A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes—songs that make you feel happy when you sing them.

Number Song

The Number Song (with hand motions)

When we were kids, many of us probably sang this song to learn numbers, right? It has a very catchy rhythm that’s easy to sing and easy to remember.

The lyrics are like riddles, which makes it exciting to sing.

For children, it’s a fun song that lets them picture the shapes of numbers as they sing, helping them remember—two birds with one stone.

It’s also fun for adults to sing while asking questions and for kids to answer.

I wish it were so.

[Children’s song] I Wish It Were So

It’s a popular song even on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” With a super fun rhythm and playful lyrics full of kids’ chaotic wishes and fantasies, it’s a delight.

Lots of kids—and adults too—love to daydream.

It’s a song that makes not only the singers but also the listeners smile.

You can’t help wanting to chime in with a “So true, so true!” It’s a cheerful tune that reminds you how wonderful a child’s imaginative dreams can be.

It’s a nursery song that both children and adults can enjoy singing.

Some kind of yokai?

Some Kind of Yokai? / Hiromichi & Tanizo

You can feel the charm of a lively, upbeat idol song in “Nanka Yokai?” The vocals are performed by Hiromichi & Tanizo, who have worked on many children’s songs.

Despite the horror-tinged lyrics about someone being behind you without you noticing, the repeated puns and catchy melody create a fun atmosphere.

It would be perfect for Halloween or monster-themed parties—learning the energetic dance choreography and joining in would be a blast.

Be sure to sing this powerful, high-energy track with kids; it’ll blow away the notion that ghosts are scary.

Mysterious Pocket

Mysterious Pocket - Pochacco ver.

When I listen to this song while I’m hungry… I get even hungrier.

It’s a tune that was also used in a Morinaga Seika biscuit commercial, and it sings about a very mysterious pocket where the biscuits inside increase every time you pat it.

I’m sure many of us wanted that pocket when we were little! These wonderful lyrics were written by Michio Mado, who also penned the well-known children’s song “Zō-san” (Mr.

Elephant).

Haw, the Lost Ghost

Haw, the Lost Ghost

It’s a popular ghost-themed song that was also sung on “Okaasan to Issho.” The playful back-and-forth vocals between Akihiro Sugita and Ryoko Tsunoda make it really fun.

If you use it for a dance activity, it naturally becomes a call-and-response between a boy and a girl.

Above all, the yodel-like part at the beginning is so entertaining that you can’t help but imitate it.

Even though it’s a ghost song, it’s not scary at all—that’s a big plus! Still, a ghost that gets lost is kind of weird, isn’t it? It’s also perfect as BGM for kids’ Halloween events and the like!

soap bubble

Children’s song “Soap Bubbles” (lyrics by Ujo Noguchi, music by Shinpei Nakayama, arranged by Eiichi Yamada) — rare version including the second verse

It’s the song that made me want to sing every time I blew soap bubbles as a child.

I bet many people, while chasing the bubbles floating away, found themselves thinking, “Please don’t pop.” The lyrics are very beautiful, but this piece also carries a touch of the author’s sadness; I’ve heard it was written by likening a precious “person” to a soap bubble.

As expected of the master lyricist, Ujo Noguchi.

Rabbit Dance

[With Vocals] Rabbit Dance - Children's Nursery Rhyme

A classic song released in 1924.

The lyrics and music are by the duo of Ujo Noguchi and Shinpei Nakayama, also known for “Shabondama.” I’ve heard that dancing to children’s songs was popular at the time.

This song, too, has a fun rhythm—and those katakana lyrics—that makes you want to dance.

If you sing it at karaoke, the kids listening will probably start hopping and dancing on their own.

It’s a children’s song you can enjoy forever.