[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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Children’s Songs: Popular Nursery Rhymes (41–50)
Story Finger
Something kids are sure to love! Here are some ideas for “Ohanashi Yubisan.” On hot summer days, you probably spend more time indoors, right? We recommend using “Ohanashi Yubisan” as an introduction before physical play, picture books, or craft activities.
Children will be captivated by the movements and singing of teachers or parents, and their attention will naturally gather.
Another nice benefit is that they can learn the names of their fingers while playing! Give it a try.
Children’s Songs: Popular Nursery Rhymes (51–60)
Potato Jaguar
From the intro, it’s exciting! Let me introduce an idea for “Potato Jaguar.” The song “Potato Jaguar” was broadcast on the TV program “Minna no Uta” from December 1991 to January 1992.
Right from the start of the track, you can hear sounds that capture children’s interest.
The lyrics are cute and the tempo is pleasant, making it perfect for kids! It could also be fun to come up with choreography together with the children.
Be sure to give it a try.
Happy Children
It’s sure to bring a smile! Let me introduce the idea of “Happy Children.” When the temperature stays high, both adults and kids tend to get tired easily.
Many of you are probably thinking about activities that incorporate exercise to help build stamina.
How about using “Happy Children” as a warm-up before activities like jump rope or tag? The lyrics and rhythm are perfect for children, and since it has choreography too, it should help lower the risk of injury compared to jumping straight into exercise.
Mayim Mayim
This song is popular in Japan as a classic tune for folk dancing and campfires.
It actually originated as an Israeli song about the joy of striking water in a settlement.
Playing this song and dancing to it really gets everyone excited, doesn’t it?
Zebra Swirl
The rhythmic and fun “Zebra Swirl” also features lyrics that are easy for children to remember.
Let’s sing along to the cute, rhythmic words.
The repeated phrases may match the zebra’s stripes and the song’s background, capturing children’s attention.
Try singing to the rhythm while feeling the melody’s lively yet somehow nostalgic vibe.
You might broaden the fun by first asking, “What around us looks like stripes?” and then singing the song.
Norimaki Pera Pari Ondo
The song “Norimaki Perapari Ondo,” which kids love, is a perfect summer tune and comes highly recommended for festival bon dances.
The catchy “perapari perapari” lyrics have a lively tempo that gives the intro a sense that something fun is about to begin.
The dance is simple and easy to learn, so children around age three can enjoy dancing to it as well.
It’s perfect for the summer festival season, too.
Dressing in yukata or jinbei to enjoy the festivities is a great idea.
Be sure to sing it and make it part of your summer memories.
A Drop of Star
With its bright rhythm and easy-to-understand lyrics, “Hoshi no Hitoshizuku” is a cheerful song that makes you want to dance when you hear it.
If you start the intro with handclaps, everyone can match the beat and dance together.
Try swaying your body energetically to the lyrics as you dance.
You might just find yourself smiling without even realizing it.
Its captivating rhythm and lyrics are enjoyable for children of all ages.
It could be a big hit to sing at events like Tanabata, too.