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You can instantly spot the most popular anime among kids! A collection of works that elementary schoolers are crazy about.

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderKepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music and Culture, Early Childhood Education Program). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a pioneering game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Later, at Shogakukan, through freelance work in writing, planning, and editing, I met many inspiring adults and discovered the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Drawing on the perspective I cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I provide practical, useful information—focusing on music and fields related to children—while valuing both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, crafting, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. Special skill: koma (spinning-top) tricks.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

The heart-stirring anime we watched as kids are unforgettable treasures even for adults, aren’t they? Many of you are probably looking for shows you can enjoy together with your children.

So here, we’ll introduce not only the stories of anime that are currently popular among kids, but also their charming and distinctive characters.

These wonderful works are full of laughs and touching moments.

We’ll be showcasing titles that are perfect for relaxing family time, so please read to the end!

See the most popular anime for kids at a glance! A collection of works that elementary schoolers are obsessed with (41–50)

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby

Anime 'Uma Musume: Pretty Derby – ROAD TO THE TOP' Episode 1: "The Beginning of a Dream"

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby

The popular series Uma Musume: Pretty Derby sparked a horse racing boom in Japan.

Its story—passionate, cute, and tear-jerking—follows anthropomorphized versions of real racehorses as charming girls, captivating many anime fans.

Season 1 aired in spring 2018, with sequels broadcast intermittently afterward.

Among fans, one analysis of why it resonated across a wide age range, including elementary schoolers, despite its somewhat adult theme of “horse racing,” is that the Uma Musume’s intense showdowns are, at their core, just “races.” Being fast at running is simply cool, after all.

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See the most popular anime for kids at a glance! A collection of works that elementary schoolers are obsessed with (51–60)

Digimon Adventure

[Official] Digimon Adventure Episode 1: "Drifting? The Island of Adventure!"

Digimon Adventure

The anime Digimon Adventure, which aired in 1999, is a story about children who get lost in another world and embark on an adventure.

Their encounters with Digimon in the Digital World, and the way each of them grows and deepens their bonds throughout their journey, resonated with viewers.

The unique personalities and action of the Digimon are part of the appeal, and the emotion and intensity come through especially strongly in the evolution scenes.

The children each struggle with their own issues, and many viewers likely related to watching them move forward while grappling with their worries.

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Pokémon series

[Official] Pokémon anime opening theme “Dokimeki Diary”

Pokémon series

The Pokémon series has always been a timeless favorite among children.

Starting in 1997, the adventures of Ash and Pikachu traveling through various regions have captivated countless fans.

The series that began in 2019 felt fresh with its dual protagonists and lets you fully experience the charm of the Galar region.

Also keep an eye on the subsequent series starring Liko and Roy.

The trio of starter Pokémon, with a charm unlike anything before, embark on big-screen adventures.

The Pokémon series, including past entries, is full of can’t-miss appeal, making it perfect for the whole family to enjoy!

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One Piece

<Full Opening Video> TV Anime 'ONE PIECE' / Opening Theme 'Ahhhh-su!' Performed by: Hiroshi Kitadani

One Piece

One Piece is loved all around the world.

Some people might wonder if it’s too difficult for preschoolers.

While it’s a deep and layered story, its characters who show their individuality in battle and its compelling villains really spark children’s sense of adventure.

Some kids may even start pretending to be the characters and play.

There are fight scenes, but they aren’t overly violent—that’s another charm of the series.

Kids can enjoy it safely.

Which character will become their favorite? Let’s get excited together.

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Yu-Gi-Oh!

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The 1998 anime often considered the origin of the series, Yu-Gi-Oh!, is a work whose appeal lies in its horror-tinged atmosphere from the early manga and its thrilling developments.

After the protagonist, Yugi Mutou, solves the ancient Egyptian Millennium Puzzle, a second persona emerges, who judges evil through Shadow Games and resolves incidents.

Not only Yugi’s friends but also the villains are strikingly unique, and their relationships further heighten the drama.

The in-story card game, Magic and Wizards, became the basis for Duel Monsters, which then expanded and led to everything that followed—making this a work that can truly be called the beginning of a legend.

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Hell’s Paradise

TV anime 'Hell's Paradise' Non-Credit Opening | 'W●RK' millennium parade × Ringo Sheena

Hell’s Paradise

The violent world-building gets my blood pumping! The anime Hell’s Paradise, based on the manga by Yuji Kaku, follows the strongest ninja, Gabimaru, who heads to a monster-infested island with the executioner Sagiri of the Yamada Asaemon clan to retrieve the Elixir of Immortality.

It’s a Japanese-style dark fantasy with gripping battle scenes and stylish action that’s just plain cool.

There are many characters, each with their own background, and you can’t help but get absorbed in their stories.

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Aoashi

TV anime 'Ao Ashi' 2nd cour PV | Airing every Saturday at 6:25 PM

Aoashi

Based on a manga by Yugo Kobayashi, this work aired in 2022.

A notable point is that sports writer Kenji Iizuka served as the original work’s supervisor, and it is regarded as the first title to seriously focus on the high school-age soccer tournament “J Youth.” By portraying not only the growth of the protagonist, Ashito Aoi, but also his teammates, it conveys both individual development and the team’s maturation.

Beyond explaining the “J Youth” system, it lets you feel how a soccer team comes together—what is needed to raise a team’s capabilities and how a complete team is built.

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