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)
Let's go to the park.Lyrics and Music: Osamu Sakata
This popular song from NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” is characterized by a bright tone that evokes the arrival of spring and a lively, uplifting rhythm.
Created by Osamu Sakata, it features lyrics that convey the joy of playing outdoors and a warm worldview that can be enjoyed across generations, from babies to the elderly.
It was sung by Ayumi Shigemori and Kentaro Hayami in August 1999, and around the same time it was also included on Ikkokudō’s album “Niji no Mukou ni.” It’s a heartwarming piece you’ll want to hum with someone special during a sunny walk or playtime at the park—perfect for enjoying with family and friends in the fresh green season.
Haohao
It’s a famous song that was also included on “NHK Okaasan to Issho Latest Best,” released in 2001.
Above all, Haohao—the little ghost that looks like a sea angel—is just so cute! I think if someone covered it and sang it now, it could become a hit again.
The laid-back melody is easy to get into and seems perfect for a kindergarten performance.
Even just mimicking the actions to the song—smiling, crying, puffing up—is adorable.
The part where they share a biscuit offers lots of room for creativity, like holding hands with friends.
It might be a ghost song that deserves even more attention!
Children’s songs with a bright vibe: a collection of fun-to-sing tracks (31–40)
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.
Zebra Swirl
The rhythmic and fun “Zebra Swirl” also features lyrics that are easy for children to remember.
Let’s sing along to the cute, rhythmic words.
The repeated phrases may match the zebra’s stripes and the song’s background, capturing children’s attention.
Try singing to the rhythm while feeling the melody’s lively yet somehow nostalgic vibe.
You might broaden the fun by first asking, “What around us looks like stripes?” and then singing the song.
Let's have fun.Lyrics/Music: Shinapu
This song, from a popular segment of a baby-focused TV show, features a bright, rhythmic melody that leaves a lasting impression.
Carried by the vocals of Shoko & The Akilla, it unfolds a warm and gentle world.
Its fun melodic lines make even babies want to sway along.
Broadcast as the “Tsuki Uta” (monthly song) for January 2025 on TV Tokyo’s educational program “Sina Pshu,” it has earned strong support from many parents and children.
It’s perfect for cuddle time with your baby or music time.
Why not enjoy a fun moment singing and dancing together with your little one?
The ranch on a rainy day
Set on a rainy day at a farm, this friendly song portrays the animals having fun.
Cows, sheep, and chickens play in the rain and stroll under umbrellas, all depicted with a bright and charming melody.
Released in September 2024 as an original song on the YouTube channel “LiaChaCha,” this piece is perfect for June, when indoor play increases during the rainy season, and is a tune kids can sing and enjoy together.
It’s sure to blow away those rainy-day blues.
They say they want to wake up feeling refreshed.
It’s a lively exercise song that gives a boost to bright mornings.
While copying the cute movements of animals together, it invites kids to move their whole bodies in a fun way.
Released in April 2014, it was also broadcast on the popular TV show “Shimajiro no Wao!” Seeing Shimajiro and friends dance joyfully on the program had a big impact on children.
This piece is loved as a morning wake-up workout and as an exercise song you can do indoors.
Start a cheerful day by moving your body—together with parents, or with friends at daycare or kindergarten.