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

Dr.STONE

Season 4, Episode 15: “Breakthrough of the Encirclement” Web Teaser | Anime ‘Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE’ Final Season, Cour 2 — airing every Thursday from 10:00 PM!

Dr.

STONE is an adventure story set in a world where humanity has been petrified by a mysterious light, following the efforts of the protagonist, Senku Ishigami, as he uses the power of science to restore civilization.

Scientific experiments and inventions are key to the plot, and the developments spark interest in science and technology.

Watching the characters apply familiar scientific knowledge—like fire, electricity, and chemicals—to overcome challenges is thrilling.

With teamwork and battles of wits, the series is not only an adventure anime but also offers learning, which is a big part of its appeal.

It’s easy for upper elementary school students to understand and naturally nurtures a love of science.

Just watching it makes you think, “How do you make that?”—a work that stimulates intellectual curiosity and sparks conversations with friends.

Pocket Monsters

[Official] Anime “Pokémon” Episode 1: “Pokémon! I Choose You!” (Anipoke Selection)

It feels like the Pokémon franchise, which began as a Nintendo game, became a social phenomenon in large part thanks to the anime that started airing in 1997.

The story of the protagonist, Satoshi (Ash), journeying with his partner Pikachu to become a Pokémon Master sparked a spirit of adventure in many children.

The encounters with unique Pokémon, the heated battles, and the bonds with friends are the kind of elements that stir the heart no matter the era.

With each new game release, the anime weaves in fresh elements, and at times looks back on the past—storytelling made possible by its long-running history, which is a big part of its appeal.

Chibi Maruko-chan

Chibi Maruko-chan The Movie: The Boy from Italy | Chibi Maruko-chan: The Boy from Italy (2015) | Chibi Maruko-chan: A Boy from Italy

Based on the manga by Momoko Sakura, this work has continued to be loved by people of all ages since it began airing in 1990, to the point that it can be called a national anime.

Through the perspective of the protagonist, Maruko, nostalgic Showa-era scenery and the small happenings common in childhood are depicted with humor.

A key point is that the main character reflects the author, Momoko Sakura, and together with her distinctive friends, the everyday lives of children at the time are conveyed with a comedic yet realistic touch.

It’s a series that reminds us of the important things in daily life—family bonds, friendships, and the small joys of everyday moments.

Dragon Ball DAIMA

"DRAGON BALL DAIMA" main trailer / Broadcast confirmed for Friday, October 11 at 11:40 PM!

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.

Blue Lock

TV anime “BLUELOCK” Season 2, 1st teaser PV | Broadcasting starts Saturday, October 5!

This work, which depicts a project to cultivate egoists that overturns conventional soccer wisdom, is an anime that sets your heart ablaze as the protagonist grows while searching for his own style.

With high-speed match scenes, mind games with teammates, and psychological battles, it captivates viewers and has garnered overwhelming support from sports-loving elementary school students.

The characters’ distinctive play styles and evolving relationships will strongly grab children’s attention.

The exhilarating story drives forward while asking what it means to have strength that’s uniquely your own, making it a passionate work that inspires you to pursue your dreams in earnest.

Mecha-Ude

TV Anime “MECHA-UDE” | Episode 1: “Mecha-Ude User” WEB Preview

Meka-Ude is a work that tells the story of a middle school protagonist and a mysterious arm-shaped mechanical life-form that fuses with humans to operate.

The story begins with a strange twist: the creature attempts to merge with the protagonist’s body to obtain energy, but for some reason ends up settling into his hoodie.

Packed with sci-fi and action elements popular with elementary schoolers, it will draw you into the story in no time.

A giant corporate group seeking to use the Meka-Ude as weapons and a resistance organization striving to free them both begin to move, inevitably dragging the characters into the whirlwind of conflict.

It’s a gripping work that portrays friendship, inner conflict, and difficult choices alongside powerful action—one you won’t be able to look away from.

windbreaker

TV anime WIND BREAKER Season 2 non-credit opening video “BOYZ” by SixTONES

Set in a high school where delinquents gather, this action-packed coming-of-age anime follows the students of Furin High as they grow—not just in strength, but by fighting for others.

The protagonist, Haruka Sakura, possesses overwhelming skill yet matures as he learns about justice and the bonds he shares with his friends.

The brawls and battle scenes are powerful, but the story also firmly portrays friendship and conviction, giving it an appeal that goes beyond a typical delinquent tale and resonates with younger viewers as well.

Each character’s background and personality are carefully developed, making it easy to empathize with every member of the cast.

With heated developments, exhilarating action, and the unbreakable bonds of comrades, it’s an energetic series that makes you root for the characters more with every episode.