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

There's no such thing as ghosts.Lyrics by Minori Maki / Music by Akira Mine

There's no such thing as ghosts.

This is a cute song recommended for children who are at the age where they start getting scared of ghosts.

Despite being a ghost-themed song, its cheerful lyrics brighten kids’ spirits.

It’s also very handy for soothing frightened children.

Since it’s an upbeat tune, it’s fun to sing along!

Little Errand Ant

[Children’s Song] The Little Errand Ant / Daisuke Yokoyama

It’s the children’s song “Otsukai Ari-san,” which I’m sure everyone is familiar with.

It was created in 1950 for NHK’s radio program “Time for Toddlers” and is a long-beloved song still sung today.

In the lyrics, the little ant runs errands while making mistakes, and it’s depicted in an adorably comical way.

The simple lyrics make it easy for young children to enjoy.

The melody is probably slow, so I think older adults can enjoy it too.

It’s a recommended song that can really liven things up—great for singing together with children and seniors while adding some simple dance moves.

Ghost Ninja Doron Doron Doron

[Play Song / Ghost] Ghost Ninja’s Dron-Dron-Drone / Rocket Crayon [Childcare/Parenting]

This is a song featuring “Obake Ninja,” a character that combines ghosts and ninjas—two things kids love—as the protagonist.

There’s a choreography video on video sites, so it might be perfect for those who want to choose a performance piece quickly.

It feels like a song made with little ones in mind, packed with elements of eurhythmics and hand-play, such as shuriken, knee shuriken, head shuriken, and more, making it easy to incorporate into everyday early childhood classes.

The melody is gentle, with nothing scary about the ghost.

It’s a song everyone can enjoy with big smiles—I hope it spreads even more!

Ghost Fireworks Ondo

Rocket Crayon’s Colorful Song Play ♪ [Ghost Fireworks Dance] Hiroba July Issue

When it comes to songs that evoke a festive, lively atmosphere, “Obake no Hanabi Ondo” comes to mind.

Featuring traditional Japanese (“wa”) instrument tones and rhythms, it fits perfectly with scenes where ghosts appear.

A sprightly dance is performed to phrases that depict fireworks shooting into the sky.

The choreography is simple enough for children to dance along, so try learning the song and dance together.

The lyrics carry a bittersweet yet warm message that will captivate not only children but adults as well.

Be sure to check out this ghost-themed song—perfect for school performances and parties.

There’s no such thing as ghosts.

Japanese Children’s Song – Nursery Rhyme – There’s No Such Thing as Ghosts – Obake nante nai sa

Lots of kids are afraid of ghosts, aren’t they? Here’s a children’s song that even kids who don’t like spooky, horror-type things can enjoy singing.

It flat-out denies the existence of ghosts, but that hint of uneasiness and the way it tries to convince itself is kind of adorable, isn’t it? (lol) The idea of putting a big ghost in the refrigerator is so childlike and funny.

It might be a hit at karaoke after watching a horror movie or visiting a haunted spot.

carp streamer

♪ Koinobori – Carp Streamers | Carp Streamers Higher Than the Rooftops; The Big Black Carp Is Father [Japanese Song / Shoka]

Koinobori is a song that makes you feel happy just by listening.

The lyrics were written by Miyako Kondo, and it has reportedly been sung since 1931.

It remains popular—selected for the Japan 100 Songs in 2007 and included on the 2019 album “Akari Oneesan no Nikoniko Henna Uta.” Above all, it’s an essential song for Children’s Day on May 5.

Fitting for a song sung on Children’s Day, its waltz rhythm fills you with excitement.

Still, it’s a tune that both kids and adults can enjoy singing together any time, not just on Children’s Day.

Watermelon-producing region

With Lyrics: Watermelon Production Area [King Records Kids, Baby, and Nursery Music Specialty Site “Suku♪Iku”]

If you heard the melody and thought, “Huh?”, that’s right! The song “Suika no Meisanchi” (Watermelon’s Famous Producing Area) is actually based on the American folk song “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.” The lyrics to this version were written by Takada Sakuzo, who served as president of the All-Japan Children’s Music Association.

Many people likely sang this folk tune back in elementary school.

Even if you’re hearing it for the first time, it’s so catchy you won’t forget it after a single listen.

Whether you already know it or not, it’s a great song for kids and adults alike to sing together and have fun!