Touching songs recommended for elementary school children

It’s like a small light.“Sanketsu Shoujo” Sayuri

Sanketsu Shoujo Sayuri 'It’s Like a Small Light' MV (Short ver) Anime 'ERASED' Ending Theme

Sayuri, known as the “Oxygen-Deprived Girl,” is a female singer-songwriter who has been active since 2010.

This song was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Erased, and as the anime gained popularity, Sayuri’s recognition rose rapidly as well.

Ode to YouthMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

[Momoiro Clover Z MV] Seishunfu / Momoiro Clover Z (Seishunfu / Momoiro Clover Z)

Momoiro Clover Z is a four-member idol group active since 2008.

This song was used for the 2015 coming-of-age film “The Curtain Rises,” and the movie drew attention not only for featuring well-known young actresses such as Riho Yoshioka, but also for appearances by the members of Momoclo themselves.

spring breeze

Spring Breeze | Spring Song [Children's Song]

The piece created by Tetsuzo Wada and Ryohei Hirose features a charming melody that gently wraps the soft arrival of spring, evoking the breath of nature.

While depicting scenes of the spring breeze caressing budding trees, intertwining its song with babbling streams, and frolicking with grasses and flowers, it conveys the hopeful atmosphere of a new season.

Broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” from April 1972, it remained in many listeners’ hearts, accompanied by the clear voices of the Arakawa Tokyo Children’s Choir.

In 2012, it returned to radio for the first time in about 40 years as part of the “Minna no Uta Excavation Project.” It is a perfect song for children starting a new school year and for anyone eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring, and will surely continue to be sung for years to come.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

Born from encounters with the younger generation, the emotional vocals kindle a warm light in our hearts.

This gentle message song from Mrs.

GREEN APPLE stands beside those who feel lost or anxious as they search for their own path.

Released in January 2025, the piece was performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “18 Festival.” It portrays the importance of being true to oneself and cherishing bonds with those around us, carried by a catchy melody.

It’s a song that will surely give you a push when you want to take a positive step forward or reaffirm your true self.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE has delivered a gem of a song that beautifully captures both the brilliance and the fragility of youth.

It delicately portrays the feelings of trying to embrace everyday anxieties, inner conflicts, and the pains of growth as cherished memories.

The song was also chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery” and won the 66th Japan Record Awards in December 2024, marking an unprecedented achievement of back-to-back wins for the band.

This heartwarming track offers empathy and encouragement to middle school students grappling with the uniquely turbulent emotions of adolescence and feelings of self-doubt.

It will surely stay close to your heart and give you the courage to look ahead.

Let’s sing of springSakushi: Kobayashi Junichi / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao

Let's sing of spring

Amid the gentle light of spring, this heartwarming song—crafted by Junichi Kobayashi and Yoshinao Nakada—tenderly accompanies the feelings of new students.

Its melody is light and approachable, making it easy for children to hum along.

The lyrics weave in expressions of spring’s arrival in languages from around the world, offering the charm of shared joy that transcends borders.

Since the 1970s, it has been included in elementary school music textbooks and widely used in music education.

Long cherished by many, it’s a perfect piece to sing at entrance ceremonies and spring events as children take their first steps into a new environment.

At any timeYugeda Kensuke

[Lyrics Video] Donnatokimo (Alto) — Vocals: Oita City Matsuoka Elementary School Music Club

Set to a gentle melody that feels familiar to everyone, Kensuke Yugeda’s song expresses gratitude at the milestone age of ten.

It warmly conveys precious memories with friends and heartfelt thanks to family and teachers.

Its tender, embracing tune resonates deeply with listeners and invites empathy.

The piece is included on the album “Dream & Dream: Yume o Tsunagou,” and it has been selected for inclusion in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Mr.

Yugeda, who holds school concerts nationwide, has performed over 2,000 times and continues composing with children in mind.

It is a song you’ll want to sing with care when expressing gratitude to important people, such as at a “Half-Coming-of-Age Ceremony” or end-of-year school events.