Childcare: Today's recommended fun songs

Happy ChildrenShinzawa Toshihiko

Happy Children (Lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa) [From Toshihiko Shinzawa’s 40th Anniversary of Musical Activities “Nursery Song Concert”]

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!

Let’s take a step into the future

Shimajiro movie insert song “♪ Let’s Take a Step Toward the Future” [Official Shimajiro Channel]

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.

I’ve grown up—I’m off!

Enrollment Support Song: “I’ve Grown Up—Off I Go!” [Shimajiro Channel Official]

This is a cheer song that gently sings, over a tender melody, the mix of excitement and anxiety children feel as they step into a new environment.

Produced by the Shimajiro Channel, well known from the early childhood program “Kodomo Challenge,” it vividly portrays the scene of starting preschool with shiny yellow school bags and brand-new uniforms.

It warmly expresses both a sense of self-affirmation—children feeling glad to have been born—and gratitude toward those who have supported them so far.

Popular not only for entrance ceremonies but also for practice during school events in early childhood settings, it’s a song that naturally invites children to sing together.

Sing it with your kids and make your send-off moment a cherished memory.

I love stripes!

[Classic Song] I Love Stripes ♪ [Shimajiro Channel Official]

The song, created from a child’s perspective, features a bright, rhythmic melody and familiar, easy-to-sing lyrics.

Naomi Minami’s appeal as a voice actress shines through, and her energetic vocals capture children’s hearts.

Released in March 2018, the track was featured on the children’s educational program “Shimajiro no Wow!” and has become popular with many kids.

It is also included on the album “Shimajiro no Wow! Uta♪ Dance Special Vol.11,” and has been developed as related content for Benesse Corporation’s early childhood correspondence course “Kodomo Challenge.” Since it’s a song that children can enjoy singing and dancing to together, it’s recommended for music time or use at events.

Shimajiro Ondo!

Shimajiro Ondo! [Shimajiro Channel Official]

It’s a fun ondō that makes your heart dance along to an energetic rhythm.

Born in March 2018, this song carries messages about the spirit of challenge, a sense of adventure, and the importance of life.

Children’s curiosity and positive lyrics are sung in Shimajiro’s gentle voice.

It’s used in the dance segment and ending of the TV show “Shimajiro no Wao!” and is loved by children at concerts and events nationwide.

There’s choreography that kids can dance to as well, making it a sure hit at nursery and kindergarten events! It’s a perfect song for parent-child bonding time or whenever you want to get moving together with children.

Friend Ponkurton

Friend Ponkurton [Shimajiro Channel Official]

The song that brings a heart-thumping time with lively music was born in March 2016.

Featured on the soundtrack of the film “Shimajiro and the Book Kingdom,” it stands out for Naomi Minami’s bright voice and its rhythmic melody.

With themes of friendship and bonds with companions, it has a fun structure where the tempo gradually changes.

It’s included on the album “Shimajiro no Wow! The Movie: Shimajiro and the Book Kingdom + TV Version ‘Shimajiro no Wow! Original Soundtrack’,” and has been used in both the movie and the TV show.

It’s perfect for singing and dancing together at nursery and kindergarten parent-child events, and it’s a track that children who watch “Shimajiro no Wow!” will enjoy.

Let’s move forward! Clap your hands!

Let's Move Forward! Clap Your Hands! ~Tie-in Song for the Movie “Shimajiro and the Rainbow Oasis”~ [Official Shimajiro Channel]

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!