[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 (41–50)
swallowYOASOB with Midorīzu
YOASOBI, a music duo highly popular among children, released “Tsubame” in 2021.
It was chosen as the theme song for the children’s SDGs program series “Hirogare! Irotoridori,” with the group Midories joining the vocals.
The lyrics, which use a swallow to express the importance of connection and understanding, are memorable.
It’s also a great idea to learn the official choreography featured on shows like NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Be sure to check out this sing-and-dance-friendly pop song with friends from kindergarten or nursery school.
Children’s Songs: Popular Nursery Rhymes (51–60)
Toy Cha-Cha-ChaSakushi: Nosaka Akiyuki (Hosaku: Yoshioka Osamu) / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi
This song brings to mind scenes like that popular Disney work where toys at home play while we’re asleep at night.
It makes you imagine, “Maybe my own toys are playing while I’m sleeping?” and puts you in a joyful mood.
After each toy has played all night, they return to their own homes.
This dreamy song also comes with choreography that matches the lyrics! Become the toys that appear in the lyrics, and have fun singing and dancing along.
Story Finger
Something kids are sure to love! Here are some ideas for “Ohanashi Yubisan.” On hot summer days, you probably spend more time indoors, right? We recommend using “Ohanashi Yubisan” as an introduction before physical play, picture books, or craft activities.
Children will be captivated by the movements and singing of teachers or parents, and their attention will naturally gather.
Another nice benefit is that they can learn the names of their fingers while playing! Give it a try.
Potato Jaguar
From the intro, it’s exciting! Let me introduce an idea for “Potato Jaguar.” The song “Potato Jaguar” was broadcast on the TV program “Minna no Uta” from December 1991 to January 1992.
Right from the start of the track, you can hear sounds that capture children’s interest.
The lyrics are cute and the tempo is pleasant, making it perfect for kids! It could also be fun to come up with choreography together with the children.
Be sure to give it a try.
Happy Children
It’s sure to bring a smile! Let me introduce the idea of “Happy Children.” When the temperature stays high, both adults and kids tend to get tired easily.
Many of you are probably thinking about activities that incorporate exercise to help build stamina.
How about using “Happy Children” as a warm-up before activities like jump rope or tag? The lyrics and rhythm are perfect for children, and since it has choreography too, it should help lower the risk of injury compared to jumping straight into exercise.
your smile
Bright and uplifting, “Kimi no Egao” is a feel-good song that won’t be defeated even by a rainy day.
Try singing it with the children, making eye contact and smiling.
Adding gestures and movements can make it even more fun to sing.
Pay attention to the lyrics, too—they’ll fill you with energy that won’t lose to the summer heat.
It’s perfect for singing under the glittering summer sun.
Sing this heart-boosting song and share the importance of smiles with the children.
Let’s all sing it together with lots of energy!
Zebra Swirl
The rhythmic and fun “Zebra Swirl” also features lyrics that are easy for children to remember.
Let’s sing along to the cute, rhythmic words.
The repeated phrases may match the zebra’s stripes and the song’s background, capturing children’s attention.
Try singing to the rhythm while feeling the melody’s lively yet somehow nostalgic vibe.
You might broaden the fun by first asking, “What around us looks like stripes?” and then singing the song.