RAG MusicKARAOKE
Lovely karaoke song

Songs with titles starting with 'O' [Great for karaoke and shiritori!]

Songs with titles starting with “O” often feature unique names—like those using characters meaning “dance” or “gold,” as well as Osaka-themed songs.

They also tend to be great for getting everyone fired up when singing! I can’t think of many off the top of my head, so I want to look some up…

This is a list that might come in handy at such times: songs with titles that start with “O.” Use it when you’re wondering, “What songs start with ‘O’?” and also as a prompt for shiritori or when choosing tracks at karaoke.

Songs with titles starting with 'O' [Great for karaoke & shiritori too!] (381–390)

Oh, the pastures are greenChekosurobakia min’yō

Green Are the Meadows (Oo, Makiba wa Midori) with Lyrics – Suginami Children's Choir – Czech Folk Song
Oh, the pastures are greenChekosurobakia min'yō

This is a Czechoslovak folk song that gently sings of a lush, green pastoral landscape.

With a friendly melody and refreshing lyrics that conjure up soothing scenes of nature, it’s full of charm that makes you want to hum along.

Introduced in April 1961 during the very first broadcast of “Minna no Uta,” it has since become a beloved classic in Japan.

It is also known for being performed by the Tokyo Broadcasting Children’s Choir on an NHK program.

Why not sing it together during a music recreation session, imagining the beautiful scenery of the meadows and the young people singing? It might even spark nostalgic conversations and fond memories.

The Bento Bus SongSakushi sakkyoku: Shinju Mariko

♪ The Bento Bus Song (Vocals: Icchi & Naru / Lyrics & Music: Mariko Shinju) [Official Collaboration with the picture book “Obentō Bus”]
The Bento Bus SongSakushi sakkyoku: Shinju Mariko

This heartwarming song, written and composed by beloved children’s picture book author Mariko Shinju, depicts food items cheerfully boarding a bus.

Its rhythmic, catchy melody and lyrics that roll out ingredient names one after another create a lively atmosphere that makes you want to move your body.

Released in 2017 as part of King Records’ “Suku♪Iku” series, it also saw a new version by Icchi & Naru in 2025.

Widely used for hand-play activities in nurseries and kindergartens and as a tool for food education, this delightful track makes mealtimes more enjoyable—perfect for singing along while cooking in the kitchen or humming during lunchbox prep for a field trip.

Hey, Kaba-kun!sakushi: nakagawa itsuko / sakkyoku: nakagawa hirotaka

With its calm and gentle atmosphere, this song was released in April 2007 as a picture book with a CD, and together with illustrations by Hiroshi Abe, a former zookeeper at Asahiyama Zoo, it became a tune rooted in children’s daily lives.

Created by Hirotaka Nakagawa and Itsuko Nakagawa, the work also encourages children’s curiosity about animals through its focus on hippos.

It was featured on the TV program Hirake! Ponkikki and has long been loved by many children.

Its relaxed tempo and melody perfectly match the laid-back image of hippos, making it great for singing along with your child.

Why not hum it happily on a spring field trip or during a visit to the zoo?

The Hungry Tummy Songsakushi: sakata hiroo / sakkyoku: onaka megumi

♪ The Hungry Tummy Song (with actions) - ♪ Why does my tummy get hungry, I wonder? Does it get hungry when we have a fight, I wonder? ~
The Hungry Tummy Songsakushi: sakata hiroo / sakkyoku: onaka megumi

This is a delightful children’s song by Hiroo Sakata (lyrics) and Megumi Oonaka (music) that humorously portrays hunger.

With a simple, friendly melody and lyrics that gently capture everyday moments of children, it’s a work that’s sure to bring a smile.

First released in 1960, it was performed by the Froebel Boys’ Choir when it aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962.

Loved for many years since, it was rebroadcast in July 2021.

It’s perfect for singing together as a family when you’re hungry or during snack time—smiles come naturally.

It’s also an ideal song for lunch during field trips or picnics.

Sing it together, and your mealtime will become an even more memorable, joyful moment.

The Bento Box SongSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Akihiro

This is a fingerplay song, beloved by children, that cheerfully introduces the contents of a lunchbox.

Miyako Kayama’s warm lyrics perfectly match Akihiro Komori’s bright, friendly melody, resulting in an uplifting tune.

It’s fun to sing while doing the hand motions, and the lively storytelling is part of its charm.

Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in August 1978, the song was featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and the Nippon TV network’s “Ohayō! Kodomo Show,” gaining widespread popularity.

It’s a delightful song that makes moments centered on food—like packing lunches or getting ready for a field trip—even more enjoyable.

Songs with Titles Starting with “O” [Great for Karaoke & Shiritori!] (391–400)

Story FingerSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

Mr. Story Finger (🎵 This finger is Papa~) by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics [Children’s Song | One of Japan’s 100 Selected Songs]
Story FingerSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira

This is a heartwarming children’s song that you can enjoy while doing hand play.

By imagining your fingers as cute family members, it unfolds like a conversation between characters, so it’s great fun to sing while moving your fingers together with your child! Created by Yoshiko Kayama and Akira Yuyama, the piece was first introduced in February 1962 on the NHK radio program “Toddler Time,” and has been included on many classic recordings, such as the album “Children’s Songs by Age (2) Ages 1–2.” Its simple lyrics and melody are charming and perfect for parent-child bonding.

Widely loved as a staple hand-play song that’s hugely popular in kindergartens and nursery schools, it has also been featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” The bright, cheerful melody makes it easy to sing and is sure to bring a smile to your child’s face.

To live with youYamamoto Jōji

Joji Yamamoto “Living With You” Music Video (full ver.)
To live with youYamamoto Jōji

Released as a single in 2002 and performed at that year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, “Omae to Ikiru” is one of Mr.

Yamamoto’s signature songs of the 2000s and is also very popular for karaoke.

It’s classic Joji Yamamoto enka, bursting with his trademark style—conveying the tenderness and love of a somewhat awkward man in a way that’s quintessentially Yamamoto.

Many people likely include this song in their karaoke repertoire.

While it covers the fundamental techniques of enka, it isn’t overly difficult, so it’s also recommended for beginners who want to try singing a manly enka song in the style of Mr.

Yamamoto.