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

Karada Dandan1rank/position

[2021 Latest] “Karada☆Dandan” from Okaasan to Issho – Full Live-Action Version by Ear (Full Cover), High-Quality Version [Dance]

A popular song that’s also danced to on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho.” Because it’s up-tempo, it’s recommended if you want to boost the energy at a sports day.

The lyrics are packed with a gesture-game vibe where kids act like the creatures that appear, so even younger children might perform it with enthusiasm.

Under the sea you become crabs and shrimp; on land you switch to dinosaurs and monkeys.

Each animal has distinctive traits, so the dance moves should be easy to grasp.

The lively chorus is lots of fun, too!

I won’t forget.D-512rank/position

Official: D-51 “I Won’t Forget” MV [Ver.1]

This is “Wasurenai yo,” sung by the male duo D-51, who have worked on the opening theme for the anime ONE PIECE and theme songs for the Gokusen drama series.

It aired on NHK’s Minna no Uta in 2018.

The song seems to speak for the feelings parents have toward their child.

You may rebel against your parents, argue with them, or find them bothersome at times.

But even that bothersomeness is part of a parent’s love.

“Wasurenai yo” is a song that lets you feel how cherished you’ve been while growing up.

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gummy

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Boyoyon MarchImai Yūzō, Haida Shōko3rank/position

Big Gathering: “Boyoyon March” Together with the Brother, the Sister, and Keizo Nakanishi

This is a choral song written and composed by singer-songwriter Keizo Nakanishi that fills everyone with smiles and energy.

Since its debut on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in 2006, it has continued to be loved by both children and adults.

The song carries the message that everyone has a powerful spring under their feet: even when things are tough, you can spring over them and keep looking forward as you walk on.

Although it has an upbeat tempo, it also brings a moving touch that may bring tears to your eyes, making it a great choice for recitals and preschool graduation ceremonies.

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hiyori

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To That SummerHisaishi Joe4rank/position

Joe Hisaishi Piano Live Performance – One Summer’s Day (Spirited Away)

An insert song from Spirited Away.

A track that makes you want to listen in summer.

The piano’s tone and the somewhat wistful melody gradually draw you in, and before you know it, you’re completely absorbed.

It’s a song that brings back faint memories of that summer in my youth, moistens my eyes, and makes my chest tighten.

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sasashina

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Muscatyuzu5rank/position

Yuzu “Muscat” Music Video

Refreshing and full of speed, Yuzu’s “Muscat” is a recommended summer song that can be enjoyed by everyone from kids to adults.

The track was also used as the theme song for the anime Crayon Shin-chan.

Its lyrics and exhilarating melody amplify the energetic vibe of summer.

The rhythmic handclaps are pleasing to the ear, packing in elements that let anyone join in and have fun together.

It’s perfect as background music for summer activities like the pool, the beach, and camping, or as a dance number at events.

Put this song on and make some fun summer memories.

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kappamaki

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Flower of ThanksYokoyama Daisuke / Mitani Takumi6rank/position

Thank-You Flower Okaasan to Issho With Lyrics Foamy Cappuccino

This is a song of gratitude sung by Daisuke Yokoyama and Takumi Mitani, aired in October 2009 as the Monthly Song on NHK E-Tele’s “Okaasan to Issho.” The lyrics and music were written by Osamu Sakata, known as the 7th “Uta no Onii-san.” The lyrics depict the word “thank you” being passed from person to person and spreading like flowers, warming the heart just by listening.

The song has been included in elementary school music textbooks and is beloved as a standard piece for expressing thanks to teachers at graduation ceremonies and thank-you events.

With its gentle melody and bright tone, it’s perfect for children’s lively voices.

When you want to convey “thank you” to the teachers who spent every day with you, be sure to sing this song.

To a new tomorrowSakushi sakkyoku: Yazaki Fuuka7rank/position

Song “Toward a New Tomorrow”

Written and composed by Fuka Yazaki, this song expresses the joy of how children have grown stronger in mind and body since the early days of preschool, when there were so many tears.

Drawing on her experience as a former nursery teacher, her lyrics overflow with warm gratitude toward parents, teachers, and friends.

Released on CD in December 2016, the song spread through word of mouth among teachers in the field and is now beloved as a staple for graduation season.

It has been featured many times on childcare-related sites and cherished by many preschools.

The melody gently encourages children as they carry their memories and step into the future.

If sung at the important milestone recital for the oldest class or at the graduation ceremony, it’s sure to fill the venue with emotion.

Please sing it together with the children, putting your hearts into it.