Children’s Songs & Karaoke Rankings [2025]

My Neighbor TotoroAzumi Inoue8rank/position

My Neighbor Totoro – Azumi Inoue (Full)

Songs by Azumi Inoue, a female singer who left behind numerous masterpieces in early Studio Ghibli works, including the ending theme of Castle in the Sky and the image song for Kiki’s Delivery Service.

This song is famous as the ending theme of the Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro, and its lyrics are sprinkled with keywords from the movie’s storyline.

While there are a few leaps in pitch, the melody itself is easy to remember, and because there aren’t many notes, it’s a song that makes it easy to score high in karaoke.

The lyrics are easy to memorize along with the film’s scenes, making it a perfect karaoke song for children.

DoraemonGen Hoshino9rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Doraemon (Official Video)

This is the 11th single by singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, who is now a household name with numerous acting roles and commercial appearances.

Written specifically as the theme song for the film Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island, the lyrics evoke a nostalgic feeling that reflects the world and setting of the work, just as the title suggests.

Although the rhythm—especially in the A section—is tight and complex, the melody has few leaps and often moves on the same pitch, so once you learn it, it’s a fun song to sing.

There aren’t many fast phrases either, making it easy for children to sing and a solid choice for aiming at a high score.

Promise of SunflowersMotohiro Hata10rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

This is the 17th single by singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata, whose unique, gentle singing voice pairs perfectly with acoustic guitar and soothes listeners’ hearts.

The song was used as the theme for the 3DCG animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” and it’s widely known as one of Hata’s signature tracks, popular not only with people who’ve seen the movie but also with those who haven’t.

Its memorable melody set to acoustic guitar is easy to pick up, and the slow tempo makes it a good choice for children to aim for high karaoke scores.

As a Doraemon song that captivates children in any era, it’s also recommended as a kids’ karaoke number.

Doraemon: Make My Dreams Come Truemao11rank/position

Doraemon: Make Your Dreams Come True — by Mao

An anime loved by everyone, from children to adults—Doraemon.

This song, “Yume o Kanaete Doraemon,” was used as the opening theme for about 12 years, so it’s a tune that’s very familiar not only to children but also to their families.

So when you go to karaoke with your kids, be sure to try singing it together.

It’s a song you can enjoy as a group—have the kids sing while the adults do the call-and-response, or try the reverse pattern.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP12rank/position

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

The 35th single by SMAP, a five-member idol group that, despite achieving nationwide popularity with the glamour typical of idol groups and the skills they showcased on variety shows, disbanded in 2016.

The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi” (“The Way I Live”) and is widely known as one of SMAP’s signature tracks.

It’s so famous that it appears in elementary school songbooks, making it a tune almost every Japanese person has likely heard and easy for both children and adults to sing.

It’s a number whose piercing message you’ll want to remember—an enduring classic worthy of its triple-million sales.

Spring DayAimyon13rank/position

Aimyon – Harunohi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is a song by singer-songwriter Aimyon that conveys deep affection and hope for the future.

Written as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Honeymoon Hurricane ~The Lost Hiroshi~,” it cleverly incorporates words that evoke the story, which is a fun touch.

As the theme for an animated movie, it’s a track that children can easily grow fond of.

Since it includes themes of marital bonds and family love, you might find yourself moved to tears if your child sings it—so consider that a fair warning.

Anpanman's MarchDreaming14rank/position

Anpanman March

Recommended for very young children: “Anpanman’s March,” the theme song of everyone’s hero, Anpanman.

It’s a beloved classic that many of us have cherished since childhood.

The group Dreaming, who sing “Anpanman’s March,” originally consisted of twin sisters Chiyo Terada and Kayo Terada.

Currently, Chiyo continues to perform as Dreaming.

They have sung many children’s songs and anime tunes, but “Anpanman’s March” is an easy song for little kids to sing and a favorite for everyone.