[Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.

Gluttonous GhostLyrics by: Sachiko Murata / Music by: Wakako Fukuda

Greedy Little Ghost (Okaasan to Issho) / Kentaro Hayami & Ayumi Shigemori

This is a fun, humor-filled song that depicts a ghost peeking into the refrigerator in the middle of the night.

Its lyrics incorporate food shapes in a quiz-style format, and the bright, rhythmic melody is memorable.

Created by Sachiko Murata and Wakako Fukuda, the piece was also broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and is beloved by many children.

It’s a great song to sing with two-year-olds while imitating the ghost’s gestures, moving your body, and using your hands to show different food shapes.

It can also be used as a sketchbook theater activity in nursery schools and kindergartens.

Five melon breads at the bakery.Lyrics: Hirotaka Nakagawa / Music: Traditional English nursery rhyme

♪ Five Melon Breads (with choreography)

Shall we sing a fun fingerplay song themed around a bakery’s melon bread together with the children? It’s an adaptation of a traditional English nursery rhyme, arranged to be familiar and appealing to Japanese kids.

The fingerplay involves counting with fingers in time with lyrics that show the bread being sold, nurturing children’s imagination.

It’s often used in early childhood settings, and this work—through which you can enjoy playful counting with children via song—is sure to be a big hit both at home and in nursery or kindergarten!

Banana Parent and ChildOsamu Sakata

Kids Song | Banana Family 3D | Nursery Rhyme | Children's Song | Red Cat Reading

Lyrics and melodies that make children’s hearts skip a beat.

This song is an adorable piece depicting a banana parent and child living on a southern island.

The swaying bananas in the breeze are expressed through rhythmic lyrics.

Carried by Osamu Sakata’s gentle voice, the introduction of Papa Banana, Mama Banana, and Little Banana makes you want to hum along.

Broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s a hugely popular song among children.

Sing and dance together as a family, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time!

A-I-U-E-O nigiriLyrics and Music by Saeko Shuu

A-I-U-E Rice Balls [With Mother] Yuzo Imai & Shoko Haida (covered by UtaSuta)

This song features a lovely melody and heartwarming lyrics centered on the theme of rice balls (onigiri).

Broadcast in April 2001 as the Monthly Song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” Shū Saeko’s piece has continued to be cherished by many since its airing.

In early childhood settings, it’s perfect as an introduction to food education activities.

It’s a song you can enjoy in many ways with children—singing together while naming fillings, adding hand-play motions, and more.

The Bento Bus SongLyrics and composition by Mariko Shinju

♪ The Bento Bus Song (Vocals: Icchi & Naru / Lyrics & Music: Mariko Shinju) [Official Collaboration with the picture book “Obentō Bus”]

This heartwarming song, written and composed by beloved children’s picture book author Mariko Shinju, depicts food items cheerfully boarding a bus.

Its rhythmic, catchy melody and lyrics that roll out ingredient names one after another create a lively atmosphere that makes you want to move your body.

Released in 2017 as part of King Records’ “Suku♪Iku” series, it also saw a new version by Icchi & Naru in 2025.

Widely used for hand-play activities in nurseries and kindergartens and as a tool for food education, this delightful track makes mealtimes more enjoyable—perfect for singing along while cooking in the kitchen or humming during lunchbox prep for a field trip.

A strawberry is a strawberry.Lyrics: Kiyomi Kotaki / Music: Taishi Fujita

Strawberries are Strawberries (Okaasan to Issho) / Kentaro Hayami & Ayumi Shigemori

This is a charming song with a bright, rhythmic, and fun melody paired with heartwarming lyrics.

It was broadcast in May 1997 as the “Song of the Month” on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, with lyrics by Kiyomi Kotaki and music by Taishi Fujita.

The gently told story follows a protagonist who dreams of becoming a cake and, while chasing that dream, discovers their own true self—making it a song that enriches children’s imaginations.

Sung and beloved by Kentaro Hayami and Ayumi Shigemori, it was later carried on by Akihiro Sugita and Ryoko Tsumoda.

It is also included on the album NHK Okaasan to Issho Memorial Album and has been cherished by many children.

It’s perfect for humming during walks or outdoor play, and for singing together on spring field trips or fun outings.

When sung with family, it’s sure to become a wonderful memory that shares the joy of spring.

Vegetable SongSatoko Yamano

♪Vegetable Song – Tomatoes go ton-ton-ton, cabbage goes kyak-kyak-kya~♪ <with gestures>

Welcome to the wonderful world of vegetables! This song, hugely popular with children, is full of clever ways to help them learn the names of vegetables in a fun, rhythmic way.

With sounds that express the names and characteristics of veggies like tomatoes and cabbage, just listening will fill you with excitement.

Accompanied by Satoko Yamano’s bright and gentle voice, the vegetables make their appearances one after another.

This piece is included in many children’s music albums.

It’s also recommended for nutrition education time or for singing together with kids who aren’t fond of vegetables.

If you sing while moving your body, it becomes even more fun!