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

The Song of KonkonshyanLyrics by: Yoshiko Kayama / Music by: Akira Yuyama

Kids Song | Kon Kon Kushan Song | Nursery Rhyme | Children's Song | Red Cat Reading

Konkonkushan no Uta is a fun song whose lyrics have you wear masks shaped to match the animals that appear.

For a squirrel, you wear a small mask; for a crane, a long, slender mask.

No matter the animal, everyone ends with a big “kushun!” sneeze, making it perfect to sing during cold season in winter.

It’s a great chance to learn about cold prevention together with children.

Also, if you adjust your volume and gestures to match each mask shape, kids will enjoy copying along as they listen.

Let’s enjoy the song and stay lively through the winter!

Friend Ponkurton

Friend Ponkurton [Shimajiro Channel Official]

The song that brings a heart-thumping time along with lively music was born in March 2016.

Featured on the soundtrack for the film “Shimajiro and the Picture Book Kingdom,” it stands out for Omi Minami’s bright voice and its rhythmic melody.

With themes of friendship and bonds between companions, it’s structured in a fun way where the tempo gradually changes.

Included on the album “Shimajiro no Wao! The Movie ‘Shimajiro and the Picture Book Kingdom’ + TV Version ‘Shimajiro no Wao!’ Original Soundtrack,” it has been used in both the movie and the TV program.

It’s perfect for singing and dancing together at nursery and kindergarten parent–child events, and it’s a song that kids who watch “Shimajiro no Wao!” will enjoy.

Song of CourageAtsuko Ono

"Song of Courage" Music Video – Theme song of the Shimajiro movie "Shimajiro and the Song of Courage" – In theaters Friday, March 14, 2025

A wonderful song that harmonizes gentleness and strength has been born as the theme for the film.

Atsuko Ono’s warm voice accompanies the anxieties of taking a first step and gives you courage.

Centered on themes of the bonds with friends and the importance of believing in yourself, the work delivers a heartwarming message.

Written specifically for a film releasing in March 2025, it blends beautifully with the story.

Ono also takes on her first voice-acting role in the movie, showcasing a new side of her in addition to her singing.

It’s a piece you can enjoy as a parent and child, and one that’s perfect for activities at nursery and kindergarten, as well as singing and dancing together at home.

It gently supports children’s hearts and encourages their new steps—an utterly charming song.

What color do you like?Lyrics by Osamu Sakata / Music by Yuki Inui

[Baby Stops Crying] What Color Do You Like? / Together with Mother (Covered by UtaSuta) [Crayon/Colors/Memorization Song]

With its bright, rhythmic melody and friendly lyrics, this heartwarming song helps nurture children’s sense of color.

The gentle voices of Osamu Sakata and Yuko Kanzaki lead listeners into a world of colors like red, blue, yellow, and green.

Released by Victor Entertainment in June 1992, it was featured as the Song of the Month for June and July on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Filled with a soothing melody and elements that make learning color names fun, it’s perfect for singing together with friends and family during walks or outdoor playtime.

It’s also a great pick for spring, when fresh greenery shines, as a way to spark interest in the colors all around us.

I’ve grown up! I’m off!

Enrollment Support Song: “I’ve Grown Up—Off I Go!” [Shimajiro Channel Official]

This is a cheer song that gently sings, over a tender melody, the mix of excitement and anxiety children feel as they step into a new environment.

Produced by the Shimajiro Channel, well known from the early childhood program “Kodomo Challenge,” it vividly portrays the scene of starting preschool with shiny yellow school bags and brand-new uniforms.

It warmly expresses both a sense of self-affirmation—children feeling glad to have been born—and gratitude toward those who have supported them so far.

Popular not only for entrance ceremonies but also for practice during school events in early childhood settings, it’s a song that naturally invites children to sing together.

Sing it with your kids and make your send-off moment a cherished memory.

ladybugLyrics by Aki Shimizu / Music by Tsuyae Kobayashi

[Children’s Song] Ladybug

A children’s song lovingly sung by Aki Shimizu and Tsuyae Kobayashi about a small red insect.

Set to a bright, lighthearted melody, it gently portrays the charming creature with its red body and distinctive black spots.

The song is included on the albums “Kodomo no Uta 200,” “Let’s Sing About Nature!,” and in the 1981 publication “Minna no Uta: 86 Songs,” and has long been beloved by many children.

With its friendly tune, it’s the kind of song you’ll find yourself humming on a leisurely spring day while out for a stroll.

It’s perfect not only for music activities in nurseries and kindergartens, but also for families to enjoy together while experiencing the nature of spring.

Mr. ElephantLyrics: Michio Mado / Music: Ikuma Dan

Zou-san | Children's song | Red Cat Reading

Born from the collaboration of Michio Mado and Ikuma Dan, this song—portraying a warm bond between parent and child—was first broadcast on NHK Radio in May 1952.

Characterized by a gentle triple-time melody and heartwarming lyrics that cherish one’s individuality, it has been featured in many educational and children’s TV programs and is loved across generations.

The May 2007 version by Satoko Yamano and the Morinoki Children’s Choir remains one of the most beloved recordings.

With a melody that nestles close to the heart like a gentle spring breeze, it’s perfect for parents and children to hum together.

In the fresh green season, singing it while out for a walk will make for even more delightful memories.