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

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!

Chagpon DanceSakushi Sakkyoku: Tada Joji

[Let’s all dance♪] Chagupon Dance! [Perfect for little kids too!]

This song, inspired by Iwate’s traditional event Chagu Chagu Umakko, is a local dance tune that parents and children can enjoy together along with Takizawa City’s official character.

Written and composed by Joji Tada, with choreography by the Iwate Prefectural University dance club, it was first performed on stage at the university festival “Jipusai” in October 2022.

The dance features cute, horse-riding-like movements and simple steps that even young children can easily imitate.

Set to a Vocaloid singing voice, it’s fun to move your body along, and the whole family can dance together while watching the video on the city’s official YouTube channel.

It’s used at local festivals and health-promotion events and is cherished as a song that fosters affection for the hometown.

Adorable foalSakushi: Satō Hachirō / Sakkyoku: Niki Takio

Adorable Foal - Children's Song - Showa-era Song - Radio Kayō / National Kayō - With Lyrics

This song warmly portrays the life of a foal and a child, while carrying a curious, poignant sense of the times quietly creeping in.

You dry the foal’s wet mane, run together, and eventually part ways.

Such scenes unfold alongside rhythmic calls and responses.

The lyricist, Hachirō Satō, was active across a wide range from children’s songs to popular music, and the composer, Takio Niki, was a seasoned talent also known for film scores.

The work was released in December 1940 and broadcast nationwide the following January 1941 on NHK’s “National Songs.” It is closely connected to the film “Uma” (Horse), and has long been loved, later even featured in animated films.

Singing it as a family invites reflections on life in earlier times, and in early childhood settings it can be enjoyed as a play activity by imitating a foal’s movements.

Song of the Resounding GrasslandsSakushi: Kubota Yuzuru Sakkyoku: Maruyama Aki

Perfect for a play: “Song of the Echoing Grassland (Suho’s White Horse)” / “Grassland Love Song”!

This piece opens a series based on Mongolian folk tales.

Poet Yuzuru Kubota and composer Aki Maruyama joined forces, and it was first unveiled at a premiere concert held at the Nagoya Civic Hall in May 2000.

It was later formally published in September 2002 as the opening number in the score collection Aki Maruyama Song Collection [Supplement]: Suho’s White Horse.

The lyrics weave in images of a steppe where wind and light resonate, and its bright, easy-to-sing melody makes it accessible for children.

It works beautifully in many settings—sung alongside a story reading in schools or preschools, or used as an introductory piece for recitals and concerts.