RAG MusicJapanese Songs
Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

Ranking of Popular Children's Songs [2026]

I’ve compiled a ranking of nursery rhymes and children’s songs.

Through songs, children can learn things they didn’t know before, so aren’t nursery rhymes perfect for fostering emotional development as well?

I’d be delighted if you could listen together with your child.

Nursery Rhyme Popular Song Rankings [2026] (1–10)

Karakuri Pierrot40mP8rank/position

[Hatsune Miku (40mP)] Karakuri Pierrot [Original]
Karakuri Pierrot40mP

Among Vocaloid songs, “Karakuri Pierrot” has an exceptionally relaxed tempo.

The vocal range isn’t too high, so women can keep the original key, while men might find it just right to lower it by two to three semitones.

The small amount of lyrics is another plus! You should be able to sing steadily without rushing.

Don’t push your voice—aim for a straight, honest pitch.

The key goes up in the last chorus, but if you sing with more energy than in the first chorus, you should be able to stay steady.

For scoring systems, focus on singing as mechanically straight as possible.

Clear enunciation will also make the pitch bar respond well.

somedaySaucy Dog9rank/position

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO
somedaySaucy Dog

It’s a signature, bittersweet love ballad by Saucy Dog that makes you want to listen while gazing up at the winter night sky.

It vividly portrays lingering feelings for an ex and memories of happy days that will never return, tightening your chest a little more each time you hear it.

The track is included on their May 2017 mini-album “Country Road,” which became a springboard for their rise.

Based on vocalist Shinya Ishihara’s real experiences, its depictions bring the park setting to life and have resonated with many listeners.

It’s a cherished number for the band, also performed when they won the Grand Prix at an audition in December 2016.

In the season when you miss the warmth of another, it’s a song that will gently stay by your side on nights when you want to recall a past love and shed a few tears.

365 daysMr.Children10rank/position

Mr.Children “365 Days” Mr.Children TOUR POPSAURUS 2012
365 daysMr.Children

If you need the courage to tell someone special that you love them, try listening to this classic ballad that resonates deep in the heart.

It’s a work by Mr.Children, the rock band behind many timeless hits, and it’s included on their 2010 album SENSE.

It was featured for a long time in commercials for NTT East/West and NTT Docomo, so many of you will likely recognize it.

The song delicately portrays how feelings for someone accumulate in the flow of everyday life, and how the world seems to shine simply because that person exists.

It’s a gem of a love song that I recommend to anyone in love, as a catalyst for finally putting long-held feelings into words.

Nursery Rhyme Popular Song Rankings [2026] (11–20)

LokiMikito P11rank/position

It’s a fast-paced, groove-focused song with call-and-response between male and female vocals, but it’s perfectly singable solo.

Whether male or female, don’t worry about shifting octaves—just stick to your own part and you’ll handle it smoothly without sounding odd, and it’ll come out cool! There are some shouted sections, but be careful not to overdo it in scoring mode.

First, sing lightly while honestly following the pitch bar.

Once you get used to it, adding a bit of shouting or some rasp will make it sound even cooler! If you have a partner, aiming for a high score together can be a lot of fun, too!

PhotographEd Sheeran12rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Photograph (Official Music Video)
PhotographEd Sheeran

There’s a timeless song that accompanies those sentimental moments when you look back on summer memories alongside your photos.

It’s a track by Ed Sheeran, the globally renowned singer-songwriter from the UK.

Featured on the acclaimed album ‘×,’ which won British Album of the Year at the 2015 BRIT Awards, this folk-pop ballad was released as a single.

Centered on a long-distance relationship, it portrays a couple reaffirming their love through photographs.

The message—that even apart, hearts remain close—gently seeps in, carried by his soft vocals and acoustic sound.

The music video, which uses real home videos from his childhood, deepens the song’s warm yet bittersweet atmosphere and is truly moving.

As summer comes to an end, why not listen to it while thinking of someone special?

NonfictionHirai Ken13rank/position

Ken Hirai “Nonfiction” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)
NonfictionHirai Ken

Life can feel overwhelming, full of absurdities and helpless moments.

In times like these, I hope you’ll listen to Ken Hirai’s 42nd single.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Little Giant,” it was released in June 2017.

Born from Hirai’s profound grief over losing a friend, the song delivers fundamental questions about life and a heartfelt cry to see a loved one again, piercing the heart with a voice that cuts deep.

You may find it impossible to listen without tears…

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE14rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

A hit song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE propelled by exhilarating guitar sounds.

While portraying the glow and bittersweetness of youth, it delivers a message that resonates—let’s love even our imperfect selves.

Its fast BPM and buoyant rhythm are perfect for keeping a brisk pace in musical chairs, instantly brightening the atmosphere.

Released in April 2024, the track was chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery.” It also drew attention for winning the 66th Japan Record Awards, marking the band’s first-ever back-to-back victory.

Technical guitar phrases layered with Motoki Omori’s soaring vocals make this a surefire mood-lifter that will get any listener fired up.