[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 (21–30)
Ganba RangersHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
The exciting intro really gets you pumped! Let me introduce “Ganba Rangers.” It’s one of those wonderful songs that sing about the warmth of family and how much we care for one another.
This song was presented as the song for May 2025.
Both the lyrics and music are by Masashi Sada, a renowned creator of many classic tunes.
The lyrics are sprinkled with themes of family love and the feelings children have, and even though the melody is upbeat, you might find yourself moved to tears as you listen.
It’s a poppy number you’ll want to sing along to with your kids.
Hyurara boon-boon!Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
Let me introduce a song that gets everyone from kids to adults pumped up: “Hyura Love Boom Boom!” It’s a pop, happy track that’s perfect for shaking off morning drowsiness or lifting your spirits when you’re feeling low.
First performed in March 2024, the song was written and composed by Nobuhiro Mitomo.
From the intro to the very end, it stays consistently rhythmic, and with many repeated lyrics, it’s easy for children to remember.
Plus, dancing along with the energetic choreography is sure to boost your mood!
Children’s songs. Popular nursery rhymes (31–40)
Dango Three BrothersSakushi: Satou Masahiko / Sakkyoku: Horie Yoshiro
Dango San Kyodai was written specifically for NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” The lyrics were by Masahiko Sato and the music by Yoshiro Horie.
It became so popular that it turned into a social phenomenon, so many of you may already know it.
The song features uniquely quirky lyrics that express the feelings of dumpling brothers skewered on a stick.
Set to a tango rhythm, its light, breezy melody unfolds in a way that makes it perfect not only for singing but also for trying some dance moves.
Why not take on this children’s song to liven up events like school performances and recitals?
Mayim Mayim
This song is popular in Japan as a classic tune for folk dancing and campfires.
It actually originated as an Israeli song about the joy of striking water in a settlement.
Playing this song and dancing to it really gets everyone excited, doesn’t it?
Palms to the SunSakushi: Yanase Takashi / Sakkyoku: Izumi Taku
“Teno hira o Taiyo ni” (“Hold Your Palms Up to the Sun”) features lyrics by Takashi Yanase, the beloved creator of the picture book Anpanman, and music by Taku Izumi, a composer known for many Showa-era popular songs.
It carries a profound message that teaches us we have many emotions precisely because we are alive.
Accompany the bright, uplifting melody with choreography that looks up toward the sun.
It would also be fun to prepare illustrations of the various animals that appear in the lyrics.
Try incorporating this well-known classic into your early childhood education activities.
Applause for you!Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya, Fukuo Makoto, Akimoto Azuki
Clapping serves as the motif for a bright, refreshing cheer song, “Kimi ni Hakushu!” which appeared as the February 2023 song on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho.
The lyrics were written by the unit “Aritarou,” and the composition was handled by Taro Masuda himself.
Its rhythmic melody and handclaps resonate with fun! The lyrics are filled with positive phrases like “A round of applause for the one I love,” “A round of applause for being born,” and “A round of applause for the miracle that we met,” making it a song that brings energy and gratitude to both children and adults.
Be sure to listen while clapping along with your kids!
Lots of heartsYokoyama Daisuke / Mitani Takumi
@user15821878215964 Song of April 2012: Full of Hearts — Daisuke Yokoyama & Takumi MitaniFull of heartsDaisuke YokoyamaTakumi Mitani#Daisuke Onii-san#Takumi Onee-san#WithMotherApril 2012Song of the MonthUehara Risa#Risa Onee-sanDebut songinnocent; fresh; naive; inexperienced (in a charming way)
Original song – Hikaru Tamura – Hikaru Tamura
With gentle lyrics and a heartwarming melody, this song naturally conveys feelings of love to children.
“Hearts Everywhere,” which appeared on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho in April 2012, features lyrics by Toshiyuki Aoshima and music by Megumi Ohashi.
Its rhythmic, catchy style makes it easy to love even on the first listen.
The rhythm and melody are also perfect for parents and children to sing together.
The lyrics are filled with “hearts galore,” creating an atmosphere brimming with kindness.
It’s a cute and soothing song that makes you smile just by listening.