Children’s Song Rankings [2026]

Lullaby78rank/position

Cradle Song [With Vocals] Children's Song / Lullaby

Since its birth in the Taisho era as a lullaby, it has been beloved up to the present day.

In recent years, singer Rimi Natsukawa covered it, bringing it back into the spotlight.

Its soothing and calming melody makes it perfect for holding your baby and gently patting their back to the rhythm of the music.

Listening to this song while feeling the warmth and comfort of being held will surely make your baby feel happy.

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Maron

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It will be sunny tomorrow.Sakata Osamu79rank/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?

Goodbye MarchSakata Osamu, Mori Miyuki80rank/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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rainbowtsuji ayano81rank/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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paprikaFoorin82rank/position

“Paprika” — Tokyo 2020 Olympic support song produced by Kenshi Yonezu <Tsujiminami Elementary School Instrumental Club, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture> [2019-07-21]

Both the song and the dance are familiar to elementary school children: Foorin’s “Paprika.” It was created by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu as a support song for the “NHK 2020 Cheer Song Project.” Since it’s a song kids know well, getting used to the sound should be easy! The tempo isn’t very fast, so even children who aren’t used to playing instruments can tackle it with confidence.

We also recommend turning the part right before the final chorus into a solo to create a highlight moment! The rhythm is upbeat, so children on percussion should lock into the groove!

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SAKI

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red dragonflySakushi: Miki Rofū / Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku83rank/position

[Picture Book Lullaby] Red Dragonfly | Japan Lullaby Association

It is a gentle nursery song that strongly evokes twilight scenes and the end of the day.

Watching the sunset from afar, it conveys a sense of nostalgia as one looks back on memories of home, along with the loneliness of those memories gradually fading.

Its relaxed tempo and the seemingly light, lilting vocal line give a calming, soothing impression.

This piece conveys the grandeur of nature in one’s homeland, tenderly enveloping an anxious heart.

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kappamaki

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Poyoyon March84rank/position

Boyoyon March ~Long Version~ - No matter what kind of trouble happens, right beneath your feet is ~ ♪ [with choreography] [Hand Play / Children's Song]

“Poyoyon March” is a very upbeat song and a fan favorite from NHK’s Okaasan to Issho.

As long as you’ve got your feet, you can keep moving forward—if it’s you, you’ll be fine! With that feeling packed into the music, it’s perfect for dancing.

Since it’s a march, swing both arms, march in place, and dance with lots of energy.

There are lyrics about leaping into the sky, so it could be fun to do a big jump there.

The choreography is up to you, so try imagining kids brimming with energy as you come up with it.

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sasashina

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