A roundup of anime popular with upper elementary school kids, including buzzworthy titles

Laid-Back Camp

TV Anime “Laid-Back Camp SEASON 3” Opening Video | On Air 04.04

Laid-Back Camp is a story that portrays the friendship and growth of high school students through camping.

Its charm lies especially in the realistic depictions of camping that even beginners can relate to, and the fun way it teaches tips about gear and cooking.

Centered on the main characters Nadeshiko Kagamihara and Rin Shima, watching the group spend leisurely time in nature is soothing in itself.

The gentle everyday scenes and the direction that showcases beautiful landscapes are part of what makes it so popular.

The camp meals and campfire scenes are so appealing that you’ll want to try them yourself, and they can even spark children’s interest in the outdoors.

Talking with friends about your favorite scenes and characters is sure to be a blast, and the series radiates a relaxed, warm atmosphere.

Witch Watch

TV anime “WITCH WATCH” Cour 2 PV | Opening theme: HimeRo “Tokihanate!”

A slapstick comedy depicting the whimsical cohabitation of a young witch, Nico Wakatuki, and Morihito, a boy with ogre blood who protects her.

With a unique premise where magic and psychic powers blend into everyday life and snappy, well-timed gags, it charms kids with laughter while warming their hearts.

The chaotic scenes where Nico’s magic runs amok and the contrast with Morihito’s cool-headed responses are especially engaging.

Magic, friendship, battles, and more are well balanced, making each episode unpredictably fun.

A lively, heart-lifting story where the ordinary and the extraordinary intertwine.

SpongeBob

SpongeBob | 36 Minutes of Friendly SpongeBob Moments 🔥 | Nickelodeon Japan

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.

Dandadan

TV anime “Dandadan” Season 2 opening video | Aina The End “Revolutionary Journey”

A work that’s popular among elementary school kids who are into yokai and the supernatural is Dandadan.

Momo Ayase, born into a family of spirit mediums, teams up with occult fanatic Ken Takakura to take on strange phenomena like aliens and yokai.

While it has rom-com elements, the snappy dialogue and plentiful homages make it a lot of fun, and you’ll find yourself laughing non-stop.

It’s an anime that kids can enjoy, but it does include some crude language and expressions.

Please be careful not to imitate them or say them to your friends.

Medalist

TV anime “Medalist” Season 2 Production Announcement Video | TV anime now airing and streaming to great acclaim!

This work, which unfolds the story of a former skater young man and a girl who pours her youth into figure skating, delicately depicts both the joy and the hardship of pursuing dreams.

The expressions on the ice and the dynamism of the jumps are carefully recreated on screen, delivering plenty of impact as a sports anime.

The way the protagonist’s efforts move the hearts of those around them will convey to elementary schoolers the importance of dreams and taking on challenges.

You can feel the passion for challenge in the scenes of striving toward winning a medal.

Beyond passion for the sport, the relationships with the adults around them add depth, making it a fiery, heart-stirring work that lets you slowly absorb the meaning of growing up.

Grand Blue

TV anime “Grand Blue” Season 2 PV (OP ver.)

Set against the backdrop of a university club, Grand Blue portrays the friendships and youthful experiences that blossom through scuba diving.

Beyond diving itself, one of its biggest charms lies in the lively everyday antics of its uniquely eccentric members and the sometimes over-the-top, comedic interactions within the club.

The freewheeling, fast-paced banter delivers constant laughs and surprises, with an addictive humor that even grade-schoolers can enjoy.

Woven into the briskly unfolding story are themes of trust and cooperation among friends, offering not only fun but also moments that linger in the heart.

It’s a work packed with the allure of the ocean and the bonds between people—one that will make you laugh and fire you up.

Secret Catch

Secret Catch! TiniPing Episode 12 Trailer | Catch! TiniPing Season 3

This is the story of Romy, a princess from a magical kingdom, who solves mysteries while searching for the Tinypins—fairies that have been scattered across Earth.

The world sparkles with fairies, keys, and magic, full of elements that especially capture girls’ hearts.

A cast of uniquely charming fairies appears, and the powers and roles hidden within each key are a highlight of the story.

Each episode brings new encounters and lessons, allowing viewers to naturally feel the importance of friendship, growth, and kindness.

It’s a captivating work that lets you enjoy the sensation of magic slipping into everyday life—sure to sweep you off your feet.