[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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Food Song (11–20)
A-I-U-E-O nigirisakushi sakkyoku/shuu saeko
This song features a lovely melody and heartwarming lyrics centered on the theme of rice balls (onigiri).
Broadcast in April 2001 as the Monthly Song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” Shū Saeko’s piece has continued to be cherished by many since its airing.
In early childhood settings, it’s perfect as an introduction to food education activities.
It’s a song you can enjoy in many ways with children—singing together while naming fillings, adding hand-play motions, and more.
The Bento Bus SongSakushi sakkyoku: Shinju Mariko
This heartwarming song, written and composed by beloved children’s picture book author Mariko Shinju, depicts food items cheerfully boarding a bus.
Its rhythmic, catchy melody and lyrics that roll out ingredient names one after another create a lively atmosphere that makes you want to move your body.
Released in 2017 as part of King Records’ “Suku♪Iku” series, it also saw a new version by Icchi & Naru in 2025.
Widely used for hand-play activities in nurseries and kindergartens and as a tool for food education, this delightful track makes mealtimes more enjoyable—perfect for singing along while cooking in the kitchen or humming during lunchbox prep for a field trip.
A strawberry is a strawberry.Sakushi: Kotaki Kiyomi / Sakkyoku: Fujita Taishi
This is a charming song with a bright, rhythmic, and fun melody paired with heartwarming lyrics.
It was broadcast in May 1997 as the “Song of the Month” on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, with lyrics by Kiyomi Kotaki and music by Taishi Fujita.
The gently told story follows a protagonist who dreams of becoming a cake and, while chasing that dream, discovers their own true self—making it a song that enriches children’s imaginations.
Sung and beloved by Kentaro Hayami and Ayumi Shigemori, it was later carried on by Akihiro Sugita and Ryoko Tsumoda.
It is also included on the album NHK Okaasan to Issho Memorial Album and has been cherished by many children.
It’s perfect for humming during walks or outdoor play, and for singing together on spring field trips or fun outings.
When sung with family, it’s sure to become a wonderful memory that shares the joy of spring.
Banana Parent and ChildSakata Osamu
Lyrics and melodies that make children’s hearts skip a beat.
This song is an adorable piece depicting a banana parent and child living on a southern island.
The swaying bananas in the breeze are expressed through rhythmic lyrics.
Carried by Osamu Sakata’s gentle voice, the introduction of Papa Banana, Mama Banana, and Little Banana makes you want to hum along.
Broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s a hugely popular song among children.
Sing and dance together as a family, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time!
Vegetable SongYamano Satoko
Welcome to the wonderful world of vegetables! This song, hugely popular with children, is full of clever ways to help them learn the names of vegetables in a fun, rhythmic way.
With sounds that express the names and characteristics of veggies like tomatoes and cabbage, just listening will fill you with excitement.
Accompanied by Satoko Yamano’s bright and gentle voice, the vegetables make their appearances one after another.
This piece is included in many children’s music albums.
It’s also recommended for nutrition education time or for singing together with kids who aren’t fond of vegetables.
If you sing while moving your body, it becomes even more fun!
Songs of Vehicles (11–20)
Songs about trains and the Shinkansen that any transportation fan will want to hear!
Boys especially love vehicles, don’t they? In particular, many of them like cool ones such as trains and the Shinkansen. Here, we introduce a variety of songs about trains and the Shinkansen. Sing along and feel like you’re riding your favorite vehicles! Reference article:[Train and Shinkansen Song] Popular with kids! Vehicle song
Vehicle Song (1–10)
Song of ConnectionSuzukawa Ayako
This is a song performed by Ayako Suzukawa, a railway-loving YouTuber and comedian.
As the title suggests, it’s about Shinkansen and trains that couple together.
Just by listening, you can learn which trains couple and at which stations they separate.
Once you fall in love with the Shinkansen, you’ll naturally get curious about coupling at least once.
Please enjoy the song while learning about it.
Ayako Suzukawa also sings other original songs about trains, so be sure to give those a listen too.
GO! ShinkansenSuzukawa Ayako
Ayako Suzukawa is a YouTuber and a member of Yoshimoto Kogyo who also works as a “train-loving comedian.” Her channel features videos of original songs inspired by her passion for trains, as well as clips starring her young sons—perfect for kids who love trains.
“GO! Shinkansen” has wonderfully approachable lyrics that radiate love for the bullet train.
The original video shows various Shinkansen—like the coupling of the Hayabusa and Komachi, as well as the Yamabiko, Tsubame, and Mizuho—gliding beautifully along the tracks.
It’s guaranteed to get Shinkansen fans excited!
