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

Vegetable SongSatoko Yamano

♪Vegetable Song – Tomatoes go ton-ton-ton, cabbage goes kyak-kyak-kya~♪ <with gestures>

Welcome to the wonderful world of vegetables! This song, hugely popular with children, is full of clever ways to help them learn the names of vegetables in a fun, rhythmic way.

With sounds that express the names and characteristics of veggies like tomatoes and cabbage, just listening will fill you with excitement.

Accompanied by Satoko Yamano’s bright and gentle voice, the vegetables make their appearances one after another.

This piece is included in many children’s music albums.

It’s also recommended for nutrition education time or for singing together with kids who aren’t fond of vegetables.

If you sing while moving your body, it becomes even more fun!

The Puppy Police OfficerLyrics by Yoshimi Sato / Music by Onaka Megumi

Dog Policeman – The Little Lost Kitten [Japanese Children's Song]

This is a gentle, melodic song depicting the encounter between a lost kitten and a kind police officer.

Written by Yoshimi Sato and composed by Megumi Ohnaka, it was created between the 1950s and 1960s.

With its warm lyrics and rhythmic tune, it’s perfect for fostering children’s emotional development.

It has been broadcast on NHK programs such as “Minna no Uta” and “Okaasan to Issho,” and is beloved by many.

We recommend singing it together with your child while adding simple motions for extra fun.

The heartwarming, picture book–like story will nurture your child’s imagination.

Story FingerLyrics by: Yoshiko Kayama / Music by: Akira Yuyama

Mr. Story Finger (🎵 This finger is Papa~) by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics [Children’s Song | One of Japan’s 100 Selected Songs]

This is a heartwarming children’s song that you can enjoy while doing hand play.

By imagining your fingers as cute family members, it unfolds like a conversation between characters, so it’s great fun to sing while moving your fingers together with your child! Created by Yoshiko Kayama and Akira Yuyama, the piece was first introduced in February 1962 on the NHK radio program “Toddler Time,” and has been included on many classic recordings, such as the album “Children’s Songs by Age (2) Ages 1–2.” Its simple lyrics and melody are charming and perfect for parent-child bonding.

Widely loved as a staple hand-play song that’s hugely popular in kindergartens and nursery schools, it has also been featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” The bright, cheerful melody makes it easy to sing and is sure to bring a smile to your child’s face.

Under the big chestnut treeLyrics by: Hiroo Sakata / Composer: Unknown

[Children’s Song] Under the Big Chestnut Tree / Daisuke Yokoyama

Under the Big Chestnut Tree is a song that’s fun for gestures and movements.

You can’t help but smile at the children earnestly expressing themselves with their small bodies.

Once they’re used to the song, try creating a “big version” and a “small version,” and have fun by using louder voices and bigger motions, or quieter voices and smaller motions.

For children to enjoy expressing themselves, the teacher’s performance skills are also essential.

It’s great if you can have fun together in a way that lets you serve as a role model for the children!

I Stepped on the CatLyrics/Music: Unknown

[62 minutes] ♫ A fun, uplifting, high-energy song medley ♪ 26 tracks in total

Neko Funjatta (literally “I Stepped on the Cat”) has a distinctive rhythm and melody that really gets kids excited.

It’s said to be loved around the world under various titles like “The Flea Waltz” and “The Dog Waltz,” and in Japan, its unique cat-themed lyrics have timeless popularity among children.

In terms of keyboard playing, the melody is composed almost entirely of black keys, and it actually spans more than two octaves, making it great practice for producing a wide vocal range.

Try singing it while enjoying choreography that matches the lyrics, like mimicking a cat!

Morning Song (Good Morning)Lyrics by Toshi Masuko / Music by Tetsuma Honda

♪ Good morning (Morning Song) - Good morning, teacher. Good morning, everyone. [with gestures]

This bright and cheerful song is perfect for children’s morning greetings.

The way it calls out “Good morning” to teachers, friends, flowers, and even the sun helps kids feel connected to nature.

Its simple, easy-to-remember melody makes it ideal for singing during morning circle time.

This piece is often used in kindergartens and nursery schools for morning activities, and it’s said that a video is available on YouTube.

It’s also appealing because it can be used in many ways—helping children relax or giving them a lively start to the day.

It’s a great recommendation even for children who aren’t fond of morning greetings or songs.

Let's take a step into the future

Shimajiro movie insert song “♪ Let’s Take a Step Toward the Future” [Official Shimajiro Channel]

A bright, lively Shima Jiro song about the importance of friendship was born in March 2013 as an insert song for the film “Shimajiro and Fufu’s Great Adventure: Save the Rainbow Flower!” It gently conveys the feelings of the protagonists as they set out on a new journey, and its warm vocals—giving courage to take a step toward the future—leave a lasting impression.

The song has also become popular on the TV program “Shimajiro no Wao!” and makes children’s hearts bounce with joy.

It’s a fun tune that shines in many settings, from dancing at nursery and kindergarten events to singing together as a family.

It’s a reassuring companion that cheers on those first steps in a new environment.