[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 roundup of engaging anime for 5-year-olds (21–30)
Chibi Godzilla Strikes Back
Starring Chibi Godzilla, this work depicts him not as a monster of destruction but spending a laid-back everyday life with his friends.
Its appeal lies in an easy-to-understand storyline for elementary schoolers and brisk, well-timed gags.
The humorous interactions with the surrounding kaiju mirror situations children experience in daily life, offering plenty of moments that are both funny and relatable.
Each episode runs about three minutes, so it stays engaging without dragging, and it’s a perfect gateway for those encountering the hugely popular Godzilla character for the first time.
Brimming with charm, it’s a work that can spark conversation when watched together by parents and children.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Dragon Ball DAIMA is a brand-new story in which the series’ characters are turned into children and embark on a fresh adventure.
While the familiar faces in their younger forms may be surprising, the nonstop thrills and battles deliver the same excitement as ever.
With unique elements like enemy conspiracies and new settings, it’s a work that even first-time young viewers can fully enjoy.
For longtime fans it feels nostalgic, and for new audiences it’s refreshingly new—a series that can be enjoyed across generations.
Curious George
The animated series “Curious George” is based on the picture book series “Curious George.” The protagonist, George, is a little monkey, so he doesn’t speak.
But through his gestures and expressive face, you can tell what he wants to do and what he’s thinking.
In these charming stories, George dives into all kinds of adventures and mishaps—and solves them—making the show hugely popular with children! The lack of dialogue sparks the imagination and draws viewers into George’s world.
If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to give it a try.
SpongeBob
SpongeBob SquarePants is a comedy-heavy animated series that portrays the lives of creatures living in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom.
It’s an American cartoon loved by people of all ages.
Since it’s also broadcast on TV in Japan, many elementary school students may have seen it.
The main character, SpongeBob, is very optimistic and cheerful.
Although he means no harm, various mishaps unfold as he involves those around him—like his best friend Patrick and Mr.
Krabs, the owner of the burger shop where SpongeBob works—making it a show that will have you chuckling.
Hanakappa
Hanakappa is an anime mainly aimed at preschoolers and lower elementary school children, but plenty of older kids like it too.
The protagonist is Hanakappa, an elementary school kappa who can make flowers bloom on his head.
The story unfolds in Yamabiko Village, where Hanakappa lives.
The adventures and commotions he experiences are full of appeal for kids! When Hanakappa is in a pinch or needs to solve something, he makes various flowers bloom, so children naturally learn about flowers as well.
The everyday elementary school moments and interactions with friends are also highlights.