Children’s Song Medley: A playlist of classic and popular hits everyone knows
Nursery songs that have been sung for generations.
Many of you may have had your grandmother or mother sing them to you when you were little, or sung them yourselves with gestures at kindergarten, daycare, or school.
In this article, we’ve picked out classic nursery songs, focusing on those that children still love today.
From timeless favorites that evoke nostalgia to relatively new songs that have recently become popular in early childhood settings, we’ll introduce a wide range.
Please enjoy this playlist of nursery songs that will bring back memories of your early years.
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[Children’s Song Medley] A Playlist of Classic and Popular Favorites Everyone Knows (11–20)
The Bento Box SongNEW!Lyrics by: Yoshiko Kayama / Music by: Akihiro Komori
This is a very fun fingerplay song where you pack rice balls and all kinds of side dishes into a bento box.
Vegetables like carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and burdock root appear one after another, and moving your hands as you sing makes it feel like you’re really making a bento—so exciting! This piece is an arrangement of an existing playground song that Yoshiko Kayama and Akihiro Komori turned into a wonderful tune.
It became widely known after being featured on a program in the Nippon TV network.
Singing it while preparing a bento with your child might just make your usual routine feel even more special.
Mr. ElephantLyrics: Michio Mado / Music: Ikuma Dan
Born as a gentle children’s song depicting the warm bond between parent and child, this piece was first broadcast on NHK Radio in May 1952.
With its calm waltz-like 3/4 melody and heartwarming lyrics, it continues to be featured in educational and children’s TV programs today.
It’s easy to picture a parent and baby elephant nestled close together.
Like a mild spring breeze, the tender melody rests close to the heart—perfect for parents and children to hum together.
Sing it while taking a stroll, and it will become an even more delightful memory.
Panda, rabbit, koala
An adorable children’s song featuring animals familiar to kids, like pandas, rabbits, and koalas.
Set to a rhythmic melody, you can sing while mimicking each animal’s distinctive movements.
It’s perfect for moving and humming along with your child—great for kindergarten or nursery activities, as well as family bonding time.
Imitating animals naturally nurtures children’s imagination and expressive skills.
Donguri KorokoroLyrics by Aoki Sonetsugi / Music by Yanada Tei
A children’s song that has long been loved as a classic in kindergartens and nursery schools.
Many of you probably hummed it when you were little, right? Amazingly, it’s said to have been sung since the Taisho era! The lyrics have a beginning, development, turn, and conclusion, so it’s also charming that you can sing while freely imagining the story.
The Bear of the Forest
One of the classic children’s songs that has been passed down through the years.
The lyrics go up to verse five, and each verse can be sung in a call-and-response style like an echo, so children can learn it in a playful way.
Born in the United States, this song has long been loved in Japan as well.
The lyrics charmingly depict a meeting with a bear in the forest, which is sure to warm your heart.
It’s also recommended to sing it while showing picture books or kamishibai to help children expand their imagination.
To the Sun in the Palm of Your HandLyrics by Takashi Yanase / Music by Taku Izumi
Released in 1961 on Minna no Uta, this piece is a classic with lyrics by Takashi Yanase, best known as the creator of Anpanman.
When Yanase was in despair over his troubles, he happened to look at his hands and saw the blood running through them.
From that moment came this song, meant to lift your spirits when times are tough.
Like the many characters Yanase created, it’s a song that gives you energy, courage, and hope.
[Children’s Song Medley] A Playlist of Classic and Popular Favorites Everyone Knows (21–30)
Gonbe-san’s BabyLyrics: Akira Tashiga / Original: American folk song
This children’s song, originally based on an American folk tune, features Japanese lyrics written by Akira Tashiga and has been beloved by people of all ages since the mid-Showa era.
The warm, gentle lyrics about Gonbe-san and a baby are sure to make you feel cozy.
Its rhythmic structure with frequent repetition makes it easy for children to sing—one of the song’s best qualities.
Adding hand motions while singing can also support children’s language development and sense of rhythm.
Try singing it with your child at daycare, kindergarten, or at home.