[Age 4] Fun for grown-ups too! A roundup of anime for four-year-olds
By the time they turn four, children start noticing deeper aspects of characters and stories, allowing them to fully enjoy picture books, animated shows, and other narratives.
Why not pick some anime you’d like four-year-olds to watch?
Here, we’ve gathered titles that kids can watch safely and comfortably.
You’re sure to discover shows they haven’t seen yet or haven’t really explored.
These are all series that adults can enjoy too, so watch together and share the world of anime with your children.
- [Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too
- [Age 5] A roundup of anime for 5-year-olds that will draw them into the story
- [Anime] For toddlers! A roundup of anime works to enjoy with your kids
- [For Age 4] Must-Read in January! Picture Books to Enjoy Winter
- For 4-year-olds! Introducing recommended indoor activities, group games, and crafts
- [Age 2] A Special Feature on Anime to Enjoy with Your Child!
- For 4-year-olds! A collection of indoor home play ideas that make time inside fun
- A collection of recommended picture books to read with 4-year-olds that will make the wait for Christmas exciting
- May: Craft Ideas That Excite 4-Year-Olds!
- [Childcare] A collection of recommended melodica (pianica) songs for 4-year-olds
- [March] Recommended for 4-year-olds! Picture books that will make you smile and grin
- [February] Recommended picture books for 4-year-olds: Works that let children feel winter at preschool
- [For 4-Year-Olds] Recommended Spring Picture Books | Engaging with the World and Friends
[Age 4] Fun for adults too! Anime picks for 4-year-olds (1–10)
Sumikko Gurashi
Sumikkogurashi is also popular among children.
Many kids probably own products featuring the characters, right? Not only items with the characters printed on them, but plush toys and games are also extremely popular.
What’s more, Sumikkogurashi has been adapted into a TV anime and movies.
Unique characters appear, such as Shirokuma, who is shy, and Penguin?, who lacks confidence.
One of Sumikkogurashi’s charms is the slightly negative, withdrawn feeling hidden within its cuteness.
That appeal is also conveyed in the TV anime and films.
It’s a series that children will love, and adults can enjoy as well.
My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro, a Studio Ghibli film released in 1988.
It tells the story of sisters Satsuki and Mei, who meet “Totoro” after moving to a new home and have mysterious experiences.
Although the story mainly progresses through Mei, she’s just four years old.
In addition to Totoro, charming characters like the Catbus and soot sprites also appear.
A four-year-old child will surely be able to experience the wonders from the same perspective as Mei.
Please take this opportunity to watch it.
Hanakappa
Hanakappa is an animated show broadcast on NHK Educational TV (E-Tele).
The main character is Hanakappa, a kappa boy who can make various flowers bloom on his head.
The stories unfold around the flowers he blooms.
From the commotion he causes with friends to the back-and-forth with a group aiming to get the “Waka-ran” that Hanakappa occasionally blooms, there are plenty of exciting, heart-pounding adventures that will surely captivate children.
Watching Hanakappa grow through the stories will likely resonate with parents raising kids, too.
If you like, try watching it together as a family.
Sesame Street
Sesame Street was created in the United States as an early childhood education program.
It features Muppet characters with distinct personalities and is popular among American children.
Well-known, charming characters include the ever-cheerful Elmo and the gentle, yellow Big Bird.
Beyond animation, you can also learn English songs sung with Sesame Street characters and children, as well as topics like nutrition and annual events.
It also seems like a great way to experience different cultures.
Baby Bus
BabyBus teaches children essential knowledge and information—such as early learning, daily routines, and disaster preparedness—through animation.
It’s a very popular animated series available not only in Japan but also in 12 languages worldwide.
Well-known characters include the pandas Kiki and Miumiu, as well as Chief Labou, a Labrador Retriever police officer.
There are many engaging videos perfect for four-year-olds who are starting to enjoy story-driven content, so be sure to check it out.
There’s an official YouTube channel where you can watch for free.