Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Fun Songs for 2-Year-Olds to Sing! Recommended Song Collection

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherDr. Chick
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherRisa Shibata
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

When children turn two, they become interested in many different songs, learn them quickly, and sing lots of them.

It’s an age when they can really feel how fun it is to sing.

This time, we’ve gathered many recommended songs for two-year-olds.

We’ve included seasonal songs and hand-play songs, so please try to find a favorite that your children will love.

Once they know a variety of songs, they might start requesting, “I want to sing that one!”Singing time will become much more enjoyable!

[Childcare] Songs 2-year-olds love to sing! Recommended Song Collection (31–40)

My precious friendYuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

Precious Friends ♪ With Mother | With Lyrics [Babies Happy, Stop Crying, Laughing Dance, Songs, Japanese Children’s Songs] Educational/Developmental for Infants and Toddlers covered by UtaSta

My dear friends, Yuichiro Hanada and Maya Nagata

A gentle song depicting warm bonds of the heart was born on NHK Educational TV’s “Okaasan to Issho” in September 2024.

Sung by Yuichiro Hanada and Maya Nagata, the piece conveys precious time with friends and the spirit of supporting one another, set to a poppy, friendly melody.

The warm vocals produced by D.

W.

Nicols resonate with children, making it a popular choice for kindergarten and nursery school performances.

Also included on the album “NHK Okaasan to Issho Saishin Best Hyuurara Bunbun!,” this track is a recommended song to enjoy with family and teachers, enriching moments of togetherness.

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The Bento Bus SongLyrics and composition by Mariko Shinju

♪ The Bento Bus Song (Vocals: Icchi & Naru / Lyrics & Music: Mariko Shinju) [Official Collaboration with the picture book “Obentō Bus”]

Obentō Bus Song Lyrics and Music: Mariko Shinju

This heartwarming song, written and composed by beloved children’s picture book author Mariko Shinju, depicts food items cheerfully boarding a bus.

Its rhythmic, catchy melody and lyrics that roll out ingredient names one after another create a lively atmosphere that makes you want to move your body.

Released in 2017 as part of King Records’ “Suku♪Iku” series, it also saw a new version by Icchi & Naru in 2025.

Widely used for hand-play activities in nurseries and kindergartens and as a tool for food education, this delightful track makes mealtimes more enjoyable—perfect for singing along while cooking in the kitchen or humming during lunchbox prep for a field trip.

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My favorite things

[Classic song] My Favorite Things ♪ [Shimajiro Channel Official]

My favorite things

It’s a warmhearted song that helps children find what they love and nurture a sense of cherishing it.

The staging that incorporates sign language is memorable, and there are thoughtful touches throughout that allow children of diverse backgrounds to sing together and have fun.

The melody is pleasant and so familiar you can’t help but hum along.

Released around 2011, it has been used in various settings, including the educational program “Shimajiro no Wao!”, concerts, and events at childcare facilities.

This work truly supports children’s growth, teaching the beauty of expressing gratitude for familiar things and important people.

Singing it together with parents or guardians can also be an opportunity to foster an even deeper bond.

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Lovely WonderlandShimajirō

Lovely Wonderland - Kodomo Challenge [Shimajiro Channel Official]

Lovely Wonderland Shimajiro

Set to a bright, rhythmic melody, this song celebrates children’s spirit of adventure and the joy of discovering something new every day.

It portrays the entire Earth as a wonderful place of adventure for kids, spreading a warm, inclusive world where everyone can dance together and have fun.

It was included on the DVD “Shimajiro no Wao!” released in February 2015 and is also used in the dance segment of the TV program.

The song is memorable for Shimajiro and his friends energetically singing and dancing in nature.

It’s perfect for enjoying with children at nursery and kindergarten events, as well as for dance time at home.

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There's no such thing as ghosts.Lyrics: Minori Maki / Music: Akira Mine

♪ There’s No Such Thing as Ghosts (with gestures) – A Halloween Song [Japanese Song/Chant] / Halloween song

“Obake Nante Nai sa” Lyrics: Minori Maki / Music: Akira Mine

From ages two to three, children’s imaginations blossom, and they start to fear things they can’t see.

A perfect recommendation for this stage is “Obake Nante Nai sa” (“There’s No Such Thing as Ghosts”).

Its lyrics—ranging from “There are no ghosts” to “But if there were…”—encourage all sorts of imaginings and will resonate closely with children’s feelings.

The melody is bright and poppy, and the accompaniment isn’t difficult.

How about singing it energetically with the children, as if you’re bravely chasing the ghosts away?

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[Childcare] Fun songs for 2-year-olds to sing! Recommended song collection (41–50)

Let's have fun.Shoko&The Akilla

[Songs That Make Babies Happy] Let’s Have Fun (sung by Shoko & The Akilla) [Video to Calm and Delight Babies]

Let's have fun, Shoko & The Akilla

This work, which begins with a warm melody that gently embraces children, was created as the January monthly song for TV Tokyo’s infant and toddler program “Sina Pshu.” It carries a message about enjoying each and every day, and its gentle tone that resonates with children is especially memorable.

Shoko & The Akilla’s heartfelt vocals blend beautifully with the friendly, approachable rhythm.

On the show, it airs alongside colorful animation, bringing countless smiles from viewers.

It’s a song that can be enjoyed not only at nursery school and kindergarten events but also at home, so why not dive into the world of music with your children, moving your bodies together as you listen?

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Let's keep walkingBilliken

Billiken / Let's walk on

Let's walk, Billiken.

This is an upbeat song that blends folk and hip-hop, perfect for singing and dancing together.

Its friendly lyrics warmly portray the joys and fun of everyday life, as well as the playful spirit of children.

Released in September 2010, it was loved by many viewers as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Mainichi Kaasan.” With its melodic tone and pleasant rhythm, it resonates with children’s hearts and encourages them to take their first steps in new environments.

Singing it at entrance ceremonies or morning gatherings brings out children’s smiles and naturally leads to clapping and swaying.

Let teachers and children enjoy singing it together and create wonderful memories.

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