![[Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NaC5mQngHlQ/sddefault.jpg)
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 (1–10)
A popular nursery rhyme that children love!
Here are some cute and popular children's songs. We’ve selected a variety—from songs that are fun just to sing, to ones with hand motions and movements. Try singing and playing together with your child. Even babies who aren’t ready to sing yet will beam with smiles if you gently touch and move with them while you sing!
strollAzumi Inoue
This song, famously known as the opening theme of Studio Ghibli’s 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro, is often sung in preschool and kindergarten performances.
There are probably many small children who learned this song before they even knew Totoro.
Though it’s an anime theme song, it’s cherished like a children’s song and has become a beloved classic.
What color do you like?Lyrics and Music: Osamu Sakata
Since “What Color Do You Like?” is a very famous children’s song, many people have probably heard it.
Ever since it was featured on “With Mother” in 1992, it has remained a beloved classic! Asking children what color they like and answering in a call-and-response style offers a different kind of fun compared to other songs.
Saying their favorite color out loud helps them develop self-expression, too.
It can also be a chance to learn more about a child—“This child likes this color.”
ParadeLyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa
Parade, created by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, is a lively song that fills children’s hearts with excitement.
Centered on a parade that begins with the sound of a morning bugle, it sings of hope and dreams.
Released in 1990, the song carries the message that “everyone has wonderful power within their hearts,” set to a light, catchy rhythm and melody.
Frequently used in childcare and educational settings, it gives children opportunities to learn cooperation and a sense of unity by singing together and playing instruments.
With its bright and cheerful mood, it’s sure to shine at events like sports days and recitals!
A Little Bear in the RainLyrics: Masao Tsurumi / Music: Akira Yuyama
This song has been widely loved by children, including being featured in Mitsumura Tosho’s elementary school Japanese language textbook.
Later, a picture book based on the song, “Amefuri Kumanoko,” was also published, and it has become a classic children’s song.
Sing, Bam-Bam!Lyrics by Hiroo Sakata / Music by Naosumi Yamamoto
This song, originally created as the theme for NHK’s New Year’s special “Utae Banban” broadcast in 1970, was later included on three records in 1972, featuring versions sung by the Bonny Jacks, Yoko Seri, and the Tokyo Broadcasting Chorus.
It was subsequently performed on music programs such as “One-Two Don,” and is also frequently sung in elementary schools.
Your ColorLyrics/Music: Edamamenz
This work, with its rhythmic and upbeat tone, is a delightful song that celebrates a colorful world.
The lyrics feature a variety of colors that spark children’s curiosity.
It was broadcast as the Monthly Song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in February 2020, attracting a great deal of attention.
Written and composed by the masked unit Edamame-ns, it drew interest in the creators’ true identities.
The song is also popular at nursery and kindergarten recitals and is said to help bring out children’s individuality.
How about everyone dancing energetically together with fun, color-themed choreography?
Boyoyon MarchLyrics by Keizo Nakanishi, Yuri Takado / Music by Keizo Nakanishi
When it comes to children marching brightly and energetically, the song that comes to mind is “Boyoyon March.” It was written specifically as the Song of the Month for NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” A brilliant melody featuring the sounds of a brass band rings out, the kind that makes your body want to move.
The lyrics, which portray looking forward toward tomorrow no matter what happens, are perfect for early childhood settings.
As everyone sings and dances to the phrase featured in the title, the song naturally lifts the mood.
It’s also recommended to incorporate movements that evoke an actual march and perform it at a recital.