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

rainbow-coloredayaka15rank/position

Ayaka / Nijiiro Music Video

With its warm, comforting melody and powerful vocals, this song gently enfolds a hope-filled moment, as if welcoming the birth of new life.

Released in June 2014 as a single by Ayaka, it was written as the theme song for the NHK drama series Hanako to Anne.

Portraying the story of a life everyone walks, the process of shaping oneself step by step, and hope for the future, the piece—centered on the tender tones of an acoustic guitar—closely resonates with the listener’s heart.

It’s a song that gives a gentle push forward, perfect for moments of new beginnings such as weddings or childbirth, inspiring you to face ahead and walk in your own way.

SmileKamisiraishi Moka16rank/position

Smile / Moka Kamishiraishi [Sports Day, School Performance Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

Starting with a refreshing morning greeting, moving through fun playtime at noon, and ending with a moment of gazing at the night sky, this song brightly and breezily depicts various scenes of a day.

Released by Moka Kamishiraishi in June 2015 as the opening theme for the NHK E-Tele anime “Hanakappa,” it features a rhythmic, bouncy melody and lyrics sprinkled with playful wordplay.

The themes are staying positive and the importance of a smile, carrying a message to keep smiling anytime, anywhere.

It’s a perfect track for a dance segment at a school sports day, and dancing with lively choreography is sure to bring smiles to parents’ faces as well.

My Little RoseHirai Dai17rank/position

Hirai Dai / My Little Rose (Lyric Video)

A song like a love letter that Dai Hirai dedicated to his beloved child.

It conveys the joy of becoming a parent, the worries, and the deep love, all set to a gentle melody that celebrates a child’s birth.

Released digitally in September 2022, the track is said to even include the baby’s first cry.

It’s a warm piece that lets you feel the preciousness of new life and the bonds of family.

Perfect for expressing gratitude to someone special or for listening together as a parent and child.

Highly recommended for those raising children or eagerly awaiting the birth of their own.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro18rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

It’s a moving ballad whose lyrics speak to the warmth of having someone precious by your side and ask what you can do for that person.

This song makes you realize that everyday life, which seems so ordinary, is actually an irreplaceable treasure.

Its message—that even if you’re apart, your hearts remain connected—will surely give you courage! Released in August 2014 as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” it has since become one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.

His gentle yet powerful voice will softly stay by your side.

It’s a perfect song for moments when you want to express gratitude to someone special, or for occasions like weddings.

Why not listen while thinking of the person who is like a “sunflower” to you?

1, 2, 3After the Rain（soraru × mafumafu）19rank/position

[Pokémon OP] 1・2・3 / After the Rain (Soraru × Mafumafu)

If you’re thinking about what will appeal to kids, this is probably where you’ll end up.

It’s a song used as an opening theme for the anime Pokémon.

The track is by the vocalist duo After the Rain and was released digitally in 2019.

It also drew attention when Takanori Nishikawa, Shou Kiryuin, and the Nogizaka46 sub-unit, Karaage Shimai, performed it.

It’s an upbeat tune that makes your excitement unstoppable, with a spirited call to go see a world you’ve never seen before!

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Araki Jakkan

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DoraemonHoshino Gen20rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Doraemon (Official Video)

Let’s try dancing to Gen Hoshino’s song “Doraemon.” Everyone can wear a bell around their necks, with girls putting yellow Dorami pom-poms on their wrists and boys blue Doraemon pom-poms—colorful, fun, and sure to boost the energy.

The choreography itself is simple and easy to remember, but stepping on one foot and shaking your hips from side to side can also help improve motor skills.

If it’s too difficult, feel free to simplify the movements.

Have fun and give it a try!

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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100% CourageHikaru GENJI21rank/position

100% Courage (Nintama Rantarō Season 1 Opening)

A song beloved by everyone, widely passed down as the theme song of the anime Nintama Rantaro.

It has been covered by groups from Johnny & Associates such as Hey! Say! JUMP, Sexy Zone, and NYC, and is now regarded as a rite-of-passage song for Johnny’s Jr.

The A melody repeats the same phrase, making it friendly and easy to memorize, and the energetic chorus pairs perfectly with choreography that makes you want to pump your fist.

With choreography, it really shines on stage.

The vocal range isn’t very wide, making it perfect for 4-year-olds to sing.

If you’re unsure what to choose, go with this! A highly recommended track.