Let's sing together! A collection of nursery rhymes everyone knows
Nursery songs that many people have sung in day-care centers, kindergartens, and schools.
These children’s songs, passed down through generations, are still sung today in childcare settings, schools, and even senior facilities.
That said, fewer people are singing them nowadays, and some children can be found who don’t know nursery songs at all.
In this article, we’ll introduce nursery songs that everyone—young and old—will recognize.
If you’re not very familiar with nursery songs, start by listening to the ones we introduce here.
Try singing nursery songs together with your child, your friends, or your grandparents, and have fun!
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[Let’s Sing Together!] A Collection of Well-Known Children’s Songs (21–30)
The Bento Box SongLyrics by Yoshiko Kayama / Music by Akihiro Kobayashi
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.
Happy Children
It’s sure to bring a smile! Let me introduce the idea of “Happy Children.” When the temperature stays high, both adults and kids tend to get tired easily.
Many of you are probably thinking about activities that incorporate exercise to help build stamina.
How about using “Happy Children” as a warm-up before activities like jump rope or tag? The lyrics and rhythm are perfect for children, and since it has choreography too, it should help lower the risk of injury compared to jumping straight into exercise.
[Let’s Sing Together!] A Collection of Well-Known Children’s Songs (31–40)
The Hungry Tummy SongLyrics by Hiroo Sakata / Music by Megumi Oonaka
This is a delightful children’s song by Hiroo Sakata (lyrics) and Megumi Oonaka (music) that humorously portrays hunger.
With a simple, friendly melody and lyrics that gently capture everyday moments of children, it’s a work that’s sure to bring a smile.
First released in 1960, it was performed by the Froebel Boys’ Choir when it aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962.
Loved for many years since, it was rebroadcast in July 2021.
It’s perfect for singing together as a family when you’re hungry or during snack time—smiles come naturally.
It’s also an ideal song for lunch during field trips or picnics.
Sing it together, and your mealtime will become an even more memorable, joyful moment.
Story FingerLyrics by: Yoshiko Kayama / Music by: Akira Yuyama
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.
Yaho-ho
Lyrics that call out like “Yah-ho-ho!” are so much fun to sing, aren’t they? Some children might call out with energetic voices.
In those moments, try replying with a cheerful “Yah-ho!” like an echo—it makes things even more fun and is highly recommended.
Enjoy varying the volume of your voice, making it louder and softer.
Open your palms and add a motion as if you’re raising them toward the sun while you sing.
And at the end, try singing even more energetically!
Playing bus (pretend bus play)Lyrics by: Yoshiko Kayama / Music by: Akira Yuyama
This lively children’s song by Yoshiko Kayama and Akira Yuyama captures the excitement of setting off on a trip in a big bus.
Set to a rhythmic melody, it gently portrays children enjoying pretend play with vehicles.
It’s a song you can sing while moving your hands and body, so it naturally brings smiles to children’s faces.
Long cherished in childcare and educational settings, it’s also used as a play song.
With spring outing season approaching, why not sing it together as a family before a walk or a day out? If everyone enjoys it while keeping the beat, it will surely create wonderful memories in children’s hearts.
Teacher and friendsLyrics by: Osamu Yoshioka / Music by: Nobuyoshi Koshibe
It’s a memorable song with warm lyrics that gently support children’s hearts.
It cherishes encounters with teachers and friends and carries the hope of starting school life with joy.
The lyrics—holding hands, greeting each other—naturally bring smiles to children’s faces, which is part of its charm.
Created by Osamu Yoshioka and Nobuyoshi Koshibe, this piece is often sung in April, when new terms begin at kindergartens and nursery schools.
How about singing it together with your child during the season of entrance or advancement? You’re sure to share a heartwarming moment as a family.