Lovely childcare

[Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

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!

Children’s songs. Popular nursery rhymes (31–40)

Mayim Mayim

Mayim Mayim ♪ A mysterious tale in the middle of the desert — lyrics by Tatsuyo Shimura; Israeli folk dance song Mayim Mayim

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?

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paprikaYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Paprika

paprikaYonezu Kenshi

Paprika was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu as the NHK 2020 support song.

After the dance music video by the children’s unit Foorin was released, Yonezu also announced his own self-cover.

It was chosen as the August–September song on NHK’s Minna no Uta, making it a hugely popular track known by many children.

It’s a fun song to sing or listen to, but since it has official choreography, be sure to try dancing along with your child.

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Lots of heartsYokoyama Daisuke / Mitani Takumi

@user15821878215964
Song of April 2012: Full of Hearts — Daisuke Yokoyama & Takumi MitaniFull of hearts Daisuke Yokoyama Takumi Mitani #Daisuke Onii-san #Takumi Onee-san #WithMother April 2012 Song of the Month Uehara Risa #Risa Onee-san Debut song innocent; 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.

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The whale is listening.Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya

https://www.tiktok.com/@okaitsu0936/video/7367962907637796104

A gentle ballad that feels very soothing, NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” Song of May 2024, “Kujira ga Kiiteiru” (The Whale Is Listening), is written and composed by Beautiful Hummingbird.

Beautiful Hummingbird is a duo consisting of vocalist Mitsuko Koike and guitarist Nobuaki Tabata.

With lyrics that depict the way sounds of nature connect—such as “the whale, the frog, and the wind are listening”—and a tender melody, the song gives a sense that everyone is connected.

The animation is by picture-book and animation artist Osamu Sakai, whose warm, picture-book-like visuals further enhance the song’s world.

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Bibi-bi Beam!Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya

https://www.tiktok.com/@noa_cocoro557/video/7359168999134924033

A song that makes you want to start dancing! Let me introduce “Bibi-Bi Beam!” From the very intro, an exciting melody kicks in, and the song begins with distinctive choreography—“Bibi-Bi Beam!” is sure to capture children’s interest.

Premiered in February 2024, the lyrics are by Nemuko Oikawa and the music is by Tsuyoshi Ike.

The catchy, energizing magic phrase will stick in your head.

Learn the dance and try it with your kids—it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

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Children’s Songs: Popular Nursery Rhymes (41–50)

Song of the EarthHanada Yuuichirou

[Okaasan to Issho January 2023 Song] “Song of the Earth” Cover

Song of the EarthHanada Yuuichirou

This is the January 2023 song from “Okaasan to Issho,” featuring a friendly, energetic melody and a message to keep singing “the Earth’s loving song” forever.

“Chikyuu no Uta” (The Earth’s Song) was written and composed by Osamu Sakata, the 7th “Uta no Onii-san,” and carries a warm message that children will continue to sing this love song from the Earth.

Arranged by Takeshi Ike, the bright, refreshing arrangement truly shines.

The video, set in a white studio sprinkled with colorful animation, makes it a pop masterpiece that will have both adults and children wanting to sing and dance along.

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Surely a miracleHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya

[Okaasan to Issho April 2025 Song] “Kitto Kiseki” Cover

Surely a miracleHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya

Perfect for spring, new beginnings, and the new school term—here’s an introduction to “Kitto Kiseki,” a song parents and children will want to listen to together.

Some listeners may find courage and hope in the message woven into the lyrics.

The song is being presented as the Song of April 2025.

Of course it suits the season of new encounters in spring, but it’s also a great listen when you’re feeling down or after a quarrel with a friend—it may help you feel gratitude for the people you meet and a sense of destiny.

It might even turn your attention to encounters with animals and nature beyond humans.

What a wonderful song.

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