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

That gentle girlsupittsu43rank/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 Shunsuke44rank/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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Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI45rank/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.

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA46rank/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.

A precious treasureSakushi sakkyoku: Shinzawa Toshihiko47rank/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.

strollSakushi: Nakagawa Rieko / Sakkyoku: Hisaishi Joe48rank/position

♪ Stroll – Let’s walk, let’s walk, I’m feeling great~ ♪ <with choreography> [Studio Ghibli film “My Neighbor Totoro” opening theme]

This bright, cheerful march-style song is perfect for connecting with your child.

It was included on the album “My Neighbor Totoro Image Song Collection” released in November 1987, and is also well known as the opening theme song of Studio Ghibli’s animated film “My Neighbor Totoro.” The lyrics were written by children’s author Rieko Nakagawa, with music composed by Joe Hisaishi.

Its appeal lies in a simple melody that conveys a positive feeling and warm, heartfelt lyrics.

Because it’s easy to sing while moving energetically, it’s also recommended for musical play in preschools and kindergartens.

It’s a wonderful piece you can enjoy together—holding hands, interacting, and facing your child as you share the experience.

Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts49rank/position

Creepy Nuts “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” × TV Anime “MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES” Collaboration Music Video #BBBB Dance

Released in January 2024, this track was written as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime “Mashle: Magic and Muscles,” specifically for the Divine Visionary Candidate Exam arc.

The anime’s premise—where the protagonist who can’t use magic takes on the world with pure muscle—syncs perfectly with R-Shitei’s powerful lyrics.

The chant-like hook sticks in your head after just one listen, and it’s still fresh in our minds how it went viral worldwide on TikTok as the “BBBB Dance.” DJ Matsunaga’s track, infused with Jersey Club elements, is insanely addictive and perfect for getting everyone hyped at karaoke.

Even if you can’t sing it perfectly, just shouting that distinctive phrase together will unite the crowd and send the energy through the roof!