[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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Summer Songs (1–10)
Let’s dance, Ondo!
This is a participatory Bon Odori song that everyone can enjoy moving their bodies to.
The comical vocals and lively rhythm combine to create an atmosphere that naturally makes you want to dance as you listen.
The choreography that matches the lyrics is easy to follow, making it perfect for getting everyone excited at preschools or local summer festivals.
With moves like fireworks and hand claps, you’ll listen on with anticipation, wondering what comes next.
The instrumental tones are vibrant, and the balance with the vocals is exquisite.
A major appeal is that children can shout along, move their bodies, and have fun together.
Whether dancing in yukata or hero costumes, this song lets you fully feel the bustle of summer.
Genki Ondo
It’s a bright and lively Bon Odori song.
Set to a poppy rhythm, it features moves like the “hungry tummy growl” pose and big-voice gestures that naturally make kids want to move.
The choreography is easy to follow and full of the joy of dancing together.
Its energetic tempo and friendly vocals will further boost the festive mood.
The clear rhythm and catchy melody stick in your head, and moving freely to the music brings out smiles.
Popular as a versatile number for kindergartens and local summer festivals, it’s perfect for summer events where everyone can dance, sing, and feel energized.
Anpanman Ondo
Let’s all dance together! Here are some ideas for the “Anpanman Ondo.” Let’s dance the “Anpanman Ondo” with the beloved characters from “Go! Anpanman,” popular in the anime, movies, and picture books! The song has four verses, but the choreography stays the same, so it should be easy for children to learn, right? Moving their bodies to the rhythm can not only develop motor skills and a sense of rhythm, but also help nurture emotional expression—like “I did it!” and “I can dance for fun!”—and boost their self-esteem.
Zunpa Ondo
It’s a lively, cheerful festival song that spreads a bright, bustling atmosphere.
Packed with elements kids can connect with right away—like twirling their bodies and moving their arms and legs briskly—it features a light, upbeat tempo.
Drums and flutes boost the rhythm, and the continual development makes you smile as you move along.
You’ll also enjoy a sing-along-friendly melody that naturally makes you want to hum while matching the dance moves.
The changing sections keep things interesting, so it never gets dull to listen to.
It’s a perfect highlight for summer events or Bon Odori at preschools, bringing the whole venue together as one.
This energetic track, great for dancing with children, is also ideal for creating lasting summer memories.
It’s Hamu Hamu ON-DO, Ham-chans!
“Hamham ON-DO da, Ham-chans!” by the Ham-chans is an energetic Bon Odori dance song born from the anime Hamtaro.
All the small, cute characters make an appearance, and a lively rhythm unfolds that makes you want to dance.
With its brisk tempo, it’s fun to join in with call-and-response and hand claps, which will boost children’s eagerness to participate.
The instruments are lively, and the atmosphere builds in step with the song’s progression.
The vocal expressions are rich as well, with a structure that lets each character’s personality shine through.
Even children who don’t know the anime can enjoy it, and using it at summer festivals or school events will create a time filled with smiles.
Ponchararin on a moonlit night
It’s a lively ondo song featuring a variety of animals.
The rhythm moves at a comfortable pace, packed with a fun energy that makes you want to move your body.
You can enjoy imagining the movements of raccoon dogs, rabbits, and fireflies.
The instrumentation is cleverly arranged, and the layered sounds create a distinctly summery atmosphere.
The dance choreography is easy to learn, so even children new to Bon Odori can quickly join the circle and have fun.
Through both song and dance, this piece evokes the bustle of a nighttime scene.
As an ondo that colors summer festival memories, it’s beloved by many children.
To the Sun in the Palm of Your HandSakushi: Yanase Takashi / Sakkyoku: Izumi Taku
A perfect children’s song for the brilliantly shining summer sun is “Tenohira o Taiyō ni” (Hold Your Palms to the Sun).
The lyrics were written by Takashi Yanase, creator of Anpanman, and the music was composed by Taku Izumi, who worked on many songs including the theme for “Tetsuko’s Room.” Joy and sadness, encounters with all kinds of friends and living creatures—this song deeply reminds us that these seemingly ordinary things are only possible because we are alive.
Although it’s a song for children, adults may feel it in a different, moving way.
There’s choreography that matches the lyrics, too, so sing and dance with all your energy and enjoy this moment of being alive!
