[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)
Karada DandanSakushi: Yoshida Sensha / Sakkyoku: Kosugi Yasuo
The exercise song from NHK E-Tele’s “Okaasan to Issho,” called “Karada☆Dandan.” If your child goes to daycare or kindergarten, they probably already know it! In this song, you transform into all sorts of creatures like crabs, dinosaurs, and ninjas, making it a fun track to play while moving your body.
It might be a bit challenging for infants and toddlers, but children around preschool age should be able to dance through the whole thing.
It’s great for parents and kids to dance together, and it also works well for everyone to do as part of warm-up exercises!
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)
UraraHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
Urara was the first “Song of the Month” for Maya Onee-san on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, debuting as the song for April 2022.
It was written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno of Ikimonogakari.
The bright, rhythmic melody and gentle, uplifting lyrics—like “Let’s give a warm, tight hug; everything will be all right”—leave a strong impression on both children and adults.
It’s a lively yet tender tune that perfectly suits new beginnings in spring and everyday moments for parents and kids alike.
Happappa, haaa!Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
This is a rhythmical song themed around the beauty of nature and scenery, long beloved by children: “Happapa no Haa!” It was broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in October 1974, with lyrics by Takako Yamada and music by Hachidai Nakamura.
The song features the distinctive, repeatedly sung phrase “happapa,” designed to make it fun and easy for children to sing along.
Hachidai Nakamura is also known as a composer active in the Showa era who produced many hit songs.
It’s a heartwarming piece that conveys the joy of music and a love for nature.
All set and ready to go!Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
Let me introduce “Junbi Bantantan!”, a song that cheers kids on as they get ready in the morning and at night.
It’s very rhythmic and easy to remember.
It appeared as the May 2023 monthly song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” With its fresh, bright melody, it became popular as a tune that makes parents and children want to hum along while getting ready.
The lyrics are by Momi Fujimoto, and the music is by Tetsuro Oda, a producer behind many J-pop hits.
It’s an energetic song that brightens up families’ daily routines.
If kids get ready while singing, it might boost their mood, too!
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.
Dreaming Yukkuri-sanSatō Hiromichi
A gentle, easy-to-listen-to tune! Let us introduce “Yumemiru Yukkuri-san.” It’s a wonderful song whose lyrics express the desire to cherish and watch over individuality.
The song was presented as the song of June 2025.
Lyrics by Shinzo Higurashi.
Music by Bearground.
It’s great not only at home but also for use in preschools and kindergartens.
It feels like it teaches, through song, that it’s okay for people to be different.
Pay attention to the lovely lyrics about accepting your own individuality and that of others!