[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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Songs of Animals and Insects (11–20)
a cat’s child; a kittenLyrics/Music: Chikara Deguchi
Blending a gentle, adorable rhythm with hand-play movements, this piece is perfect for interactive play with babies from 0 years old.
Its cat-themed, charming world broadens children’s imaginations.
Satoko Yamano’s clear, transparent vocals combined with Masashi Wakamatsu’s tender arrangement weave a heartwarming melody.
Included on the album “Columbia Kids: Parent and Child Nursery Songs—Enjoy the Rhythm and Words of Songs,” released in June 2018, it is also cherished in early childhood education settings.
By making eye contact with your child and moving hands and fingers together, the circle of communication naturally grows.
It’s recommended for morning meeting time, end-of-day gatherings, and family bonding time at home.
Mr. ElephantLyrics: Michio Mado / Music: Ikuma Dan
Born from the collaboration of Michio Mado and Ikuma Dan, this song—portraying a warm bond between parent and child—was first broadcast on NHK Radio in May 1952.
Characterized by a gentle triple-time melody and heartwarming lyrics that cherish one’s individuality, it has been featured in many educational and children’s TV programs and is loved across generations.
The May 2007 version by Satoko Yamano and the Morinoki Children’s Choir remains one of the most beloved recordings.
With a melody that nestles close to the heart like a gentle spring breeze, it’s perfect for parents and children to hum together.
In the fresh green season, singing it while out for a walk will make for even more delightful memories.
Cute Hide and SeekLyrics by Hachirō Satō / Music by Yoshinao Nakata
This is a gentle children’s song about a game of hide-and-seek played by adorable animals.
Hatchlings, sparrows, and puppies try their best to conceal themselves, warmly portrayed in the words of Hachirō Satō, with Yoshinao Nakada’s melody enhancing its charm even further.
First released in 1951, the piece has inspired children’s playfulness and curiosity toward animals.
The thrilling hide-and-seek unfolds in everyday scenes—gardens, rooftops, and meadows.
It’s perfect for singing with your child in fresh, green May, while thinking of the animals you might meet on a walk.
The rhythm of the lyrics and the friendly melody truly seem to express the joy of spring.
Songs of Animals and Insects (21–30)
The Puppy Police OfficerLyrics by Yoshimi Sato / Music by Onaka Megumi
This is a gentle, melodic song depicting the encounter between a lost kitten and a kind police officer.
Written by Yoshimi Sato and composed by Megumi Ohnaka, it was created between the 1950s and 1960s.
With its warm lyrics and rhythmic tune, it’s perfect for fostering children’s emotional development.
It has been broadcast on NHK programs such as “Minna no Uta” and “Okaasan to Issho,” and is beloved by many.
We recommend singing it together with your child while adding simple motions for extra fun.
The heartwarming, picture book–like story will nurture your child’s imagination.
ladybugLyrics by Aki Shimizu / Music by Tsuyae Kobayashi
A children’s song lovingly sung by Aki Shimizu and Tsuyae Kobayashi about a small red insect.
Set to a bright, lighthearted melody, it gently portrays the charming creature with its red body and distinctive black spots.
The song is included on the albums “Kodomo no Uta 200,” “Let’s Sing About Nature!,” and in the 1981 publication “Minna no Uta: 86 Songs,” and has long been beloved by many children.
With its friendly tune, it’s the kind of song you’ll find yourself humming on a leisurely spring day while out for a stroll.
It’s perfect not only for music activities in nurseries and kindergartens, but also for families to enjoy together while experiencing the nature of spring.
To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand
It’s a classic children’s song brimming with the joy and hope of living.
Through the sight of blood glowing red when sunlight shines through a hand, it gently conveys the preciousness of life.
Earthworms, dragonflies, frogs, and other creatures make appearances, and the warm melody teaches the wonder of living together.
The lyrics, imbued with Takashi Yanase’s deep sentiments, harmonize beautifully with the bright tune crafted by Tak Izumi.
First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, it was performed by the Boys Jacks on the 1965 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It later appeared in elementary school music textbooks and has continued to be cherished by many.
It’s a perfect cheer song for children swelling with hope as they take a new step forward.
Hand play songs (21–30)
What nursery rhymes can you enjoy with physical movement?
Some nursery rhymes include hand games, and there are also songs you sing while playing. Here are some nursery rhymes that you can enjoy with children who are bored on rainy days when they can’t play outside, as well as songs recommended for bonding with babies! The choreography is easy to remember, so don’t worry! Reference article:[Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
Fingerplay song (1–10)
Are you okay? Whoops.Lyrics and Music: Tsubasa Suzuki
Tsubasa Suzuki’s finger-play songs are full of charm that brings smiles to children’s faces.
With surreal elements that include animals stumbling and falling, they turn into irresistibly funny tunes.
The rhythmic lyrics and cute choreography make it easy for kids to move their bodies and have fun.
This track is available on CD and via digital distribution, and is included on the album “Inai Inai Wao!” It’s also highly recommended for nursery and kindergarten teachers.
Sing and dance together with the children, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time!