I want to create a dance time overflowing with children’s smiles! Here are some super-energetic songs that are perfect for just such moments.
These tracks don’t just build a sense of rhythm—they also let kids feel the joy of moving their bodies together with friends.
If adults join in too, the whole venue will naturally get into the groove! We’ve gathered lots of songs you can use for warm-ups, school sports days, everyday childcare, and recreation.
Enjoy a collection of fun music that will make children’s hearts and bodies bounce!
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A smash hit with kids! A collection of songs that get everyone grooving for childcare and recreation (1–10)
SmileKamisiraishi Moka
Why not try dancing a popular sports day routine to “S-M-I-L-E,” the opening theme of NHK’s beloved kids’ anime Hanakappa? Sung by Moka Kamishiraishi, this cheerful, high-energy number is perfect for children, and their enthusiastic performances—after practicing hard to learn the choreography—are sure to be a hit with parents, too.
“S-M-I-L-E” is an up-tempo pop tune, but it also playfully slips in a brief phrase from Mozart’s famous Eine kleine Nachtmusik at the very end.
Be sure to pair it with fun choreography and dance your heart out!
Asleep or awakeNEW!Porukadotto Sutingurei
This is a very upbeat, danceable track that serves as the ending theme for a beloved kids’ anime.
With its poppy, rhythmic melody and a theme brimming with deep affection for the story, it’s truly captivating.
Released in October 2025 as the ending theme for the new chapter of the TV anime “Pokémon,” the song is also included on the album “GekirIN.” Created by Polkadot Stingray, it features an energetic, up-tempo rhythm that’s perfect for school sports days and dance activities! Kids can get into character as their favorites and move their bodies to the fullest.
The lively, cute dances with free-form choreography are sure to bring a smile to parents’ faces as well.
Poyoyon March
“Poyoyon March” is a very upbeat song and a fan favorite from NHK’s Okaasan to Issho.
As long as you’ve got your feet, you can keep moving forward—if it’s you, you’ll be fine! With that feeling packed into the music, it’s perfect for dancing.
Since it’s a march, swing both arms, march in place, and dance with lots of energy.
There are lyrics about leaping into the sky, so it could be fun to do a big jump there.
The choreography is up to you, so try imagining kids brimming with energy as you come up with it.
Good Luck! My Friend feat. Murotsuyoshi & Sakana-kunNEW!Toukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora
Let us introduce a captivating song with a heartwarming message and a bright, upbeat rhythm.
Created by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra featuring Tsuyoshi Muro and Sakana-kun, it was released in April 2026.
The track was written as the theme song for the anime “Nezumikun no Chokki,” which began airing on NHK E-Tele in April 2026.
The bouncy ska melody combines with gentle, caring lyrics about friends, brimming with an energy that makes you want to move.
The horn section’s brilliant tones fill the entire venue with a cheerful atmosphere, bringing smiles to listeners’ faces.
It’s perfect for lively dances at school sports days or children’s performances.
We also recommend wearing matching vests and stepping along together for extra fun.
Odoru Pompoko RinNEW!Ado
How about a cover version of the beloved classic that has long served as the opening theme for the nationally treasured anime everyone knows, Chibi Maruko-chan? Premiering with a brand-new opening sequence on the episode airing December 28, 2025, and released digitally the following day, this track features vocals by the extraordinarily expressive Ado and a high-speed, pop-infused arrangement by Hyadain.
The familiar, comical melody is enriched with a vibrant array of vocal tones, creating a festive atmosphere that makes you want to move your body! Its easy-to-follow rhythm is perfect for school sports day dances and performances where everyone can join in and dance energetically together.
After-school Request!NEW!ikinari tōhoku-san
Familiar as the ending theme song of the TV anime “Onegai Aipripi,” this track sung by Iginari Tohoku San is perfect for school sports day performances.
It’s included on the single “DECO!” released in March 2026.
The song conveys a positive feeling of listening to someone in need and taking a step forward to grant their wish, featuring a cute and upbeat sound.
With a bright rhythm that will make kids smile, it’s recommended for group dance numbers with friends.
It’s also fun to jump along with the call-and-response parts in the song or to move energetically while wearing adorable costumes made by the teachers.
Come up with simple choreography and get everyone excited together!
To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand
The lyrics for this song were written by Takashi Yanase, well known for Anpanman.
It’s said he came up with the idea after shining a flashlight on his own hand and feeling, “I’m alive!” The composer is Taku Izumi, a master of Japanese children’s songs.
The light, buoyant melody combined with lyrics that convey the “joy of being alive” makes kids naturally want to dance! For children to fully enjoy the song “Tenohira o Taiyō ni” (“Hands to the Sun”), it’s important that they first feel, “Isn’t being alive amazing!” If they sing with a bright voice while holding their hands up to the sun and savor the moment of realizing, “There’s blood flowing through me!” their bodies will start moving naturally.
