[Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.
Kids love to sing!
Singing is a form of exercise, nurtures interest in language, and helps develop expressiveness and a sense of rhythm.
It’s also said that singing releases “happy hormones,” making it effective for relieving stress.
Bring plenty of music into daily life and sing freely together with your children.
This time, we’re introducing popular children’s songs we’d love you to sing and play with your kids!
We’ve collected everything from classic nursery rhymes passed down through the years to the latest hit songs.
You can search songs by category—animals, vehicles, food, and more—so you’re sure to find the perfect tune for your children.
If you add simple choreography or hand-play motions as well as singing, the kids will be thrilled!
Be sure to explore a variety of nursery rhymes and enjoy happy times with your children!
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- Nursery Rhyme Popular Song Rankings [2025]
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- [For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events
- Fun to dance! A roundup of recommended dance songs for young children, perfect for daycare and sports days
Children’s Songs: Popular Nursery Rhymes (71–80)
The Do-Re-Mi SongLyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II / Music by Richard Rodgers

“Do-Re-Mi” is one of the famous songs from the musical The Sound of Music, and in Japan, Peggy Hayama’s translated version has long been beloved.
Starting with “Do” for donut and “Re” for lemon, the upbeat lyrics build to the joyful “Si,” paired with a catchy, easy-to-hum pop melody.
With choreography that matches the words, even little kids can have fun dancing along.
In recent years it’s trended on TikTok and become popular across generations, so be sure to feature it!
Let's go to the park.Lyrics/Music by Osamu Sakata

Osamu Sakata, affectionately known as a former “Uta no Onii-san” (Singer on the show), has created many songs, and one of his most popular is “Let’s Go to the Park.” After it was performed on the NHK program “Okaasan to Issho,” it has been sung at kindergartens and nursery schools across Japan.
The song expresses the excitement of going out to the park.
There’s a call-and-response section in the middle, so it’s sure to get lively when everyone sings together.
It’s also fun to sing before heading out to the park.
My Mixed JuiceLyrics: Taro Gomi / Music: Koku Shibuya

Released in 1982, this is a bright, uplifting children’s song.
If you want kids to sing out with lively voices, this track is highly recommended.
Shōko Haida, the beloved “big sister” singer from children’s programs, has performed it as well.
Verses 1, 2, and 3 are divided into morning, afternoon, and night parts, so if you’re planning group singing with different sections, this song might be perfect.
The chorus features the title “Mixed Juice” as part of the lyrics, and it’s incredibly satisfying to sing!
After a fightLyrics by: Toyohisa Araki / Music by: Takashi Miki

I’d like to introduce “Kenka no Ato” as a heartwarming song with a strong message.
It gained attention after being chosen as a theme song for the children’s program Hirake! Ponkikki.
Many people may also know it from Tsuyoshi Tsuruno’s later cover version.
The song depicts making up after a quarrel.
It’s not only fun to sing, but also perfect for reaffirming the importance of reconciling and cherishing friends.
Fruit TarōLyrics: Okuhara Yume / Music: Bearground

“Kudamono Tarō” features fruit-themed characters who deliver fun songs and dances.
Lyrics are by Yume Okuhara and music is by Bearground.
With simple, easy-to-remember phrases about peaches, bananas, strawberries, and more, it’s perfect for use in early childhood settings.
Try dividing into parts and singing in turn, or perform gestures and dances that match the lyrics.
You could also wear outfits inspired by your assigned fruit.
Another idea is to create parody versions using the children’s favorite fruits.
Let’s get everyone excited with this nursery song that offers unique choreography and catchy tunes to enjoy with the kids!
Songs of Animals and Insects (71–80)
An animal song you'll want to copy!
Next, I’ll introduce some songs about animals that kids absolutely love. Children really enjoy imitating animals’ unique movements and sounds, don’t they? Let’s all become animals and have a blast together! Reference article:Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about animals
Reference article:Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes about insects
Animal and Insect Songs (1–10)
Mr. ElephantNEW!

In this song, Michio Mado’s poem is set to a gentle triple-meter melody by Ikuma Dan.
Through the image of a baby elephant, teased for its long trunk, proudly replying, “My mother’s is the same,” it tenderly conveys a heart that embraces differences.
In the 2003 “Favorite Children’s Songs” ranking, it placed seventh and has continued to be loved across generations.
It has been included in many collections, such as King Records’ “Zō-san — Michio Mado Children’s Song Collection [White Jubilee Commemoration]” and Nippon Columbia’s “Michio Mado Works — Zō-san.” It’s a song to hum along with someone dear to you, nurturing a spirit that cherishes your own individuality.
Goosey, Goosey, GanderNEW!

This is a lively Mother Goose piece that begins with a call to the geese and features a catchy melody.
The lyrics describe going up and down the stairs, and it’s loved as a play song that you can enjoy while moving your body.
At first glance it seems cheerful, but it’s said that the lyrics actually hide satire about historical religious conflicts, giving the song a slightly mysterious background.
First included, it is said, in a nursery rhyme collection published in 1784, this venerable piece has been covered by numerous singers and educational programs, and is a standard in the English-speaking world.
You’ll also often hear it as insert music in animations and documentaries themed on Mother Goose.
Its rhythmic wordplay makes it perfect for enjoying English sounds, so be sure to sing and dance along with your child!






