[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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Fingerplay song (1–10)
fig carrot
“Ichijiku Ninjin” is a counting song that uses the names of foods and plants.
The lyrics start with figs (ichijiku) and go on to list items like carrots (ninjin) whose names contain numbers.
The choreography matches the lyrics by raising fingers to show the numbers, and numbers 5 and above are shown with both hands.
By the way, the foods and plants that appear in this counting song actually vary by region, so some people may be more familiar with versions that include shiso (perilla) or tōgarashi (chili pepper).
Ochara-ka-hoi
Children have always loved the hand-clapping song that starts with the chant, “Se-se-se no yoi yoi yoi,” haven’t they? In this song, called “Ocharaka Hoi,” you alternately clap hands facing up and down with yourself and your partner, then play rock-paper-scissors.
The winner strikes a winning pose, and the loser takes a losing pose.
You repeat this over and over.
It’s a hand-clapping game that can go on forever.
the temple’s head monk
The temple monk—this hand game song is well-known, isn’t it? It uses hand movements to show the monk sowing pumpkin seeds and how they grow.
At the end, you play rock-paper-scissors.
The lyrics vary by region and generation, and there are many arranged versions; some take lots of detours while depicting the seeds’ growth process.
Zuizui Zukkorobashi
Many hand-play songs are for two people, but Zuizui Zukkorobashi is a hand-play song that can be played by two or more.
This song describes presenting tea to a shogun in the Edo period.
One person extends their index finger, while the others make tube shapes with both hands.
The finger is inserted into each “tube” in turn, and when the song ends, the hand that has the finger in it is pulled away.
The person who can pull away the fastest wins.
Denderaryuba
It’s a famous children’s song handed down in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Many people outside Nagasaki may also have learned it in kindergarten or elementary school.
The dialect heard in the lyrics leaves a strong impression and feels a bit like wordplay.
Even children who don’t yet understand words can enjoy it, and those who can speak well can have fun with it like a tongue twister! It’s even more enjoyable when combined with hand motions.
Tokyo-to Nihonbashi
This is a nursery rhyme where you change the shape and movements of your hands to match the lyrics.
Because you can play while directly touching the other person’s hands, they might enjoy it even more than just singing.
At the end of the song, tickle them a lot and make them laugh! It’s great for parents and children, and it would be fun to try with friends, too.
It’s also fine for little ones who don’t understand words yet.
Hand play songs (11–20)
Knock knock knock knock, Grandpa with a beard
It’s a classic, well-known hand game song that moms and dads, as well as grandparents, are familiar with.
You make both hands into fists and tap them together, using your clenched hands to represent “Bearded Old Man,” “Bumpy Old Man,” “Tengu,” and “Glasses.” At the end, you open your hands into palms facing up and place them on your knees.
You can also change it up by placing them somewhere other than your knees.
Food Song (11–20)
A food song that makes mealtimes fun!
Many moms and dads may struggle during their children’s mealtime—like when kids can’t resist the urge to play and leave the table, or when picky eaters won’t eat much. In such moments, how about singing nursery rhymes that make mealtime more fun? Give it a try! Reference article: