[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)
I want to become the sun!Sakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
It’s a song filled with gentle feelings, where the warmth of love shines like the sun.
Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa tenderly express the warm emotions of falling for someone through a bright, expansive melody.
This piece was performed in July 2017 by Satoko Yamano, Toshihiko Shinzawa, and the Kotonomi Children’s Choir, and included on the album “Toshihiko Shinzawa & Hirotaka Nakagawa Songs <30th Anniversary Commemorative: Children’s Chorus Version>.” Its poppy melody and positive message make it perfect for occasions like kindergarten entrance ceremonies and the start of a new school term.
Why not sing it together, warmly watching over the children as they take their first steps toward the future?
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.
What is your name?Indoneshia min’yō
This is a hand-play song rooted in a traditional Indonesian folk tune, widely beloved in early childhood education settings.
It helps children become familiar with their own names and those of their friends, fostering communication while they enjoy learning names.
The melody is bright and approachable, designed so children can sing along happily.
It is often sung at the start of activities or during morning gatherings and is used as a hand-play song in preschool environments.
The piece is included mainly in piano collections for educators, such as “Songs for Children: Easy Piano Accompaniment You Can Play—Perfect for Nursery Schools and Kindergartens.” Recommended for childcare settings, it has a warm atmosphere that eases anxiety in new environments and helps children build relationships with friends.
My Mixed JuiceSakushi: Gomi Tarō / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Koku
Released in 1982, this is a bright, uplifting children’s song.
If you want kids to sing out with lively voices, this track is highly recommended.
Shōko Haida, the beloved “big sister” singer from children’s programs, has performed it as well.
Verses 1, 2, and 3 are divided into morning, afternoon, and night parts, so if you’re planning group singing with different sections, this song might be perfect.
The chorus features the title “Mixed Juice” as part of the lyrics, and it’s incredibly satisfying to sing!
Small WorldSakushi / Sakkyoku: Shāman Kyōdai
How about “It’s a Small World,” a song imbued with the message “Let’s all get along”? It was written as the theme song for the Disneyland attraction It’s a Small World.
The lyrics are heartwarming, and its mid-tempo feel is sure to lift your spirits.
With many sustained notes, it’s also fun to enjoy long vocal lines.
That makes it perfect for choral singing, and thanks to its thematic lyrics, it would pair well with performances like school plays or recitals.
After a fightSakushi: Araki Toyohisa / Sakkyoku: Miki Takashi
I’d like to introduce “Kenka no Ato” as a heartwarming song with a strong message.
It gained attention after being chosen as a theme song for the children’s program Hirake! Ponkikki.
Many people may also know it from Tsuyoshi Tsuruno’s later cover version.
The song depicts making up after a quarrel.
It’s not only fun to sing, but also perfect for reaffirming the importance of reconciling and cherishing friends.