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

Your ColorLyrics/Music: Edamamenz

[February 2020 Song of the Month] Kimi Iro [With Mother] (cover by UtaSuta)

This work, with its rhythmic and upbeat tone, is a delightful song that celebrates a colorful world.

The lyrics feature a variety of colors that spark children’s curiosity.

It was broadcast as the Monthly Song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in February 2020, attracting a great deal of attention.

Written and composed by the masked unit Edamame-ns, it drew interest in the creators’ true identities.

The song is also popular at nursery and kindergarten recitals and is said to help bring out children’s individuality.

How about everyone dancing energetically together with fun, color-themed choreography?

Hey, Kaba-kun!Lyrics by Itsuko Nakagawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa

[Children’s Song] Hey, Mr. Hippopotamus

With its calm and gentle atmosphere, this song was released in April 2007 as a picture book with a CD, and together with illustrations by Hiroshi Abe, a former zookeeper at Asahiyama Zoo, it became a tune rooted in children’s daily lives.

Created by Hirotaka Nakagawa and Itsuko Nakagawa, the work also encourages children’s curiosity about animals through its focus on hippos.

It was featured on the TV program Hirake! Ponkikki and has long been loved by many children.

Its relaxed tempo and melody perfectly match the laid-back image of hippos, making it great for singing along with your child.

Why not hum it happily on a spring field trip or during a visit to the zoo?

Let's draw a picture in the blue sky.Lyrics by Kazumi Itsuki / Music by Hajime Kamishiba

♪Let’s draw a picture in the blue sky [with gestures] Let’s draw a picture in the blue sky, a big, big ship 〜♪ [Children’s song / nursery rhyme]

A song that paints a large ship in the blue sky and sings of an adventure to a new world is full of charm that richly nurtures children’s imaginations.

Along with energetic calls and cheers, its uplifting message that expands their hopes for dreams will surely resonate deeply in children’s hearts.

Beloved in kindergartens and nursery schools, this work shines in scenes where children sing together, such as at sports days and concerts.

Its structure, which lets children move their bodies joyfully while singing, is also a major appeal that enables everyone to have fun as one.

It is a cherished piece in childcare and educational settings.

Happy ChildrenToshihiko Niizawa

Happy Children (Lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa) [From Toshihiko Shinzawa’s 40th Anniversary of Musical Activities “Nursery Song Concert”]

This song, created by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, is a bright dance tune themed around the power of children’s innocence and smiles to bring happiness to those around them.

With its light rhythm and memorable melody, it’s an easy-to-sing-and-dance-to track that kids can’t help but hum along to.

Released in 2001, the song has been loved by many for years and is widely used in educational settings and at events.

It’s also great to dance to together with nursery and kindergarten teachers!

What color do you like?Lyrics by Osamu Sakata / Music by Yuki Inui

[Baby Stops Crying] What Color Do You Like? / Together with Mother (Covered by UtaSuta) [Crayon/Colors/Memorization Song]

With its bright, rhythmic melody and friendly lyrics, this heartwarming song helps nurture children’s sense of color.

The gentle voices of Osamu Sakata and Yuko Kanzaki lead listeners into a world of colors like red, blue, yellow, and green.

Released by Victor Entertainment in June 1992, it was featured as the Song of the Month for June and July on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Filled with a soothing melody and elements that make learning color names fun, it’s perfect for singing together with friends and family during walks or outdoor playtime.

It’s also a great pick for spring, when fresh greenery shines, as a way to spark interest in the colors all around us.

Story FingerLyrics by: Yoshiko Kayama / Music by: Akira Yuyama

Mr. Story Finger (🎵 This finger is Papa~) by Himawari 🌻 with Lyrics [Children’s Song | One of Japan’s 100 Selected Songs]

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.

Roly-poly pill bugLyrics and music by Toshihiko Shinzawa

Roly-Poly Pill Bug (with lyrics) Lyrics and music by Toshihiko Shinzawa – New song from Okaasan to Issho

A fingerplay song that gently portrays the cute looks and movements of small creatures was created by Toshihiko Shinzawa.

With warm lyrics and melody, it depicts encounters with the little creatures often seen in nature, making it an engaging piece that stimulates children’s curiosity.

Featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in December 2024, this work includes creative elements that let children enjoy expressing the adorable behaviors of animals through hand motions.

It can be used in kindergartens and preschools, and also serves as a tool for parents and children to bond while fostering an interest in nature.

With soothing lyrics and an approachable tune, it’s a perfect song for making happy memories during walks and outdoor play.