Childcare: Today's recommended fun songs

Let’s keep walkingbiriken

Billiken / Let's walk on

It’s an energetic song that blends folk and hip-hop, perfect for singing and dancing together.

The friendly lyrics warmly depict the joy and fun of everyday life, and sometimes the mischievous spirit of children.

Released in September 2010, it was loved by many viewers as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Mainichi Kaasan.” With its melodious tone and comfortable rhythm, it resonates with children’s hearts and encourages their first steps in new environments.

Singing it at entrance ceremonies or morning gatherings brings out children’s smiles, naturally leading to clapping and swaying.

Let teachers and children enjoy singing it together and create wonderful memories.

The Bento Bus SongSakushi sakkyoku: Shinju Mariko

♪ The Bento Bus Song (Vocals: Icchi & Naru / Lyrics & Music: Mariko Shinju) [Official Collaboration with the picture book “Obentō Bus”]

This heartwarming song, written and composed by beloved children’s picture book author Mariko Shinju, depicts food items cheerfully boarding a bus.

Its rhythmic, catchy melody and lyrics that roll out ingredient names one after another create a lively atmosphere that makes you want to move your body.

Released in 2017 as part of King Records’ “Suku♪Iku” series, it also saw a new version by Icchi & Naru in 2025.

Widely used for hand-play activities in nurseries and kindergartens and as a tool for food education, this delightful track makes mealtimes more enjoyable—perfect for singing along while cooking in the kitchen or humming during lunchbox prep for a field trip.

Let’s have fun.Sakushi / Sakkyoku: Shinapu

[Songs That Make Babies Happy] Let’s Have Fun (sung by Shoko & The Akilla) [Video to Calm and Delight Babies]

This song, from a popular segment of a baby-focused TV show, features a bright, rhythmic melody that leaves a lasting impression.

Carried by the vocals of Shoko & The Akilla, it unfolds a warm and gentle world.

Its fun melodic lines make even babies want to sway along.

Broadcast as the “Tsuki Uta” (monthly song) for January 2025 on TV Tokyo’s educational program “Sina Pshu,” it has earned strong support from many parents and children.

It’s perfect for cuddle time with your baby or music time.

Why not enjoy a fun moment singing and dancing together with your little one?

Donut SongSakushi/Sakkyoku: Makimiki

Donut Song

Let us introduce a fun children’s song themed around donuts, created by Makimiki! It has a gentle feel that you and your child can hum along to.

With its rhythmic, poppy melody and a charming worldview that sings about peeking at Mom and Dad through the donut hole, it’s a must-listen.

The song was also featured on Sanrio’s kids’ program “Kitty’s Paradise.” At a perfect length of 1 minute and 2 seconds for singing together while engaging with your child, it helps create a delightful bonding time with its soothing tones and heartwarming lyrics.

It’s an excellent choice for playful music time and for encouraging friendly physical contact.

apple, mandarin orange, bananaSakushi / Sakkyoku: Tanaka Seiji

Apple, Mandarin, Banana (Kids' Song Cover)

This is a fun song with a fruit-themed, lively tune and a rhythmic melody.

It invites playful activities with children—clapping hands, swaying bodies, and pretending to eat fruit along with the song.

Sung by Kentaro Hayami and Ayumi Shigemori, it was broadcast on “Okaasan to Issho” starting in 1994 and was also included on the VHS “Super Hit 16.” It’s perfect not only for family bonding time at home but also for group fun in early childhood settings.

Enjoy playing with children while helping them learn the names of different fruits.

Child(ren) of the EarthKeroponzu

[National Private Nursery Federation] Children of the Earth / Keropons

Here’s a song by Keropons that kids can enjoy together.

Created in collaboration with the National Federation of Private Nursery Schools, this piece features a bright, energetic, and cheerful sound.

The lyrics sing about the importance of children connecting with the Earth and nature, conveying the idea that play leads to learning and fostering a spirit of challenge.

Released in 2023, the song has been adopted by childcare facilities nationwide as the theme song for the childcare movement “A New Era Begins with Children.” There’s choreography as well, so it’s recommended to sing while dancing.

Through fun activities, this wonderful song helps convey appreciation for nature and the importance of living together in harmony.

A-I-U-E-O nigirisakushi sakkyoku/shuu saeko

A-I-U-E Rice Balls [With Mother] Yuzo Imai & Shoko Haida (covered by UtaSuta)

This song features a lovely melody and heartwarming lyrics centered on the theme of rice balls (onigiri).

Broadcast in April 2001 as the Monthly Song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” Shū Saeko’s piece has continued to be cherished by many since its airing.

In early childhood settings, it’s perfect as an introduction to food education activities.

It’s a song you can enjoy in many ways with children—singing together while naming fillings, adding hand-play motions, and more.