[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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Animal and Insect Songs (1–10)
snailNEW!Monbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)
Many people can’t help but hum a tune when they spot a snail on the roadside after the rain, struggling earnestly to move forward.
Some listened to it as children and now sing it with their own kids.
This piece captures a child’s pure curiosity as they call out to the snail, asking, “Where is your head?” It was included in 1911 as a Ministry of Education shoka in Elementary School Songs (Volume 1).
Despite its relaxed image, its light and rhythmic melody is part of its charm.
Beloved across generations, this classic song also offers a chance for parents and children to engage with nature together.
Tanuki of Fist Mountain
“Genkotsuyama no Tanukisan” is well known not only as a Japanese children’s song but also as a hand-play song.
Since the hand motions are simple, you can do it with small children, and it’s an easy tune to remember.
It’s also sung as a game for playing rock–paper–scissors.
Song of a little bird
It’s a cute children’s song about a little bird calling its father and mother with its chirps.
It was released in 1954.
The lyrics were written by Jun’ichi Yoda, a children’s author from Fukuoka Prefecture.
The composer, Yasushi Akutagawa, also wrote music for films such as Hakkōda-san and Village of Eight Gravestones.
Mushi-Mushi FestivalYuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata
A song that makes you want to sway your body and groove to the rhythm! Let me introduce “Mushi Mushi Festival.” Its charm lies in the adorable, insect-themed lyrics.
It’s perfect for kids who love looking at bugs or are into bug-hunting as their current craze.
The song was performed in June 2023, with lyrics and music by Tetsu Kashiwa.
The unique lyrics are delightful and easy for children to remember.
Since the names of insects appear in the lyrics, kids will likely get excited when their favorite bug shows up!
Old MacDonald Had a Farm
The original title is “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” which is an American folk song in its Japanese version.
Many of you probably sang it as children, didn’t you? There’s also a parody version called “Osaka Umaimon no Uta” (Song of Osaka’s Tasty Foods).
Sparrows Samba
It sings about three sparrows dancing in various places.
You can just picture the adorable scene.
As the title suggests, it’s an upbeat, samba-style song.
The lyrics and music are by Tetsu Kashiwa, who is active as a singer-songwriter and novelist.
Animal Clock
A charming song notable for its timekeeping rhythm and richly characterized depictions of animals.
The clock’s tones feel like the animals’ heartbeats, giving the piece a warm, inviting quality.
While it teaches about time, its playful melody sparks children’s imaginations.
The song has also been featured on the educational program “Okaasan to Issho,” capturing the hearts of many children.
Singing it with kids who are just learning to read the clock will naturally nurture their interest in time.