[Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.
Kids love to sing!
Singing is a form of exercise, nurtures interest in language, and helps develop expressiveness and a sense of rhythm.
It’s also said that singing releases “happy hormones,” making it effective for relieving stress.
Bring plenty of music into daily life and sing freely together with your children.
This time, we’re introducing popular children’s songs we’d love you to sing and play with your kids!
We’ve collected everything from classic nursery rhymes passed down through the years to the latest hit songs.
You can search songs by category—animals, vehicles, food, and more—so you’re sure to find the perfect tune for your children.
If you add simple choreography or hand-play motions as well as singing, the kids will be thrilled!
Be sure to explore a variety of nursery rhymes and enjoy happy times with your children!
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Songs of Animals and Insects (31–40)
Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-catsakushi sakkyoku/yamamoto naozumi
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!
The Bear of the Forestamerika min’yō
This nursery song, depicting a charming encounter in the forest, spread nationwide in 1972 when Dark Ducks performed it on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” With its humorous story and familiar melody, it warmly conveys the bear’s gentle thoughtfulness.
In October of the same year, a single was released by King Records, with a Russian folk song on the B-side.
Because it can be sung in an echo-song format, it’s perfect for campfires and kindergarten choruses! Its lively 4/4 rhythm makes it easy for everyone to have fun singing together while naturally learning the melody.
A Rainy Day on the Ranch
Set on a rainy day at a farm, this friendly song portrays the animals having fun.
Cows, sheep, and chickens play in the rain and stroll under umbrellas, all depicted with a bright and charming melody.
Released in September 2024 as an original song on the YouTube channel “LiaChaCha,” this piece is perfect for June, when indoor play increases during the rainy season, and is a tune kids can sing and enjoy together.
It’s sure to blow away those rainy-day blues.
Animal Clock
A charming song notable for its timekeeping rhythm and richly characterized depictions of animals.
The clock’s tones feel like the animals’ heartbeats, giving the piece a warm, inviting quality.
While it teaches about time, its playful melody sparks children’s imaginations.
The song has also been featured on the educational program “Okaasan to Issho,” capturing the hearts of many children.
Singing it with kids who are just learning to read the clock will naturally nurture their interest in time.
To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand
It’s a classic children’s song brimming with the joy and hope of living.
Through the sight of blood glowing red when sunlight shines through a hand, it gently conveys the preciousness of life.
Earthworms, dragonflies, frogs, and other creatures make appearances, and the warm melody teaches the wonder of living together.
The lyrics, imbued with Takashi Yanase’s deep sentiments, harmonize beautifully with the bright tune crafted by Tak Izumi.
First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, it was performed by the Boys Jacks on the 1965 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It later appeared in elementary school music textbooks and has continued to be cherished by many.
It’s a perfect cheer song for children swelling with hope as they take a new step forward.
The Song of the Twelve Zodiac Animalssakushi sakkyoku/miyahira rie
A fun song where the twelve zodiac animals appear in a rhythmic sequence.
It’s perfect for New Year’s and might be a great way for children to become familiar with the twelve zodiac animals.
Created by Rie Miyahira, this piece won the Excellence Award at the 9th Lapomme Grand Prize and is widely loved in early childhood education settings.
Imitating animal sounds or moving your body as if you were each animal while singing makes it even more exciting and enjoyable.
It’s a recommended song to sing with children not only for New Year’s events but also at gatherings with an animal theme.
Mr. ElephantSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma
Born from the collaboration of Michio Mado and Ikuma Dan, this song—portraying a warm bond between parent and child—was first broadcast on NHK Radio in May 1952.
Characterized by a gentle triple-time melody and heartwarming lyrics that cherish one’s individuality, it has been featured in many educational and children’s TV programs and is loved across generations.
The May 2007 version by Satoko Yamano and the Morinoki Children’s Choir remains one of the most beloved recordings.
With a melody that nestles close to the heart like a gentle spring breeze, it’s perfect for parents and children to hum together.
In the fresh green season, singing it while out for a walk will make for even more delightful memories.