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

Only the number of starsMayumiinu71rank/position

Only as many as the stars – by Mayumiinu

Sung by Mayumiinu, a singer who has worked on numerous commercial jingles, this song is perfect for conveying a mother’s feelings of “Thank you for being born” to her child.

If it sounds familiar, that’s because it was used in a Moony commercial! The lyrics overflow with love from start to finish, and as you listen, you’ll likely find your own child even more precious.

For a first birthday, the scenes of mother and baby depicted in the lyrics may resonate especially well.

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Hane Keisuke

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Treasure in the Heartsakushi sakkyoku : yoshizawa takayuki72rank/position

Treasure Chest in My Heart

This work gently embraces the emotion of the day a child is born and the joy of their growth up to now.

The lyrics, which speak of cherishing the warmth of holding a tiny hand and tucking the days spent together into a special place in the heart, are especially memorable.

Written and composed by Takayuki Yoshizawa, an active childcare worker who also serves as a nursery school director, it was released in October 2010.

While it’s known as a song for parents to sing to their children, it’s also perfect for older kindergarteners to sing in gratitude to the families they love.

Sung with sincerity at a graduation ceremony or recital, it’s sure to fill the venue with warm tears and deep emotion.

As the children take their first steps toward the future, why not sing it together with them?

Because you were thereCrystal Kay73rank/position

Crystal Kay “Because You Were There” – Special Movie (Nohana version) ~A Message of Thanks from Mother to Child~

This song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Wild Heroes” and became a hot topic.

It’s a track by R&B singer Crystal Kay, known for numerous hit songs such as “Koi ni Ochitara,” and it was released in 2015 as her 30th single.

An emotional ballad about someone you’d risk your life to protect, it leaves a lasting impression.

If you’ve ever watched over your own child, you may have felt this way yourself.

Her soft vocals are truly wonderful.

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Araki Jakkan

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Yo-kai Exercise No. 1Dream574rank/position

Yo-kai Watch: Yokai Exercise No. 1

The ending theme of a TV anime, sung by Dream5 and beloved by both children and adults, is creating a buzz.

This work charms listeners with its fun, upbeat style that portrays everyday little happenings—like oversleeping or being picky about food—as the doings of yokai.

Their 12th single, released in April 2014, was a tie-in with a TV Tokyo anime, and with choreography by Lucky Ikeda, it became a huge topic among children.

It’s a song that kids can enjoy moving their bodies to together, with easy-to-learn choreography that makes it a hit at nursery and kindergarten events.

It’s also recommended for parent-child recreation and as a dance for sports days.

My cutest featureFRUITS ZIPPER75rank/position

[My Cutest Part] FRUITS ZIPPER “Easy Dance” — A dance you can do at sports days or at home! Perfect for preschoolers and elementary school kids!

The song “My Cutest Part” features a catchy melody and adorable lyrics that leave a strong impression.

It celebrates an idol discovering her own charm and sharing that joy with fans.

Digitally released in April 2022, it went viral on social media and became a huge hit.

In September 2023, it was released as a CD single in nine versions, including solo jacket editions for each member.

With its bright, energetic vibe, it’s perfect for dancing with kids and is highly recommended for events like sports days and recitals where everyone can have fun dancing together.

As you follow the lyrics, you can also enjoy the process of discovering your own “cutest part.”

October 10KingrassHoppers76rank/position

A love song dedicated to my child — KingrassHoppers “Ten Months and Ten Days” MV

After finding out we were expecting a child and then waiting eagerly for about ten months… this moving song is packed with the joy of finally meeting the one and only, precious child in the world.

It’s a track by the Gifu-based music group kingrasshoppers, included on their 2012 album “SHO ME.” In down-to-earth words, it traces the feelings of a man who has become a father.

It really makes your chest tighten—or rather, you end up listening while imagining yourself in his place.

Here’s hoping they grow up to be a kid who loves Mom and Dad!

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Araki Jakkan

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Color Explorersicchī・naru77rank/position

Color Color Explorers! Bonbon Academy “Easy Dance” – A simple arrangement dance you can perform at recitals and sports days!

This fun song, themed around an adventure into a colorful world, sparks children’s curiosity.

Set to a lively, upbeat melody, it portrays vividly colored scenes from nature—like a bright red sun, orange fruit, and yellow sunflowers—from a child’s perspective.

Movements that encourage full-body expression in time with the music are sure to excite children’s hearts.

Included on the July 2022 album “Bonbon Academy: Best of Sports Day, Dance, and Exercise Songs,” the track fully showcases Icchi & Naru’s signature style.

It’s perfect for events like sports day dances and recitals, giving children the spotlight to enjoy expressive performance to the fullest.

soliloquyHachiware (CV: Tanaka Makoto)78rank/position

Soliloquy MV [Chiikawa MAD] [Music Video]

This song, which appears as an insert track in the TV anime Chiikawa, is notable for Hachiware’s (voiced by Masato Tanaka) gentle singing.

The lyrics capture small moments of everyday life, delicately depicting the quiet of morning and the scenery after the rain, offering comfort to listeners.

Released in June 2022, the song comes in two versions—a standard version and a band version—running 1 minute 30 seconds and 1 minute 20 seconds respectively.

It’s a perfect tune to enjoy with young children, from toddlers to elementary schoolers.

Great for family karaoke time or when you want a calm moment.

Why not sing it together and soothe your heart?

A-I-U-E-O nigirisakushi sakkyoku/shuu saeko79rank/position

A-I-U-E Rice Balls [With Mother] Yuzo Imai & Shoko Haida (covered by UtaSuta)

This song features a lovely melody and heartwarming lyrics centered on the theme of rice balls (onigiri).

Broadcast in April 2001 as the Monthly Song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” Shū Saeko’s piece has continued to be cherished by many since its airing.

In early childhood settings, it’s perfect as an introduction to food education activities.

It’s a song you can enjoy in many ways with children—singing together while naming fillings, adding hand-play motions, and more.

Goodbye with thanksSakushi: Miroku / Sakkyoku: Nakamura Nobuyuki80rank/position

[Classic Song] Farewell with “Thank You” ♪ [Shimajiro Channel Official]

This is a memorable song featuring a warm message that conveys farewell with words of gratitude instead of goodbye.

The lyrics were written by Miroku, and the music was composed by Nobuyuki Nakamura.

The words, written in children’s own voices, paint scenes of playground equipment in the schoolyard and days spent with friends, sure to bring tears to the eyes of watching parents and teachers.

The song was included on the album “Let’s Sing and Play with Shimajiro!” released in February 2001, and has been cherished as a graduation song for the TV program “Shimashima Tora no Shimajiro” and the educational materials “Kodomo Challenge.” By using the familiar characters’ singing as a model, children will naturally start humming along.

It’s a perfect song to sing with all your heart at the close of a graduation ceremony or thank-you party.