A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes—songs that make you feel happy when you sing them.
There are so many nursery rhymes that are popular with children!
There are songs about animals, songs about food, songs about the seasons—the themes are varied, and each song has its own mood.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of especially cheerful songs from among the most popular nursery rhymes all at once!
We’ve gathered lots of songs that will put you in a happy mood whether you listen to them or sing along.
Please sample the songs we introduce below, and be sure to enjoy listening to and singing your favorites!
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A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes: Songs that are fun to sing (21–30)
Ms. Himawari
Sunflowers, with their large yellow blossoms facing the sun, are uplifting just to look at, aren’t they? How about singing this sunflower-themed song, “Himawari-san,” together with the children? Its slow, gentle melody is easy to get familiar with, and the many repeated lyrics make it simple even for younger kids to remember—one of its charms.
When everyone sings, try forming a sunflower shape with both hands or stretching tall and singing up toward the sky; it’s a great way to nurture children’s expressive skills, so it’s highly recommended.
If you sing with big smiles and lots of energy, their hearts and bodies may grow quickly—just like summer sunflowers!
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.
I want to become the sun!Lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa
It’s a song filled with gentle feelings, where the warmth of love shines like the sun.
Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa tenderly express the warm emotions of falling for someone through a bright, expansive melody.
This piece was performed in July 2017 by Satoko Yamano, Toshihiko Shinzawa, and the Kotonomi Children’s Choir, and included on the album “Toshihiko Shinzawa & Hirotaka Nakagawa Songs <30th Anniversary Commemorative: Children’s Chorus Version>.” Its poppy melody and positive message make it perfect for occasions like kindergarten entrance ceremonies and the start of a new school term.
Why not sing it together, warmly watching over the children as they take their first steps toward the future?
Ganbarappa☆Ganbarūn
“Gambarappa☆Gambarūn” is an uplifting song that gives you energy in the summer.
Its rhythmic melody and lyrics make it really charming.
You’ll feel more energized as you sing, so try singing along with some hand claps.
For older and middle kindergarteners, it’s also recommended to use instruments like castanets to make it even more fun.
On hot days when playing outside isn’t possible, using instruments while enjoying the song can help the children feel more united and have an even better time together.
The Bento Bus SongLyrics and composition by Mariko Shinju
This heartwarming song, written and composed by beloved children’s picture book author Mariko Shinju, depicts food items cheerfully boarding a bus.
Its rhythmic, catchy melody and lyrics that roll out ingredient names one after another create a lively atmosphere that makes you want to move your body.
Released in 2017 as part of King Records’ “Suku♪Iku” series, it also saw a new version by Icchi & Naru in 2025.
Widely used for hand-play activities in nurseries and kindergartens and as a tool for food education, this delightful track makes mealtimes more enjoyable—perfect for singing along while cooking in the kitchen or humming during lunchbox prep for a field trip.
Genki Ondo
It’s a bright and lively Bon Odori song.
Set to a poppy rhythm, it features moves like the “hungry tummy growl” pose and big-voice gestures that naturally make kids want to move.
The choreography is easy to follow and full of the joy of dancing together.
Its energetic tempo and friendly vocals will further boost the festive mood.
The clear rhythm and catchy melody stick in your head, and moving freely to the music brings out smiles.
Popular as a versatile number for kindergartens and local summer festivals, it’s perfect for summer events where everyone can dance, sing, and feel energized.
little starLyrics by Masuyo Tsuzuki / Music by Ikuma Dan
Let me introduce the well-loved song “Ohoshi-sama” (The Little Star).
Stars seem to twinkle brightly, don’t they? Have you ever thought about what that sparkle might represent? If you ask children, they’ll likely give you delightfully interesting answers.
The lyrics—suggesting that the stars are shining because they’re chatting with one another—are cute and unique, aren’t they? Planning some choreography together with the children would be a fun activity too.
By all means, try incorporating “Ohoshi-sama”!