[Elementary School Students] Popular Song Rankings by Generation [2026]

Christmas songback number92rank/position

back number – “Christmas Song” Music Video

Even elementary schoolers want to sing sweet Christmas love songs! For those mature-at-heart kids, we recommend back number’s “Christmas Song.” Released in 2015, this track was used as the theme song for the drama “5→9: The Monk Who Fell in Love with Me.” It portrays someone spending Christmas with unrequited feelings, and how those emotions overflow more and more.

For kids who have a crush on a classmate, this grown-up love song might just tug at their hearts.

Try singing it while thinking of the boy or girl you like!

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SAKI

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ChopstickNiziU93rank/position

NiziU 「Chopstick」 Dance Performance Video

The charm of NiziU’s songs is that they’re poppy, cute, and make everyone want to copy them! In their track “Chopstick,” the “chopsticks dance” that matches the title drew a lot of attention.

The song was included on their 2021 album “U” and was used in a SoftBank commercial.

Its melody incorporates “The Celebrated Chop Waltz” by British composer Euphemia Allen, giving the track a big impact on its own! If dancing the whole thing is tough, start with the chorus’s “chopsticks dance” first!

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SAKI

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rainbow-coloredayaka94rank/position

Ayaka / “Nijiiro” (Theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Hanako to Anne”) Music Video (Short Ver.)

When spring comes, the school year changes and classes get reshuffled, and you start spending your days in a new environment.

Some kids look forward to it, while others might feel anxious.

A perfect song for elementary school students in that situation is Ayaka’s “Nijiiro.” Released in April 2014, the song was written as the theme for the NHK morning drama “Hanako to Anne.” It’s a song that gives a push to elementary schoolers starting life in a new grade and a new class!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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swallowYOASOBI95rank/position

[Aoki Iro] “Swallow” Dance Music Video Full ver. YOASOBI with Midories | SDGs | NHK

We live in a world that calls for diversity, and this YOASOBI track teaches us the essence of it.

Even though everyone thinks differently and lives in different environments, we all share the desire to live happily.

It expresses the theme of living together with a driving sound.

Released in October 2021 and used as the theme song for NHK’s children’s program “Hirogare! Irotoridori,” the song is also included on the album THE BOOK 2.

It’s a refreshing pop tune that brightens entrance ceremonies and gives first graders—whose hearts are full of both excitement and anxiety—the courage to head to school with energy.

Pirapīpirafu seijin96rank/position

Pirapī

A song adorned with a cute rhythm and endearing phrases that will make kids want to move their bodies.

Released by Pilaf Alien in October 2024, this track is popular among children as dance music, and its lyrics expressing affection for the character “Peanuts-kun” are particularly memorable.

Its popularity on social media is also rising, having taken the No.

1 spot on TikTok’s “Top 50” music chart in November 2024.

With a lively beat and catchy melody line, it’s perfect for children to dance to at sports days and recitals.

Many of the dance moves are simple, making it an ideal track for beginner dancers, and a great choice for families looking to liven up their time together.

Country RoadHon’na Yoko97rank/position

058 'Country Road' (from 'Whisper of the Heart') (from the 48th Regular Concert)

It’s a memorable song featuring a simple, nostalgic melody and lyrics that portray the resolve to set out alone toward the future.

Released in June 1995 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film “Whisper of the Heart,” it’s captivating for Yoko Honna’s clear, translucent vocals.

The song mirrors the film’s protagonist pursuing her dreams and is sure to gently encourage children standing at the major milestone of graduation.

Since April 2012, it has also been adopted as the station melody at the setting featured in the film, exemplifying how it has been loved for many years.

With a message about tucking away your memories and forging your own path, it’s perfect for graduates about to take flight into a new world.

Holding back tears and facing forward—there’s no doubt it will make for a moving ceremony.

100% Courage98rank/position

100% Courage

A song that’s easy to sing at karaoke and beloved by younger elementary school kids is “Yuuki 100%.” It came out in 1993 and became a big hit when the idol group Hikaru GENJI sang it.

It’s also well known as the opening theme for the anime Nintama Rantarō.

Loved by people of all ages, it’s often chosen as an upbeat tune for events like sports days.

The melody is bright, and the lyrics are full of positive messages.

It encourages you to face challenges without fearing failure, making it a perfect song for kids to sing.

Parents can join in too and feel energized together!