[Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.

Mr. Elephant

[Children’s Song] Elephant / Daisuke Yokoyama

In this song, Michio Mado’s poem is set to a gentle triple-meter melody by Ikuma Dan.

Through the image of a baby elephant, teased for its long trunk, proudly replying, “My mother’s is the same,” it tenderly conveys a heart that embraces differences.

In the 2003 “Favorite Children’s Songs” ranking, it placed seventh and has continued to be loved across generations.

It has been included in many collections, such as King Records’ “Zō-san — Michio Mado Children’s Song Collection [White Jubilee Commemoration]” and Nippon Columbia’s “Michio Mado Works — Zō-san.” It’s a song to hum along with someone dear to you, nurturing a spirit that cherishes your own individuality.

horse (childish/affectionate term)Sakushi: Hayashi Ryūha / Sakkyoku: Matsushima Tsune

[Ouma] Children's song ♪ with hand motions ♪ song ♪

This piece portrays a foal walking clip-clop alongside its mother, set to a gentle rhythm.

Lyricist Yanaha Hayashi is said to have written the words based on the scene of a mare and foal he saw at the Imperial Stock Farm in Chiba, weaving the affection between animal mother and child in simple language.

Composer Tsune Matsushima aimed for a vocal range and phrasing that are easy for lower elementary grades to sing, and created accompaniment that is easy to play on keyboard or harmonica.

After being included in the February 1941 national school textbook “Uta no Hon, Upper,” it continued to be adopted in textbooks by various publishers after the war, and in 2007 it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” It fits naturally into kindergarten and preschool choruses, and it’s easy to incorporate into fingerplay or instrumental ensembles.

If parents and children sing it together, they can have fun imitating the sound of hoofbeats.

Horse lessonswarabeuta

[Warabe-uta] The Horse’s Practice (a play where you do it for the child)

This is a very short traditional children’s song themed around horses.

With the chant “Onma-san no okeiko” (“Horsey’s practice”) and simple counting, it’s enjoyed as a movement play activity: seating a child on a parent’s lap to bounce them up and down, or carrying them on the back and walking slowly like a horse.

In January 2008, a roughly 25‑second version sung by Emiko Kobayashi was included on the album Warabe-uta, Nekase-uta: Songs to Nurture Babies’ Hearts and Bodies, and it has since been widely used in childcare settings.

Because the short phrases repeat, you can sing it over and over while watching the child’s reactions, making it perfect for deepening parent–child bonding.

Try incorporating it in a variety of situations—as a warm-up, as an introduction to group activities, or as a hands-on playtime at home.

Horse and boaramerika min’yō

[Warabe-uta] Uma wa toshi toshi ⭐️ Extremely popular with infants!

This is a lap-bouncing play song that babies can enjoy once they have stable head control.

The caregiver sits on the floor with legs extended, places the child on their knees, and sings while bouncing them up and down.

At the end, with the onomatopoeic “paka!” the caregiver opens their legs to catch the child, prompting smiles and giggles.

The lyrics are short and easy to memorize, designed to deepen parent–child bonding while sharing the feeling of riding a horse.

The words and sound effects vary slightly by region, which is part of the charm of a traditional children’s ditty passed down orally.

It’s a staple repertoire at daycare centers and child-rearing support centers, and it was even recorded in 2006 as a children’s song from Saga.

It’s a perfect piece for playful interaction with your baby.

HAPPY HONEY HORSENo-zan Ho-su Pa-ku

[Official] Northern Horse Park’s Horse Song “HAPPY HONEY HORSE” – Let’s All Dance

The hand-play song about horses produced by Northern Horse Park in Tomakomai, Hokkaido is a piece that expresses the fun of interacting with horses through dance.

It’s designed so that children can physically portray the characteristics of horses—like the clip-clop of running, affectionate nuzzling, long necks, and signature gestures—in time with the rhythm.

By weaving running and jumping movements into the lyrics and using lots of easy-to-mimic onomatopoeia, the song is structured so even first-time listeners can quickly sing and dance along.

Released in April 2023, the lyrics were written by Nanami Miyoshi and the Northern Friends, with music by Shuntaro Yamauchi and Nanami Miyoshi.

You can also enjoy the music video on the park’s official website.

Watching the video before your visit and then meeting the horses on-site will likely make the experience even more memorable.

It’s the perfect track for parents and children who want to move their bodies while growing fond of horses!

Playable on easy piano! KusakeibaSakkyoku: Sutiibun Fositā

[Easy Piano] The Camptown Races ✨

Composed in 19th-century America, this lively piece depicts a horse’s brisk gallop with a bouncy melody and the rousing cry of “Doo-dah!” Since its publication in February 1850, it has been covered by many artists, including Bing Crosby and Kenny Rogers, and has been featured in the film Blazing Saddles and in Looney Tunes.

In Japan, it was also played during the equestrian performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic opening ceremony, making it a familiar tune in a wide range of settings.

There is plenty of beginner piano sheet music available, and because it’s written in C major, mostly on the white keys, even newcomers can enjoy practicing while feeling the sense of speed.

It’s a perfect choice for musical play both in childcare settings and at home!

The little cowboy has arrived.Sakkyoku: Sakata Hiroo / Sakushi: Arekisu Sakkyoku Tom Tirilin Tom

Little Cowboy ♪ A little cowboy has come. Lyrics by Hiroo Sakata, music by Alexis. Tom Tirilin Tom.

This song, which depicts a lively cowboy galloping across the vast western plains, was selected in an Italian children’s song contest in 1965 and was given Japanese lyrics by Hiroo Sakata.

It vividly portrays a little cowboy from the cactus-blossoming West riding along on his horse while strumming a banjo.

The repeated “la-la-la” set to a marching rhythm is delightful and makes children naturally want to move their bodies.

It was first broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1966, and was later sung on “Okaasan to Issho.” In 1991, a single was also released by Ichiro Mizuki.

It’s a perfect children’s song for everyone to sing together with rounds and handclaps, full of energy!