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

Magic Shoes

Magic Shoes - With Mother (Okaasan to Issho) July 2016 Song (Covered by UtaSta)

Listening to it makes you feel positive—“Magic Shoes” is the perfect song for the start of summer when you want to try something new! It’s also popular with children and teachers.

The lyric “put on your magic shoes” is so adorable, isn’t it? It’s a thrilling song that makes you feel like taking on new challenges or going out somewhere.

With its bright tempo, try singing it together while happily chatting about your favorite shoes.

Oh, the ranch is green.

Oh, the pasture is green — oh, the pasture is green; over the sea of grass the wind blows~ (with gestures)

Let’s move our bodies to the rhythm! Here are some ideas for “Oh, the Meadow is Green.” These ideas are perfect for summer, when the weather is nice and the air is crisp.

They’re especially recommended if you’re thinking, “What song should we sing this month?” or “I’m looking for something with a good rhythm!” The song “Oh, the Meadow is Green” is the Japanese version of the folk song “Ach, synku, synku”/“Ach, krásná louka” (often known in English as “Ah, Lovely Meadow”), which has been sung for a long time in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

By adding some choreography, you can enjoy engaging with the music even more.

A quiet lakeside

Quiet Lakeside [Children’s Song / School Song] Chorus Animation / Japanese song

“Shizukana Kohan” (Quiet Lakeside) is a German folk song to which Keizo Horiuchi added Japanese lyrics.

Its gentle tempo and catchy, memorable melody make it popular with children, who sing it cheerfully and with enthusiasm.

Because it’s a beloved song, many people of all ages know it, which is another reason it’s so enjoyable.

Forming a circle and holding hands while singing with the children can create a sense of unity and make it even more fun.

Since it’s a bright, lively tune, it’s also recommended for summer events.

A Drop of Star

A Drop of a Star – With Mother – July 2021 Song

With its bright rhythm and easy-to-understand lyrics, “Hoshi no Hitoshizuku” is a cheerful song that makes you want to dance when you hear it.

If you start the intro with handclaps, everyone can match the beat and dance together.

Try swaying your body energetically to the lyrics as you dance.

You might just find yourself smiling without even realizing it.

Its captivating rhythm and lyrics are enjoyable for children of all ages.

It could be a big hit to sing at events like Tanabata, too.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (with gestures)

Hand play with a song everyone knows! Let’s introduce “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” It’s also one of the songs often sung as a lullaby.

How about incorporating it into your activities as a hand play this time? Imagine your palms as stars and express the sparkling, shining stars.

The choreography is easy to understand and doesn’t have any complex movements, so it seems enjoyable from infant to preschool classes.

Try adding “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to eurhythmics, morning meetings, or closing circles.

It will be sunny tomorrow.Yuichiro Hanada, Atsuko Ono

Chorus: “Ashita wa Hareru” / Seishin Kindergarten, Reiwa 4 School Year, Recital – Middle Class (4-year-olds)

This song, whose lyrics capture a bursting smile, features a bright melody that resonates in the heart.

It’s performed on NHK’s popular program “Okaasan to Issho,” so it’s well known among children.

The harmony between Yuuichirou Hanada and Atsuko Ono is wonderful, and just listening to it gives you energy.

It carries the message that even when you feel sad, you’ll be okay if you think of your friends, so I believe it’s a song that can stay close to children’s hearts.

It’s perfect for recitals and events, and it’s also a song you can sing and dance to in everyday childcare settings!

Row the boat

[Song] Rowing the Boat – Summer Song, Nursery Rhyme, Children's Song ♪

We’d like to introduce the hand-play song “Ofune o Koide,” which is perfect for keeping things fun and cheerful even in the hot summer.

Moving in a way that feels like you’re rowing a boat to a pleasant rhythm naturally brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

The lyrics convey scenes like swaying waves and blowing wind, letting you feel as if you’re actually out at sea on an adventure.

It also sounds fun to sit facing a friend, hold hands, and do it together! Adding a sound effect like “Splash!” between sections of the song will make it even more exciting.

Give it a try for inspiration!