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

Cute Hide and SeekSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao

Nursery Rhyme / Cute Hide-and-Seek / 36th Children’s Song Contest, Children’s Division

This is a gentle children’s song about a game of hide-and-seek played by adorable animals.

Hatchlings, sparrows, and puppies try their best to conceal themselves, warmly portrayed in the words of Hachirō Satō, with Yoshinao Nakada’s melody enhancing its charm even further.

First released in 1951, the piece has inspired children’s playfulness and curiosity toward animals.

The thrilling hide-and-seek unfolds in everyday scenes—gardens, rooftops, and meadows.

It’s perfect for singing with your child in fresh, green May, while thinking of the animals you might meet on a walk.

The rhythm of the lyrics and the friendly melody truly seem to express the joy of spring.

Hey, Kaba-kun!sakushi: nakagawa itsuko / sakkyoku: nakagawa hirotaka

Hey, Mr. Hippo | Children's Song [Ponkikki Song]

With its calm and gentle atmosphere, this song was released in April 2007 as a picture book with a CD, and together with illustrations by Hiroshi Abe, a former zookeeper at Asahiyama Zoo, it became a tune rooted in children’s daily lives.

Created by Hirotaka Nakagawa and Itsuko Nakagawa, the work also encourages children’s curiosity about animals through its focus on hippos.

It was featured on the TV program Hirake! Ponkikki and has long been loved by many children.

Its relaxed tempo and melody perfectly match the laid-back image of hippos, making it great for singing along with your child.

Why not hum it happily on a spring field trip or during a visit to the zoo?

The Puppy Police OfficerSakushi: Satō Yoshimi / Sakkyoku: Ōnaka Megumi

Dog Policeman – The Little Lost Kitten [Japanese Children's Song]

This is a gentle, melodic song depicting the encounter between a lost kitten and a kind police officer.

Written by Yoshimi Sato and composed by Megumi Ohnaka, it was created between the 1950s and 1960s.

With its warm lyrics and rhythmic tune, it’s perfect for fostering children’s emotional development.

It has been broadcast on NHK programs such as “Minna no Uta” and “Okaasan to Issho,” and is beloved by many.

We recommend singing it together with your child while adding simple motions for extra fun.

The heartwarming, picture book–like story will nurture your child’s imagination.

Are you okay? Whoops.Sakushi sakkyoku: Suzuki Tsubasa

[Hand Play / Childcare] You Okay? Zukko / Tsubasa Suzuki [Animals / Play Songs / Parenting]

Tsubasa Suzuki’s finger-play songs are full of charm that brings smiles to children’s faces.

With surreal elements that include animals stumbling and falling, they turn into irresistibly funny tunes.

The rhythmic lyrics and cute choreography make it easy for kids to move their bodies and have fun.

This track is available on CD and via digital distribution, and is included on the album “Inai Inai Wao!” It’s also highly recommended for nursery and kindergarten teachers.

Sing and dance together with the children, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time!

Vegetable Song

Vegetable Song (with actions)

“The Vegetable Song” is full of vegetable names.

It repeats parts of the names and distinctive features of the vegetables to make a fingerplay song.

It seems like kids can have fun singing while learning the names of vegetables.

The steady, simple rhythm makes it easy for little children to sing and play along.

You could probably adapt it to play with animal names or other foods, too.

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Close It, Open Itsakushisha fushou

♪Musunde Hiraite – Musunde Hiraite | ♪Clasp Your Hands, Open Them, Clap Your Hands, Clasp Them [Japanese Song / Children's Song]

In dazzlingly fresh May greenery, don’t you feel like getting active and playing with the kids? That’s when the perfect choice is that familiar hand-play song with the motions of opening and closing your hands.

Simple yet irresistibly engaging for children, its melody is actually said to have its roots in an opera by the French thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

In Japan, it became widely loved in its current form as a play song after being included in the May 1947 elementary school textbook First-Grade Music.

Its easy-to-remember rhythm and movements are also great for interacting with very young children who can’t speak yet.

How about trying it outdoors on a picnic, sitting face-to-face and playing together as parent and child?

Tengu fanwarabeuta

Tengu’s Fan – Lyrics and Music by Naomi Abe

It’s a fun hand-play song inspired by the traditional Japanese yokai Tengu and a paper fan.

You sing while mimicking the flapping motion of fanning with a round uchiwa, which makes it perfect for fostering children’s imagination and expressive skills.

The lyrics are simple and easy to remember, and the rhythm is lively, so it’s enjoyable to repeat.

It’s also easy to incorporate into activities at kindergartens and nursery schools.

This song is included in “Asobi Uta 100” and is widely used in educational settings.

Singing and dancing together with your child will create a wonderful time full of smiles.