Childcare: Today's recommended fun songs
I think many preschools incorporate songs and exercises into morning meetings and main activities.
There are so many types of songs and exercises now that just searching for them can be a real challenge.
In this article, we introduce music you can enjoy with children today.
The content is updated daily, so you can discover new music every day!
In addition to songs and exercises, we also introduce easy-to-enjoy instruments and hand-play activities, so you’re sure to find music you’ll want to enjoy today!
Have fun arranging activities to suit each age group, and enjoy a wonderful time with the children.
[Childcare] Today’s recommended fun songs (1–10)
When the Dock (Japanese knotweed) blooms
Let me introduce “When the Dock Blooms,” a song with a gentle melody and a bright tempo.
It’s a song about a flower called sukanpo (dock) that blooms in spring.
This warm children’s song evokes nostalgia, depicting children playing happily and energetically in the fields.
Because it includes repeated phrases that help you feel the season, even children around two years old can enjoy joining in.
Of course, it’s also a soothing piece for babies from 0 years old to listen to.
Be sure to try singing it with your children.
Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento
Kocchi no Kento-san’s song “Hai Yorokonde” is packed with an upbeat, fun vibe and a positive message.
Set to a lively rhythm, the chorus repeats the phrase “Giri Giri Dance,” making it easy for kids to remember and dance along to.
Released in May 2024, the track became a big hit on social media platforms like TikTok.
The choreography is simple, and dancing together is sure to bring out lots of smiles! It’s also a great pick for events like sports days and recitals.
OLA!!yuzu
How about everyone dancing together to a bright, pop song with an adorable Latin-flavored rhythm? This track is packed with exotic-sounding instruments and is easy to sing and dance to—kids can’t help but start swaying along.
It’s also famous as a theme song for the Crayon Shin-chan movie and was released in April 2015.
You can find it on Yuzu’s album TOWA as well.
With energetic choreography, it would be super cute to dance together with parents at events like sports days.
You could match the song’s title with colorful costumes, or have the kids transform into their favorite characters and dance—so much fun!
Child of AbrahamAmerika Gasshūkoku no dōyō
This rhythmic and cute song is a hugely popular children’s play song.
The lyrics refer to Abraham, a figure from the Bible, but the focus is on having fun moving the body rather than any religious meaning.
The choreography, which moves through body parts in order—hands, feet, head, and bottom—helps improve children’s physical abilities.
Masato Shimon released it as a single in June 1979, and many artists have covered it since.
It’s often used at kindergartens and nurseries for sports days and recitals, and when everyone sings and dances together, it’s sure to create wonderful memories!
Banana Parent and ChildSakata Osamu
Lyrics and melodies that make children’s hearts skip a beat.
This song is an adorable piece depicting a banana parent and child living on a southern island.
The swaying bananas in the breeze are expressed through rhythmic lyrics.
Carried by Osamu Sakata’s gentle voice, the introduction of Papa Banana, Mama Banana, and Little Banana makes you want to hum along.
Broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s a hugely popular song among children.
Sing and dance together as a family, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time!
Vegetable SongYamano Satoko
Welcome to the wonderful world of vegetables! This song, hugely popular with children, is full of clever ways to help them learn the names of vegetables in a fun, rhythmic way.
With sounds that express the names and characteristics of veggies like tomatoes and cabbage, just listening will fill you with excitement.
Accompanied by Satoko Yamano’s bright and gentle voice, the vegetables make their appearances one after another.
This piece is included in many children’s music albums.
It’s also recommended for nutrition education time or for singing together with kids who aren’t fond of vegetables.
If you sing while moving your body, it becomes even more fun!
Happy ChildrenShinzawa Toshihiko
This song, created by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, is a bright dance tune themed around the power of children’s innocence and smiles to bring happiness to those around them.
With its light rhythm and memorable melody, it’s an easy-to-sing-and-dance-to track that kids can’t help but hum along to.
Released in 2001, the song has been loved by many for years and is widely used in educational settings and at events.
It’s also great to dance to together with nursery and kindergarten teachers!