[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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Children’s songs: Popular nursery rhymes (11–20)
rainbowSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
When it comes to classic children’s songs sung at daycare centers and kindergartens, “Niji” (Rainbow) is a staple.
The lyrics were written by singer-songwriter Toshihiko Shinzawa, and the music was composed by picture book author Hirotaka Nakagawa.
Its bright melody evokes a cloudless sky.
Since the song consists only of piano and vocals, have the children sing along to the teacher’s piano accompaniment.
After singing, everyone is sure to feel uplifted.
It’s a perfect piece to conclude events and recitals—be sure to give it a try.
Mr. Ant on an errandsakushi: Sekine Eiichi / sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma
This song charmingly portrays ants busily at work, featuring a lively beat and rhythmic lyrics.
The image of ants bumping into each other in their haste is expressed with the phrase “kottsun-ko,” which tickles children’s hearts.
Released in 1950 and introduced on NHK’s radio program for young children, “Yōji no Jikan,” it has since been beloved by many kids.
The piece has a gentle warmth that embraces children’s everyday lives and little mishaps, making it easy to use in early childhood settings.
Singing it while moving the body also provides a fun opportunity for physical activity.
The Song of KonkonshyanSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira
This song, which depicts animals wearing unique masks and sneezing, has long been loved by children.
The cute descriptions of masks tailored to each animal—like squirrels and hippos—spark kids’ imaginations.
It’s also popular as a hand-play song in kindergartens and nurseries, where children pretend to be the animals and move their bodies as they sing, making learning even more fun.
Released in 1961, the song delivers an enjoyable message about the importance of preventing colds.
It’s perfect for fostering awareness of health and for learning about animal characteristics.
Let’s all sing together and think about health in a fun way!
Ho! Ho! Ho!Sakushi: Itō Akira / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi
Despite its simple lyrics, “Ho! Ho! Ho!” is a delightful song with a bouncy melody and a smoothly flowing chorus.
In everyday life, children can feel down or sad at times.
But listening to this song somehow lifts their spirits.
The chorus is especially catchy and makes you want to sing along, so it’s highly recommended.
It’s also fun to sing and dance with simple gestures! Please enjoy it together with the children so they can have fun singing, too.
Under the big chestnut tree
The children’s song “Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree,” based on a British folk tune, was selected in 2007 as one of Japan’s Top 100 Songs and enjoys nationwide recognition.
Its repeated phrases make it easy for children to memorize.
It’s also nice to sing while moving your body, combining the lyrics with matching choreography.
Varying the tempo or adding choreographic arrangements can make it even more exciting.
This nursery rhyme works well both as a hand-play song and as a choral piece.
Why not try singing it with a real tree or an illustration as the backdrop?
There’s no such thing as ghosts.Sakushi: Maki Minori / Sakkyoku: Mine Akira
This is a cute song recommended for children who are at the age where they start getting scared of ghosts.
Despite being a ghost-themed song, its cheerful lyrics brighten kids’ spirits.
It’s also very handy for soothing frightened children.
Since it’s an upbeat tune, it’s fun to sing along!
Children’s Songs: Popular Nursery Rhymes (21–30)
What color do you like?Sakushi/Sakkyoku: Sakata Osamu
“What’s the name of my favorite color?” With the song “Which Color Do You Like?” kids can have fun singing while learning color names.
Children, who are naturally curious about the world around them, are likely feeling, even without saying it out loud, “I like this color” as they see many colors every day.
It’s great to tell them each time, “This is [color],” but learning through a song might make it easier to match the names with the colors.
As you sing, find the same colors in the things around you and in the clothes you’re wearing, and enjoy learning the names of colors.
