[Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too
By the age of three, children gradually start to understand characters and stories and enjoy narratives.
You may feel their growth as you watch them view anime.
On the other hand, as adults, it can be hard to know which anime suits their age or to find shows you can let them watch with peace of mind.
For those in that situation, we’ve put together a list of anime for three-year-olds.
Teachers and guardians will likely find some titles they already know.
Please use this as a reference and a chance to discover new works.
- [Age 4] Fun for grown-ups too! A roundup of anime for four-year-olds
- [Age 2] A Special Feature on Anime to Enjoy with Your Child!
- [Childcare] Recommended for 3-year-olds! Play ideas everyone can enjoy
- [Anime] For toddlers! A roundup of anime works to enjoy with your kids
- [Age 5] A roundup of anime for 5-year-olds that will draw them into the story
- [For 3-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read in March
- Anime recommendations for 1-year-olds: Let’s use them as support for childcare
- [For 3-year-olds] A roundup of craft ideas to enjoy in summer! Introducing various motifs and techniques
- [Quiz] Recommended for preschoolers! A collection of fun quiz ideas
- Let’s make it with 3-year-olds! Fun handmade toy ideas
- [For 2-year-olds] Recommended picture books to enjoy reading in January
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Exciting and Heartwarming Picture Books
- For 3-Year-Olds! Indoor & Outdoor Physical Play and Game Ideas
[Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too (1–10)
Baby Bus
“Baby Bus” is a children’s animated series distributed in 12 languages worldwide.
Through animation, it teaches kids essential information and knowledge about early learning, daily habits, social skills, and disaster preparedness.
A variety of characters appear in “Baby Bus,” but the panda duo Kiki and Miumiu, as well as Chief Labu the Labrador Retriever police officer, are especially popular with children.
There are also many story-driven episodes where Kiki and Miumiu help people as a rescue team, and Chief Labu solves cases through detective work.
Doraemon
Doraemon, an anime loved across generations, dates back to 1979.
The basic storyline unfolds around Nobita, Doraemon, and Doraemon’s secret gadgets.
Nobita’s friends are all very unique, so you never get bored watching.
Another hallmark of Doraemon is that a movie is released every spring, once a year, which has created a dedicated fanbase for the films.
For children, watching a movie at a theater is a valuable experience.
How does Doraemon, who always solves problems, appear in children’s eyes? Asking them for their impressions is highly recommended.
Pingu
Pingu is a stop-motion animation created in Switzerland.
Many adults probably watched it when they were children.
There are no spoken lines; the story unfolds entirely through sound effects and the vocalizations of Pingu and his friends.
Its charm is sure to captivate many children.
New episodes have also been produced since 2017.
Pingu’s expressive faces—laughing, getting angry—somehow mirror the way children are.
It’s a delightful series that kids are sure to love.
[Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too (11–20)
Thomas the Tank Engine
Thomas & Friends is a popular show broadcast across various media.
The adventures of Thomas and his friends are exciting, aren’t they? With so many different kinds of trains, engines, and vehicles appearing, it’s easy to find a favorite character—that’s part of the charm.
It’s also content you can confidently let children watch.
Thomas began airing as an animated series in Japan in 1990.
It’s worth noting how the animation style and character designs have changed with the times.
It’s a show that both adults and children can enjoy.
Go! Anpanman
The TV broadcast of “Go! Anpanman” began in 1988.
Many teachers and parents probably watched it themselves when they were children.
Its wide array of characters and exciting, heart-thumping stories are loved across generations.
Numerous songs have also been released and are often used for exercises and dances in preschools.
By the age of three, children can enjoy not only the characters but also appreciate the stories more deeply.
They may even discover their favorite episodes.
Nontan
The animated series Nontan that aired on TV for about two years starting in 1992.
Nowadays, with digital broadcasting, you can watch works with a different flavor, made in 3D.
Many children are probably familiar with the original Nontan picture books.
The gentle drawing style is soothing, isn’t it? The heartwarming stories are not only safe and comforting to watch, but also lead to insights and learning in everyday life.
This is an anime I’d definitely recommend choosing as one that adults can enjoy together with children.
Shimajiro: Wow!
Shima-jiro is a character from Benesse’s educational course “Kodomo Challenge.” In the anime, he plays and goes on adventures with friends like Mimirin, Torippy, and Nyakki.
There are small mishaps at the kindergarten they all attend, worries about siblings, and other topics close to children’s everyday lives.
It also features songs and dances, making it great for kids who want to move their bodies! Let’s enjoy all the content together.
This is a recommended series for three-year-olds who are beginning to notice other people’s feelings.