[For 3-year-olds] Songs to sing at nursery schools and kindergartens! Popular and recommended songs

Seven-colored soap bubbleLyrics and Music: Mimori Yusa

Nana-iro no Shabondama (Seven-colored Bubbles) – Okaasan to Issho – April 2018 Song

This is a popular song from NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” known for its gentle, dreamlike atmosphere.

Through the image of soap bubbles riding the wind and dancing in the sky, it sings of “adventure” and “the importance of dreaming.” With Mimori Yusa’s clear, transparent vocals and lyrics that nurture rich imagination, the piece was broadcast in April 2018 as the “Song of the Month.” As children enter preschool and face both excitement and anxiety about a new environment, singing it together offers comfort and naturally gives them the courage to look ahead.

It’s a heartwarming song that helps welcome the start of a new life with a bright, hopeful feeling.

Hey, Kaba-kun!Lyrics by Itsuko Nakagawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa

[Children’s Song] Hey, Mr. Hippopotamus

With its calm and gentle atmosphere, this song was released in April 2007 as a picture book with a CD, and together with illustrations by Hiroshi Abe, a former zookeeper at Asahiyama Zoo, it became a tune rooted in children’s daily lives.

Created by Hirotaka Nakagawa and Itsuko Nakagawa, the work also encourages children’s curiosity about animals through its focus on hippos.

It was featured on the TV program Hirake! Ponkikki and has long been loved by many children.

Its relaxed tempo and melody perfectly match the laid-back image of hippos, making it great for singing along with your child.

Why not hum it happily on a spring field trip or during a visit to the zoo?

The Turtle’s ExcursionLyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa

Let’s sing at home: “The Turtle’s Field Trip”

An adorable song starring a laid-back turtle, its bright and breezy melody is sure to soothe the heart.

The scenes—like getting a backpack ready three days before a field trip, and finally arriving at the meeting spot around noon—are brimming with humor that makes you smile.

With lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa, the piece was first released to the world in 1994 on the album “Sora to Tomodachi,” and has since become widely loved in kindergartens and nursery schools.

In November 2021, it was also included on the album “Toshihiko Shinzawa & Hirotaka Nakagawa Songs <30th Anniversary Commemorative Children’s Chorus Edition>,” celebrating 30 years of their partnership.

It’s a fun song through which children can learn the value of going at their own pace.

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.

The Bento Box SongLyrics by Yoshiko Kayama / Music by Akihiro Kobayashi

[Hand Play Song] The Bento Box Song [With Choreography]

This is a fingerplay song, beloved by children, that cheerfully introduces the contents of a lunchbox.

Miyako Kayama’s warm lyrics perfectly match Akihiro Komori’s bright, friendly melody, resulting in an uplifting tune.

It’s fun to sing while doing the hand motions, and the lively storytelling is part of its charm.

Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in August 1978, the song was featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and the Nippon TV network’s “Ohayō! Kodomo Show,” gaining widespread popularity.

It’s a delightful song that makes moments centered on food—like packing lunches or getting ready for a field trip—even more enjoyable.

Playful Love Ai AiYuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

[Together with Mother] Playful Love Ai-Ai ♪ | Tsukiuta | covered by UtaSta | video by UtaSta | Makes babies stop crying | Songs that make babies happy | Nursery rhymes | Children's songs

Let me introduce a warm, cat-themed song featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Sung by Yuichiro Hanada and Maya Nagata, this piece charms with its bright, cheerful melody that depicts cats playfully frolicking together.

Since February 2025, it has been broadcast as the show’s “Song of the Month,” with the brother-and-sister singing duo transforming into cats and performing rhythmic choreography on the program.

Filled with the feelings of Hanada, a devoted cat lover who lives with five cats, this song is perfect for moving your body to the music together with your child!

Everyone Is Special

Benesse English Concert: Let's Sing and Dance in English! Everyone Is Special [Shimajiro Channel Official]

This song carries a message that nurtures children’s self-esteem within a bright and joyful atmosphere.

It gently conveys the importance of recognizing one another while cherishing the unique sparkle each person has.

With a friendly, catchy melody, it naturally fosters a sense of global awareness through its English lyrics, making it a wonderful piece.

Since around 2018, it has been performed at Benesse’s English concerts and has been loved by children in summer shows like “Let’s Go! Summer Adventure.” It was also included on the 30th Anniversary DVD, gaining attention as a work that supports children’s new challenges.

This is a perfect song for when you want to enjoy a fun time singing and dancing with kids, or when you’re looking to spark their interest in English.