![[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/03zlRj2ptOM/maxresdefault.webp)
[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events
By the time they turn four, children show growth in many ways: they can listen to stories and words and let their imaginations soar, and they become able to express their feelings and thoughts in words.
Through music, we hope they encounter many words and melodies and grow healthy in both mind and body.
Here are some highly recommended songs that are perfect for four-year-olds.
We’ve gathered a wide range of genres: songs that feel exhilarating to sing, songs with storylines that spark imagination, and songs that express feelings for family and friends.
These selections are great not only for everyday childcare settings but also for recitals and events!
Find songs that suit the children, and be sure to have fun singing together.
[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events (1–10)
Your voiceLyrics by Takeshi Aida / Music by Yoshio Ueno
“Your Voice,” a song with a magical, heart-stirring power.
It features warm lyrics that celebrate the beauty of children’s voices and a bright, lively melody.
Broadcast on NHK’s popular program “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s loved by many families.
With simple, easy-to-remember lyrics, children naturally find themselves humming along.
It’s a perfect song for recitals and events.
When everyone raises their voices together, it’s sure to create a wonderful time where hearts truly connect.
Color ExplorersIcchi-Naru
With its bright, upbeat groove, this song tickles kids’ curiosity.
The lyrics overflow with the excitement of exploring a colorful world, and just listening fills you with anticipation.
Icchi and Naru’s energetic vocals are sure to spark children’s spirit of adventure.
Released in July 2022, the track is also hugely popular on the YouTube channel “BonBon Academy”! Through the fun of searching for different colors, it also conveys the importance of discovering your own uniqueness.
It’s perfect for performances and events, so try incorporating it into your everyday childcare activities.
Your ColorLyrics/Music: Edamamenz
This song is a bright and cheerful piece that paints a colorful world.
Colors like red, blue, and yellow appear one after another, and the lyrics capture small discoveries and moments of wonder found in everyday life.
It stimulates children’s curiosity and sensitivity, while also conveying a message about valuing one’s own individuality as well as that of others.
It was broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in February 2020 and received high praise not only from children but also from parents and teachers.
It’s a popular number often featured in nursery and kindergarten recitals and events.
Beyond the rainbowLyrics/Music by Osamu Sakata
Another recommended song is Rainbow Over There, a beloved classic from the TV program Okaasan to Issho.
Its pop-style children’s song with a hint of kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song) makes it fun for kindergarteners to sing.
Haida-san also praised the piece in video site comments, saying, “Osamu Oniisan’s songs are all warm and deeply moving.” The original version has a slightly faster tempo, but try not to rush—find a pace that’s comfortable for the children to sing.
Adding choreography that matches the lyrics would be adorable, too.
Friends are a good thing.Lyrics by Tokiko Iwatani / Music by Takashi Miki
Written by Tokiko Iwatani, this song features warm lyrics that convey the importance of friendship.
It portrays a wonderful bond where friends can communicate just by looking into each other’s eyes and help one another in times of trouble.
The song was first performed in 1977 in the Shiki Theatre Company musical “Yuta to Fushigi na Nakamatachi” (Yuta and the Strange Companions), and it was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” the same year.
With its rich, varied melodies and easy-to-remember chorus, it’s also popular as a choral piece.
It’s recommended for performances and events by four-year-olds as well.
It would be lovely if the song helps deepen the bonds between friends.
bling-blingLyrics by Harumichi Saito / Music by Kanami Makino
Characterized by choreography that incorporates sign language, this song is bright, rhythmic, and perfect for children.
Its lyrics, themed around friendship and compassion, are memorable and evoke a sense of connection with friends.
Since April 2022, it has been broadcast as the ending theme of NHK E-Tele’s “Okaasan to Issho,” and it has become beloved by many children.
It’s also ideal for performances and events; by using sign language in place of dance moves, the song becomes easier to learn, and it warms the hearts of listeners.
It will be sunny tomorrow.Lyrics/Music by Osamu Sakata
Osamu Sakata’s songs are characterized by warm lyrics that resonate with children’s hearts and friendly, accessible melodies.
This piece carries the message: even in tough times, hold on to hope and welcome tomorrow! It became widely known through NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and was first released in 1999.
With its bright, easy-to-remember melody, children naturally feel like singing along.
It’s a great choice not only for everyday childcare settings but also for recitals and events.