[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.
- Choral songs that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of heartfelt song ideas for junior kindergarten recitals
- I want to sing it at the senior class recital! A choral piece that 5-year-olds can sing with all their heart
- [Preschool] Recommended choral pieces for 3-year-olds
- Get pumped with popular songs from “Okaasan to Issho”! A collection of timeless tunes everyone will want to sing together
- [Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.
- [Childcare] Songs we want 6-year-old kindergarten seniors to sing! Perfect songs for recitals and graduation ceremonies.
- [For 3-year-olds] Songs to sing at nursery schools and kindergartens! Popular and recommended songs
- [Minna no Uta] Beloved Across Generations: Nostalgic Classics and Popular Songs
- [Age 4] Fun for grown-ups too! A roundup of anime for four-year-olds
- [Childcare] Fun Songs for 2-Year-Olds to Sing! Recommended Song Collection
- Sing and dance along to popular songs! Recommended hits from kids’ TV shows.
- Nursery rhymes to sing to your baby! Recommended songs enjoyable from 0 months
- [Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too
[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events (21–30)
Flower of ThanksLyrics/Music by Osamu Sakata
Arigatou no Hana (The Flower of Thank You) is a song that expresses gratitude to those close to us, such as family, friends, and teachers.
Since it was featured on NHK’s educational program Okaasan to Issho, it has been embraced by many people.
The greatest charm of this song lies in its lyrics: it likens the feeling of thankfulness to a flower, depicting the process from sprouting to blooming.
I hope you’ll try singing it gently, filled with gratitude for someone dear to you.
It’s sure to move anyone who listens.
Sing, Bam-Bam!Lyrics: Hiroo Sakata / Music: Naozumi Yamamoto
Utae Banban, a song everyone can get excited about together, is also recommended.
It was created as the theme song for the NHK program “Utae Banban.” As its popularity grew, it even started appearing in elementary school textbooks.
The lyrics feature lots of onomatopoeia, so enjoy pairing them with hand motions.
The parts where you clap along with the phrase in the title are sure to be especially lively! Another appeal is that the onomatopoeia invites kids to imagine “What kind of feeling is that?”
Children around the worldLyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa
This song is by the golden duo: lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa.
It was created in 1988, and since then it’s been loved and sung by many children.
The tempo is lively and the rhythm is fun.
Singing it lets kids engage with the lyrics and could be a great opportunity for them to learn that there are many different children and friends in the world.
Rather than just memorizing it, it might be nice to create opportunities for children to talk with each other about the content prompted by the lyrics.
What color do you like?Lyrics/Music by Osamu Sakata
Composed and written by Osamu Sakata, this song features simple, friendly lyrics with a color theme.
By having children choose their favorite color and describing how that crayon quickly gets used up, it captures their innocent curiosity and creativity.
It has been broadcast on NHK’s popular program “Okaasan to Issho” since 1992 and has been loved for many years.
Singing this song helps children naturally learn colors and enjoy the freedom of choosing what they like.
It’s perfect for recitals and events, so be sure to sing it together and have fun!
Song of CourageAtsuko Ono
A wonderful song, harmonizing gentleness and strength, has been born as the film’s theme song.
Atsuko Ono’s warm singing voice eases the anxiety of taking that first step and gives you courage.
Centered on themes of bonds with friends and the importance of believing in yourself, the piece 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 film, showcasing new charms beyond her singing.
It’s perfect not only for families to enjoy at the theater, but also for activities in preschools and kindergartens, and for singing and dancing together at home.
It’s a lovely song that stays close to children’s hearts and cheers them on as they take new steps.
Toy Cha-Cha-Cha
The classic children’s song “Omocha no Cha-Cha-Cha” is an appealing piece with its bright rhythm and imaginative lyrics about toys coming to life at night.
Beyond being a dance tune, it can also be used for hand-play activities or as a theme for school performances.
Kids who love toys will be excited simply because the song and dance theme is “toys.” It would be fun to include choreography that lets them pretend to be toys and move freely.
It’s a highly recommended song that draws out children’s imagination.
Lovely WonderlandShimajirō
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.