Popular children's songs. Japanese music artist rankings [2026]

peach-colored cheeksSakushi / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Shou91rank/position

[March 2025 Latest Tsukiuta] Peachy Cheeks 🍑💓 by UtaSta | video by Odorippi | Babies Will Love It | Children's Song | Dance | With Choreography | With Mother | Peekaboo

The new song that began airing in March 2025 on NHK Educational TV’s “Okaasan to Issho” is a cheerful and fun piece created by Sho Yamamoto.

It features an appealing, idol-style melody and lyrics that are easy to enjoy.

With lively choreography designed to bring out children’s smiles, the piece has a heartwarming finish.

Sung joyfully by singer Nagata Maya, exercise leader Anzu Akimoto, and the new character Mimomo-chan, this song is delightful for everyone from babies to young children.

It’s a wonderful tune that families can enjoy together, moving their bodies to the rhythm.

Ho! Ho! Ho!Sakushi: Itō Akira / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi92rank/position

Ho! Ho! Ho! (with gestures)

A piece marked by cheerful chants that make you want to join in without thinking.

The swaying, rocking rhythm is so much fun, isn’t it? This song has become a beloved staple of NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” with a recorded vocal version by Kurumi Kobato in August 1999.

It was also included on the album released in December of the same year, “NHK ‘Okaasan to Issho: 40 Years, 300 Songs.’” It’s a playful song that values the sound of the words more than their meaning.

Be sure to move your bodies together as a parent and child!

The feeling of gratitudeSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Hosoda Maiko93rank/position

Children’s Song “The Feeling of Thank You” <Graduation Song>

“Arigatou no Kimochi” (Feelings of Thanks) is a song that lets children sincerely express their gratitude to the guardians and teachers who have watched over them every day.

The lyrics are by Toshihiko Shinzawa, well-known for many children’s songs, and the music is composed by Maiko Hosoda.

Memories from their time at the preschool and warm feelings of “thank you” for those who supported them are sung to a gentle, quiet melody.

The song was released on the YouTube channel “Maiko no Uta” in January 2020, and the sheet music was published in the March 2020 issue of “Hoiku to Curriculum.” With its frequent lyrical repetition and calm tone, it’s perfect for events like graduation ceremonies where children’s voices can truly shine.

Sung from the heart, it’s sure to fill the entire venue with warm emotion.

After a fightSakushi: Araki Toyohisa / Sakkyoku: Miki Takashi94rank/position

[Children’s Song] After a Fight

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.

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yamamoto

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Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~Teshima Aoi95rank/position

Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~ / Aoi Teshima cover by Yurina

“Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~” is the theme song of the Studio Ghibli film From Up on Poppy Hill.

In the film it is sung by Aoi Teshima, but this version is a cover; the original song is Ryoko Moriyama’s “Sayonara no Natsu.” Even so, it’s such a perfect fit for the work that it vividly evokes the protagonist—truly a masterpiece.

The song is included on the album ‘Kokuriko-zaka kara Uta-shū’ (From Up on Poppy Hill Song Collection).

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sasashina

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One Night CarnivalKishidan96rank/position

Kishidan – One Night Carnival

This track is characterized by its hot, lively sound.

Created by Kishidan, it was released in 2002, and a remade version was unveiled in 2013 as the theme song for “Kishidan Expo 2013.” With an energizing vibe right from the intro, its catchy melody is easy to remember and makes you want to sing along.

It’s a perfect song for cheering at sports days and school athletic festivals.

If you need a boost of energy, give it a listen.

MomotaroSuiyōbi no Campanella97rank/position

Wednesday Campanella 'Momotaro'

When it comes to unique songs that kids might also enjoy, wouldn’t Wednesday Campanella’s “Momotarō” be a great pick? The lyrics, based on the Momotarō folktale and spun with a unique interpretation, are packed with witty lines that make you chuckle.

And the real highlight is that very distinctive chorus! The choreography for the chorus is especially simple, making it easy and fun for children to dance along.

While many of the lyrics might be a bit challenging for kids, KOM_I’s distinctive vocal style and laid-back vibe make it a song that both children and adults can enjoy.

Promise of the WorldBaishō Chieko98rank/position

Chieko Baisho / The Promise of the World ~Howl's Moving Castle~ High-quality sound with lyrics

This is the theme song of Howl’s Moving Castle.

While “Merry-Go-Round of Life” is more widely known, this is also a song I really want you to listen to.

The lyrics are by the renowned Shuntaro Tanikawa.

The piece includes a melody that evokes “Merry-Go-Round of Life.”

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sasashina

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againHirahara Ayaka99rank/position

Again – Ayaka Hirahara

The image song for Spirited Away.

And of course, the composer is Joe Hisaishi.

You can’t talk about Ghibli music without him.

Ayaka Hirahara’s voice seems to stretch on endlessly, making it a perfect match for this song.

Let’s listen to lots of Ghibli music that evokes so many feelings—nostalgia, warmth, and bittersweetness.

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sasashina

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Family partykyarī pamyu pamyu100rank/position

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Family Party (Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – Family Party) Official Music Video

It was released in 2014 as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s ninth single.

The song was written specifically as the theme for the movie Crayon Shin-chan: Serious Battle! Robot Dad Strikes Back, and, in keeping with the film’s concept, it centers on the theme of “family bonds.” It’s a track that listeners of all ages can enjoy.