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

Wake up!AAA36rank/position

AAA / 「Wake up!」Music Video

This is a song that was used as the opening theme for the nationally popular anime One Piece.

It’s a track by the dance-vocal group AAA, released in 2014 as their 41st single.

The intro is fiery and lively, and the sound alone is enough to get you pumped up.

The lyrics, which encourage you to keep moving toward your dreams, are also a big draw.

It truly feels like the ultimate feel-good anthem.

If your child loves anime, be sure to let them listen to this one.

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Araki Jakkan

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rainbowtsuji ayano37rank/position

rainbow

Niji by Ayano Tsuji is a song about the feeling that no matter how tough things get, just having your child there makes you happy.

It’s included on the 2022 album HELLO WOMAN.

The lyrics depict how a child’s expressions and form change by the minute and second, filling each day with happiness.

The catchy melody, which conveys the everyday joys and the sense of a child growing step by step, is another highlight.

After listening, you’ll definitely want to give your child a big hug!

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SAKI

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My Neighbor TotoroInoue Azumi38rank/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.

It will be sunny tomorrow.Sakata Osamu39rank/position

Ashita wa Hareru (Okaasan to Issho) / Osamu Sakata

This is “Ashita wa Hareru,” a staple song for graduation season written and composed by singer-songwriter Osamu Sakata.

Its lyrics are memorable for gently supporting the wavering hearts of children about to graduate, encouraging them to remember their friends especially when they feel sad or want to cry.

Broadcast in March 1999 as the “Song of the Month” on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, the piece was created to coincide with the graduation of the show’s then “big brother” and “big sister” singers.

The message that hearts remain connected even when apart warmly encourages children as they set out into a new world.

Why not sing it together with teachers and parents at the graduation ceremony or thank-you party, cherishing those precious memories?

Friends are a good thing.Sakushi: Iwaya Tokiko / Sakkyoku: Miki Takashi40rank/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.

Goodbye MarchSakata Osamu, Mori Miyuki41rank/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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Sketchaimyon42rank/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.