Get pumped with popular songs from “Okaasan to Issho”! A collection of timeless tunes everyone will want to sing together

Crane's WaltzDaisuke Yokoyama / Takumi Mitani

Crane Waltz ♪ Waking up, stretching, the morning sun sparkles Lyrics and music by Misako Tsuda Crane Waltz

The cheerful crane is whirling around, dancing a waltz.

It looks like fun—sometimes dancing alone, sometimes together with everyone.

A child’s creativity is limitless; rather than sticking only to set choreography, I hope they’ll sometimes dance freely, just like this crane, and enjoy themselves.

Dongara-dondon, dorayaki!Daisuke Yokoyama / Takumi Mitani

Karaoke JOYSOUND (Cover) Dongara Dondon Dorayaki! / Daisuke Yokoyama, Takumi Mitani (original key) Tried singing

Beloved by everyone, “dorayaki.” In this story, a dorayaki sets off on a journey, wanders into a world filled with “dora,” learns many things, and eventually finds its way back.

It’s a playful, pun-filled song that kids absolutely love and get excited about.

Raccoon of all tradesDaisuke Yokoyama / Takumi Mitani

Karaoke JOYSOUND (Cover) Anything Raccoon / Daisuke Yokoyama, Takumi Mitani (Original Key) Tried Singing

This is a song about a raccoon who washes everything thoroughly until it sparkles.

Staying clean feels great for both adults and children, and it really lifts your spirits, doesn’t it? This song is perfect for bath time or handwashing, so be sure to sing it together with your child!

Panda, rabbit, koalaOsamu Sakata, Yuko Kanzaki

Panda, Bunny, Koala ♪

How about “Panda, Bunny, Koala,” a hand-play song that became widely popular thanks to NHK’s educational program Okaasan to Issho? The song is known for having lyrics by Hiroo Takada, and it’s fun because you imitate the movements of the panda, bunny, and koala that appear in the lyrics.

Its appeal also lies in the built-in variety and game-like elements, such as the tempo gradually getting faster.

You might enjoy it even more if you add brief explanations between sections of the song—for example, “Let’s line them up and try it.”

BunbunhoiRyo Miyauchi, Hitomi Nanase

Bun Bun Hoi (Okaasan to Issho) / Korogi ’73

Bun Bun Hoi is the ending theme of the puppet show Bun Bun Time, which aired within Okaasan to Issho for three years starting in 1979.

It was sung by Ryo Miyauchi, the 4th “Uta no Onii-san,” and Hitomi Nanase, the 13th “Uta no Onee-san.” Partway through, it features a fun game similar to Okaasan to Issho’s version of “Acchi Muite Hoi.” There’s also a version by Korogi ’73, a chorus unit active from 1972 to 1990 that performed anime songs and children’s songs.

Copycat PoonAkira Hayashi, Miyuki Mori

Copycat Poon

The ending theme of the puppet show “Niko Niko Pun,” which featured Jajamaru, Pikkoro, and Porori, is “Manekko Pun.” It was introduced in 1982 and aired for two years until it was replaced in 1984.

The song was mainly performed by Akira Hayashi, the 6th “Uta no Onii-san,” and Miyuki Mori, the 15th “Uta no Onee-san.” Partway through, the tempo changes dramatically, and it becomes a fun number that incorporates a physical play segment where you imitate Jajamaru, Pikkoro, and Porori.

A Little Bear in the RainDaisuke Yokoyama / Takumi Mitani

Children's Song: Little Bear in the Rain ♪

On a rainy day, a little bear goes for a walk and discovers all sorts of lovely things along the way.

“So, what did the little bear find?” It’s a wonderfully heartwarming song with a gentle atmosphere that makes you feel at ease when you listen to it.