[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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Spring Songs (1–10)
Spring somewhereSakushi: Momota Sōji / Sakkyoku: Kusakawa Shin
From late February into March, don’t you sometimes catch a fleeting sense of spring even while still feeling the cold? It’s not quite the full arrival of spring yet, but this song expresses the hints of the season you can sense in nature little by little: snow melting and flowing into the river, the calls of spring creatures, flowers budding, and so on.
Those gradual signs of spring can really brighten the heart, can’t they? The “east wind” that appears in the latter half of the lyrics refers to a spring wind blowing from the east, though nowadays it’s sometimes sung as “breeze” instead.
It’s a perfect song for those moments when you notice a small sound of spring somewhere.
School of MedakaSakushi: Chaki Shigeru / Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao
Spring is the season when living creatures become more active.
With that in mind, how about “Medaka no Gakkō” (“The Medaka’s School”)? Many of you probably sang and enjoyed it as children.
First broadcast on an NHK radio program in 1951, it gradually came to be sung across Japan and, within a few years, became firmly established.
In 2007, it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs.
Listening to it conjures up images of medaka fish swimming in clear water and puts you in a peaceful mood.
It’s perfect for when you want to spend a laid-back, carefree moment.
Spring Song (11–20)
I want to scribble on the sky.sakushi: Yamagami Michio / sakkyoku: Izumi Taku
Let us introduce a dream-filled children’s song that’s perfect for the season when May’s fresh greenery sparkles.
Created by Michio Yamagami (lyrics) and Taku Izumi (music), this piece is a delightful song that nurtures children’s rich imagination.
With lyrics brimming with free-spirited dreams—like a big apple tree, a bulldog, and a long bridge—paired with a light, cheerful melody, it’s truly charming.
It’s included on the albums “Kodomo no Uta: Paku Paku Itadakimasu!” and “Ukiuki Wakuwaku! Kodomo no Uta,” and is also used as teaching material in kindergartens and nursery schools.
It’s a wonderful song to enjoy the joys of spring—whether you sing it while looking up at the sky on a walk, or sing along with friends while drawing pictures.
Japanese bush warblerSakushi: Hayashi Ryūha / Sakkyoku: Inoue Takeshi
This children’s song weaves the beautiful chirping of the bush warbler, which heralds the arrival of spring, into a gentle melody and story.
Created by Yanagiha Hayashi and Takeshi Inoue, it tenderly portrays the bird perched on a plum branch announcing spring, as well as its descent from snow-laden mountains to the village, in a way that resonates with children.
Its calm triple meter and phrases that imitate the warbler’s call are distinctive, offering a cheerful, singable melody line that evokes the warmth of spring.
Beloved in schools and homes alike, it has also been covered by artists such as Saori Yuki and Shoko Yasuda.
It’s a perfect song to enjoy singing with children during spring, a season rich with opportunities to connect with nature.
TulipSakushi: Kondo Miyako / Sakkyoku: Inoue Takeshi
Don’t you ever feel a rush of excitement just from listening to children’s songs? With lyrics by Miyako Kondo and music by Takeshi Inoue, this piece is a beloved favorite among children, celebrating the arrival of spring when colorful flowers bloom.
The melody is easy to remember and the lyrics are simple, so children quickly find themselves humming along.
It was released in July 1932 and recorded the following year.
At kindergarten entrance ceremonies, it would be lovely for the current students to sing it to welcome the newcomers.
If everyone sings together, it will surely ease the nerves and make for a joyful ceremony!
Song of a little birdSakushi: Yoda Jun’ichi / Sakkyoku: Akutagawa Yasushi
This piece, which gently captures the chirping of little birds, warmly embraces the hearts of young children.
Jun’ichi Yoda’s lyrics and Yasushi Akutagawa’s music blend beautifully to bring to life the image of small birds living in nature.
The onomatopoeic words in the lyrics spark children’s imaginations and make singing delightful.
Since its debut in 1954, this song has remained beloved in kindergartens and nursery schools, making it perfect for entrance ceremonies.
It helps ease the anxiety of children facing a new environment and is sure to turn their nerves into smiles through song.
Summer Songs (11–20)
A summer song that puts you in a fun mood!
Doesn’t just the word “summer” make you feel a little brighter? For kids, it’s surely a favorite season because they get to enjoy summer vacation. The summer songs I’m about to introduce are mostly cheerful and fun, and just listening to them will make you feel excited! I’ll be sharing some recommended tracks to soundtrack your fun summer! Reference article:[Childcare] Summer songs: Full of fun! Summer nursery rhymes & finger-play songs
Summer Songs (1–10)
Hey! SeaSakushi: Yamakawa Keisuke / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naosumi
When you think of summer, many of you probably picture the blue ocean.
In times like that, we recommend this song, “Hey! Ocean,” which lets you feel the sea’s vastness and beauty, as well as the gentleness and power of nature.
The lyrics are charming, as if you’re really speaking to the ocean, making it perfect to sing with energetic children full of summer spirit.
Move your body to the bright, free-flowing melody and rhythm, and you’ll likely feel your spirits lift! Try singing from your diaphragm, imagining your voice carrying far into the distance.