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

My Neighbor TotoroInoue Azumi41rank/position

My Neighbor Totoro (self-cover)

The theme song of Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece, My Neighbor Totoro.

Although the film was released quite a long time ago, it continues to be broadcast on TV many times and remains as popular as ever.

The famous phrases are ones even children must have heard at least once, so let’s try singing along.

It’s a mysterious song that envelops the whole family in a warm, heartwarming feeling.

Goodbye MarchSakata Osamu, Mori Miyuki42rank/position

Goodbye March (Okaasan to Issho) / Osamu Sakata, Yuko Kanzaki, Katsuhiro Amano, Chi-ei Hyou, Jarujaru, Pikkoro, Porori

Sayonara March is the song that took over the ending theme from Manekko Pun, which had been used since the start of the puppet show Niko Niko Pun.

This was the first time the ending theme had changed within the same puppet show, and it continued to be used for the following eight years.

The hand gate at the end of the program, which is now a standard feature, is said to have started with Sayonara March.

It wonderfully captures the scene of children cheerfully heading home, and it’s heartwarming to see them still playfully having fun right up to the very end as they leave.

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Hamada Takuya

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Friends are a good thing.Sakushi: Iwaya Tokiko / Sakkyoku: Miki Takashi43rank/position

Fusadai Kindergarten Chorus, Middle Class (4-year-olds): 'Friends Are Wonderful'

Written by Tokiko Iwatani, this song features warm lyrics that convey the importance of friendship.

It portrays a wonderful bond where friends can communicate just by looking into each other’s eyes and help one another in times of trouble.

The song was first performed in 1977 in the Shiki Theatre Company musical “Yuta to Fushigi na Nakamatachi” (Yuta and the Strange Companions), and it was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” the same year.

With its rich, varied melodies and easy-to-remember chorus, it’s also popular as a choral piece.

It’s recommended for performances and events by four-year-olds as well.

It would be lovely if the song helps deepen the bonds between friends.

Sketchaimyon44rank/position

AIMYON – Sketch [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Set for release in March 2025 as the theme song for the national favorite’s film “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Picture-World Story,” this work was created by singer-songwriter Aimyon with the warm everyday life of Nobita and Doraemon in mind.

It’s filled with kindness that embraces people just as they are—like being able to laugh together and say that the marks left by a catnap on your glasses are just another charming part of the picture.

This heartwarming message will surely resonate with the older kindergarteners about to spread their wings into a new world.

With lyrics that make you cherish each other’s clumsy sides, it’s perfect for farewell gatherings and graduation ceremonies.

Hold your treasured memories with friends close, and sing together in unison.

It’s sure to be a wonderful performance that will bring tears to parents’ eyes.

That gentle girlsupittsu45rank/position

That Gentle Girl – Spitz (Full)

This is a memorable song filled with gentle, hopeful lyrics and a warm melody.

Released in June 2019, it was loved by many as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Natsuzora.” Building on the folk-rock sound that Spitz cherishes, the addition of French horn and organ arrangements gives the piece an even warmer feel.

The story of enduring Hokkaido’s harsh winters and growing together with friends resonates deeply alongside the beautiful melody.

It’s also recommended as background music for videos or photo slideshows commemorating a child’s first birthday.

Please enjoy it as music to brighten special occasions, together with your family and friends.

From MotherKasai Shunsuke46rank/position

Shunsuke Kasai / From Mother

The timing of a child’s first birthday is a perfect opportunity to look back on their growth so far, isn’t it? This is a piece by Shunsuke Kasai that reflects, from a mother’s perspective, on various memories related to the child’s birth and watching them grow.

The piano-centered sound conveys a strong sense of warmth, and its gentle atmosphere communicates a deep affection.

It depicts the joy of a child’s birth and growth, while also impressively expressing the mother’s happiness at being by the child’s side and her gratitude toward the child.

It’s a powerful yet tender composition that evokes a sense of hope as we move forward into the future.

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kappamaki

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Let’s give it a tryWANIMA47rank/position

Let's Try/WANIMA [Sports Day Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

This energetic song by WANIMA, a three-piece rock band from Kumamoto, is a rock-style arrangement of the children’s song “Picnic.” Celebrating the joy of taking on challenges and cherishing first-time experiences, the track was featured in au’s Santaro series commercials starting in January 2017, capturing the hearts of many.

Its bright, forward-looking message and WANIMA’s signature dynamic melody help draw out children’s natural expressiveness.

Included on the album “Everybody!!,” this song is perfect for a school sports day dance, bringing out kids’ smiles and lively spirits.

It’s an ideal track for creating wonderful memories, letting children have fun dancing while gaining the courage to try new things.

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI48rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Highest Altitude”

An anthem cheering on those who keep challenging themselves, turning weakness into strength and aiming higher.

Released in September 2023, this song was written specifically as the opening theme for the anime ONE PIECE.

Its appeal lies in SEKAI NO OWARI’s distinctive, imaginative world: a driving, exhilarating melody, grand strings, and a marching-style arrangement inserted midway.

The vocal range is relatively compact at mid1 F to mid2 F# (m1F–m2F#), so with a key adjustment, it should be quite singable even for kids around the voice-changing stage.

Its positive message about charging toward your dreams is sure to fire up the room when sung with friends at karaoke.

A precious treasureSakushi sakkyoku: Shinzawa Toshihiko49rank/position

A classic song sung at daycare: “Precious Treasure” [Graduation/Commencement/Touching Song]

A graduation song written and composed by Toshihiko Shinzawa that speaks to children about treasuring the invisible “gems” they found during their days at the kindergarten: the friends they met, the songs they sang in unison, and the times they laughed together.

Included on an album of the same name released in August 2003, it has been sung at kindergartens and nursery schools across Japan ever since.

The lyrics feature many repeated phrases, making them easy for children to remember.

Choreography is also introduced so it can be performed together with sign language, allowing children to express their feelings with their whole bodies—another appealing point.

It’s the perfect song to sing at graduation ceremonies or farewell gatherings to express gratitude to teachers.

Seeing children sing while reflecting on their memories in their own words will surely touch the teachers’ hearts deeply.

Try incorporating sign language to create an even more heartfelt performance.

No matter how smallwacci50rank/position

wacci “No Matter How Small” Lyric Video (Theme song for the drama “After-School Chart”)

Wacci has brought us a warm song that gently wraps around the hearts of babies and their caregivers.

With lyrics and a melody that softly encourage small steps toward self-growth and everyday efforts, it’s a piece that stays close to the daily journey of parenting.

The feelings of cherishing a loved one and wishing for their growth come through directly.

Included on the album “Dressing,” this song was born in October 2024 as the theme for the NTV drama “After-School Karte.” It’s a track that will resonate with caregivers who want to treasure time with their babies and with those giving their all in child-rearing.

As a heartwarming cheer song that supports everyday parenting, be sure to listen to it together with someone special.