[Age 5] A roundup of anime for 5-year-olds that will draw them into the story
Just as anime has many adult fans, there are plenty of works with complex, profound stories and themes.
Once children turn five, they can start to appreciate the depth of anime as well.
It can be a good idea to choose titles with a different flavor from what they’ve watched so far.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of anime suitable for five-year-olds.
Not only will kids enjoy watching them, but they might also discover new favorite characters and scenes.
Teachers and guardians, please consider watching together with the children and sharing your thoughts afterward.
- [Age 4] Fun for grown-ups too! A roundup of anime for four-year-olds
- [Anime] For toddlers! A roundup of anime works to enjoy with your kids
- [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
- [Age 2] A Special Feature on Anime to Enjoy with Your Child!
- Recommended for 5-year-olds! A collection of ideas for plays and dances for senior kindergarteners’ performances
- Ideas for indoor activities and group games that 5-year-olds like
- [Kindergarten] Let’s Play with Quizzes! A Collection of Recommended Quizzes for Older Kindergarteners
- [For 5-year-olds] Let’s make origami! A collection of fun folding ideas
- [Riddles] Have Fun with Kindergarten Seniors! A Collection of Riddles
- A collection of recommended Christmas picture books that will captivate 5-year-olds!
- [Age 5] Exciting and fun! A special feature on ideas for at-home play
- Recommended anime theme songs for children: timeless anime song classics you should listen to at least once.
[Age 5] A collection of engaging anime for 5-year-olds (11–20)
One Piece
At around age five—especially for boys—it’s a time when many start to yearn for “adventure,” isn’t it? That’s why I recommend One Piece.
The story follows a boy named Luffy, who dreams of becoming the Pirate King and forms the pirate crew known as the Straw Hat Pirates.
He sails with reliable crewmates like Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, and Chopper.
Since many of the characters, including the protagonist, are pirates, some parents may worry about showing it to their children.
However, One Piece is a masterpiece that could be called a bible for life.
It’s packed with lessons and values essential for living as a human being, so I encourage you to watch it with your child at least once.
Spirited Away
Here is an introduction to Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
The protagonist, Chihiro, finds that her parents have been turned into pigs.
Even when she’s alone in an unfamiliar place, she does her best to take action.
As she struggles in a life where the things she once took for granted are no longer there, you can see her growing—like climbing the steps to adulthood—expressing proper thanks to those who help her, and more.
The film also carries a message about valuing nature, which can lead to discussions with children about our current living environment.
Through the story, you can also learn the importance of work.
Toy Story
Disney’s animated film Toy Story portrays the interactions between toys and humans.
Its fresh approach lies in telling the entire story from the toys’ perspective, and even long after its 1996 release, it continues to capture people’s hearts.
By age five, children’s imaginations have blossomed, making it easier for them to empathize with the toys and enjoy the film from their point of view.
The movie also thoughtfully explores themes of friendship and trust, offering a chance to reflect on relationships with friends.
It’s a film that adults can enjoy alongside children.
Chibi Maruko-chan
Chibi Maruko-chan is an anime set in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, depicting the everyday life of the protagonist, Maruko.
While many of the stories are funny, focusing on her interactions with family and friends, there are moments that bring tears to your eyes, and the exchanges with Maruko’s grandpa, Tomozo, can really warm your heart.
Maruko’s friends include a colorful cast of characters: her close friend Tama-chan; the quiet yet suddenly eerie-laughing Noguchi-san; the cynical boy, Nagasawa-kun; and the lovestruck maiden, Migiwa-san, among others.
Crayon Shin-chan
Crayon Shin-chan is an anime whose charm lies in the way the uproar caused by its kindergarten-aged protagonist, Shin-chan, draws everyone around him into the fray.
The original work is a gag manga by Yoshito Usui.
Shin-chan is free-spirited and often pulls pranks that go too far, so his family and teachers scold him a lot.
But no matter what anyone says, he never gets discouraged, and his playful personality helps him get through anything.
His interactions with friends are full of laughs! The commotion Shin-chan causes is sure to make the children watching feel thrilled and excited.