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

Goat MailSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma

Nono-chan (Murakata Nonoka) “Yagi-san Yubin” Music Video

A very unique children’s song featuring the absent-minded White Goat and Black Goat.

The lyrics are by Michio Mado, who also wrote “Zō-san,” and the music is by Ikuma Dan.

Its charm lies in the heartwarming world where you can’t help but laugh at the endless loop of the two writing letters back and forth without ever conveying their messages.

First broadcast on NHK Radio in 1953, the song has long been beloved on programs like NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Try singing it together as a parent and child, smiling at the thought that it would be quicker if they just met and talked in person.

snailMonbushō shōka

With Singing: Snail – Children's Nursery Rhyme

Many people can’t help but hum a tune when they spot a snail on the roadside after the rain, struggling earnestly to move forward.

Some listened to it as children and now sing it with their own kids.

This piece captures a child’s pure curiosity as they call out to the snail, asking, “Where is your head?” It was included in 1911 as a Ministry of Education shoka in Elementary School Songs (Volume 1).

Despite its relaxed image, its light and rhythmic melody is part of its charm.

Beloved across generations, this classic song also offers a chance for parents and children to engage with nature together.

Mushi-Mushi FestivalHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya

Mushi Mushi Festival (Okaasan to Issho) - Vocals: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

A song that makes you want to sway your body and groove to the rhythm! Let me introduce “Mushi Mushi Festival.” Its charm lies in the adorable, insect-themed lyrics.

It’s perfect for kids who love looking at bugs or are into bug-hunting as their current craze.

The song was performed in June 2023, with lyrics and music by Tetsu Kashiwa.

The unique lyrics are delightful and easy for children to remember.

Since the names of insects appear in the lyrics, kids will likely get excited when their favorite bug shows up!

Roly-poly pill bugSakushi sakkyoku/Shinzawa Toshihiko

Roly-Poly Pill Bug (with lyrics) Lyrics and music by Toshihiko Shinzawa – New song from Okaasan to Issho

A fingerplay song that gently portrays the cute looks and movements of small creatures was created by Toshihiko Shinzawa.

With warm lyrics and melody, it depicts encounters with the little creatures often seen in nature, making it an engaging piece that stimulates children’s curiosity.

Featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in December 2024, this work includes creative elements that let children enjoy expressing the adorable behaviors of animals through hand motions.

It can be used in kindergartens and preschools, and also serves as a tool for parents and children to bond while fostering an interest in nature.

With soothing lyrics and an approachable tune, it’s a perfect song for making happy memories during walks and outdoor play.

ladybugSakushi: Shimizu Aki / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Tsuyae

Ladybug | Spring song | Insect song | Children's song | Nursery | With lyrics | Ichigo Club

A children’s song lovingly sung by Aki Shimizu and Tsuyae Kobayashi about a small red insect.

Set to a bright, lighthearted melody, it gently portrays the charming creature with its red body and distinctive black spots.

The song is included on the albums “Kodomo no Uta 200,” “Let’s Sing About Nature!,” and in the 1981 publication “Minna no Uta: 86 Songs,” and has long been beloved by many children.

With its friendly tune, it’s the kind of song you’ll find yourself humming on a leisurely spring day while out for a stroll.

It’s perfect not only for music activities in nurseries and kindergartens, but also for families to enjoy together while experiencing the nature of spring.

Frog ChorusSakushi : Okamoto Toshiaki / Genkyoku: Doitsu min’yō

Kids' Song | Frog Chorus | Nursery Rhyme | Froschgesang | Japanese Children’s Song (covered by UtaSta)

With its easy-to-remember melody that anyone can start singing right away, this piece is based on a German folk song, with Japanese lyrics written by Toshiaki Okamoto.

When you think of a round, this is the first song that comes to mind.

Because you can enter every two measures from any point, it’s easy to catch the timing to join in.

There’s only a first verse, and the lyrics are very simple, so you won’t spend time memorizing them and can enjoy singing in a round immediately.

When trying a round in kindergarten, nursery school, or elementary school, encourage the timing to come in by calling out loudly, “Ready, go!”

Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-catsakushi sakkyoku/yamamoto naozumi

Kobuta, Tanuki, Kitsune, Neko [Song by Mama and Papa] - Okaasan to Issho nursery rhyme hand play

An adorable children’s song where four familiar animals are linked together in a word-chain (shiritori).

It’s also popular as a hand-play song.

Written and composed by Naosumi Yamamoto, it was broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and has continued to be loved by many children.

In August 1999, a version by Masako Saito and the Suginami Children’s Choir was released, and various artists have covered it since.

Its simple, easy-to-remember melody and the animals’ distinctive sounds make it perfect for hand-play time in kindergartens and preschools!