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

MomotaroLyrics by Unknown / Music by Teiichi Okano

Momotarō Song [Children’s Song/Anime] ~ Momotarō

This song, themed around a traditional Japanese folktale, is a lively march that instantly captivates children.

The lyrics, centered on courage and friendship, depict Momotaro and his companions joining forces to defeat the ogres.

The way they gain new allies through kibi dango (millet dumplings) teaches the importance of cooperation.

It’s perfect for everyone to sing together in classrooms or at sports festivals.

If you sing while moving energetically, it’s sure to bring out plenty of smiles from the children!

rainbowLyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa

Shoko Haida “Niji” – Surely Tomorrow Will Be Fine Weather (Full) [Official]

When it comes to classic children’s songs sung at daycare centers and kindergartens, “Niji” (Rainbow) is a staple.

The lyrics were written by singer-songwriter Toshihiko Shinzawa, and the music was composed by picture book author Hirotaka Nakagawa.

Its bright melody evokes a cloudless sky.

Since the song consists only of piano and vocals, have the children sing along to the teacher’s piano accompaniment.

After singing, everyone is sure to feel uplifted.

It’s a perfect piece to conclude events and recitals—be sure to give it a try.

All set and ready to go!Yuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

Junbi Bantantan — Live-action Dance — With Mother — May 2023 Monthly Song / E Tele — NHK

Let me introduce “Junbi Bantantan!”, a song that cheers kids on as they get ready in the morning and at night.

It’s very rhythmic and easy to remember.

It appeared as the May 2023 monthly song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” With its fresh, bright melody, it became popular as a tune that makes parents and children want to hum along while getting ready.

The lyrics are by Momi Fujimoto, and the music is by Tetsuro Oda, a producer behind many J-pop hits.

It’s an energetic song that brightens up families’ daily routines.

If kids get ready while singing, it might boost their mood, too!

Happiness PuzzleYuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

Happiness Puzzle (Okaasan to Issho) - Sung by NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

A very heartwarming, gentle cheer-up song! “Happiness Puzzle” appeared on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” as the Song of the Month for August 2024.

The lyrics are by Keisuke Yamakawa (real name: Takao Ide), who has shared many wonderful words through children’s programs over the years, and the music is by composer Takayuki Hattori, known for his memorable themes in dramas and anime.

With lyrics that compare life to a jigsaw puzzle, this song gently encourages children, embracing each child’s unique place in the world.

It's fun.Lyrics: Kazuko Yamauchi / Music: Takahiko Terashima

[Children’s Song] “It’s Fun!” Let’s sing and dance together♪

When you sing it, you naturally want to clap your hands and sway your body to the rhythm—That’s Fun! Its theme—that clapping and singing together with everyone is so much fun!—is perfect for children’s choir.

It encourages kids to notice the unique joys of group singing, like comparing the sound of clapping your own right and left hands with the sound of clapping your hands together with a friend, and listening closely to the voices around you as you sing.

Let’s look at one another—friends and teachers alike—add some movements, and enjoy singing together.

Lots of heartsDaisuke Yokoyama / Takumi Mitani

@user15821878215964

Song of April 2012: Full of Hearts — Daisuke Yokoyama & Takumi MitaniFull of heartsDaisuke YokoyamaTakumi Mitani#Daisuke Onii-san#Takumi Onee-san#WithMotherApril 2012Song of the MonthUehara Risa#Risa Onee-sanDebut songinnocent; fresh; naive; inexperienced (in a charming way)

Original song – Hikaru Tamura – Hikaru Tamura

With gentle lyrics and a heartwarming melody, this song naturally conveys feelings of love to children.

“Hearts Everywhere,” which appeared on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho in April 2012, features lyrics by Toshiyuki Aoshima and music by Megumi Ohashi.

Its rhythmic, catchy style makes it easy to love even on the first listen.

The rhythm and melody are also perfect for parents and children to sing together.

The lyrics are filled with “hearts galore,” creating an atmosphere brimming with kindness.

It’s a cute and soothing song that makes you smile just by listening.

The whale is listening.Yuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

@okaitsu0936

#WithMotherSong of the Moon — May Song: “The Whale Is Listening 🐳”#WithMother#OkaItsuTsukika

♪ Original song – yoshi_ – okaitsu🌈✨ & Kazumuoniisan

A gentle ballad that feels very soothing, NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” Song of May 2024, “Kujira ga Kiiteiru” (The Whale Is Listening), is written and composed by Beautiful Hummingbird.

Beautiful Hummingbird is a duo consisting of vocalist Mitsuko Koike and guitarist Nobuaki Tabata.

With lyrics that depict the way sounds of nature connect—such as “the whale, the frog, and the wind are listening”—and a tender melody, the song gives a sense that everyone is connected.

The animation is by picture-book and animation artist Osamu Sakai, whose warm, picture-book-like visuals further enhance the song’s world.