nakagawa, with music composed by Joe Hisaishi.

Its appeal lies in a simple melody that conveys a positive feeling and warm, heartfelt lyrics.

Because it’s easy to sing while moving energetically, it’s also recommended for musical play in preschools and kindergartens.

It’s a wonderful piece you can enjoy together—holding hands, interacting, and facing your child as you share the experience.

The Puppy Police OfficerSakushi: Satō Yoshimi / Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Megumi

Dog Policeman – The Little Lost Kitten [Japanese Children's Song]

This is a gentle, melodic song depicting the encounter between a lost kitten and a kind police officer.

Written by Yoshimi Sato and composed by Megumi Ohnaka, it was created between the 1950s and 1960s.

With its warm lyrics and rhythmic tune, it’s perfect for fostering children’s emotional development.

It has been broadcast on NHK programs such as “Minna no Uta” and “Okaasan to Issho,” and is beloved by many.

We recommend singing it together with your child while adding simple motions for extra fun.

The heartwarming, picture book–like story will nurture your child’s imagination.

A strawberry is a strawberry.Sakushi: Kotaki Kiyomi / Sakkyoku: Fujita Taishi

Strawberries are Strawberries (Okaasan to Issho) / Kentaro Hayami & Ayumi Shigemori

This is a charming song with a bright, rhythmic, and fun melody paired with heartwarming lyrics.

It was broadcast in May 1997 as the “Song of the Month” on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, with lyrics by Kiyomi Kotaki and music by Taishi Fujita.

The gently told story follows a protagonist who dreams of becoming a cake and, while chasing that dream, discovers their own true self—making it a song that enriches children’s imaginations.

Sung and beloved by Kentaro Hayami and Ayumi Shigemori, it was later carried on by Akihiro Sugita and Ryoko Tsumoda.

It is also included on the album NHK Okaasan to Issho Memorial Album and has been cherished by many children.

It’s perfect for humming during walks or outdoor play, and for singing together on spring field trips or fun outings.

When sung with family, it’s sure to become a wonderful memory that shares the joy of spring.

Gluttonous GhostSakushi: Murata Sachiko / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako

Greedy Little Ghost (Okaasan to Issho) / Kentaro Hayami & Ayumi Shigemori

This is a fun, humor-filled song that depicts a ghost peeking into the refrigerator in the middle of the night.

Its lyrics incorporate food shapes in a quiz-style format, and the bright, rhythmic melody is memorable.

Created by Sachiko Murata and Wakako Fukuda, the piece was also broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and is beloved by many children.

It’s a great song to sing with two-year-olds while imitating the ghost’s gestures, moving your body, and using your hands to show different food shapes.

It can also be used as a sketchbook theater activity in nursery schools and kindergartens.