Recommended Japanese pop songs for elementary school students to sing at karaoke

paprikaFoorin

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

If you’re looking for a song that will make kids’ hearts leap at karaoke, Paprika is the perfect pick! With its colorful, familiar melody, this track—created by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu—bursts with the voices of elementary and middle schoolers and radiates fun.

The bright, percussive rhythm naturally lifts the listener’s spirits, and its sprightly dance became a hit as well.

Why not fire up your karaoke session with this song that blows away any jitters? Sing along to the buoyant beat and enjoy a time full of smiles!

Ponyo on the CliffFujioka Fujimaki & Oohashi Nozomi

♪ Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea / Fujioka Fujimaki and Nozomi Ohashi

“Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea” is the theme song of the Studio Ghibli film of the same name.

Sung by Fujimaki Fujioka and Nozomi Ohashi, it became a major hit.

The song’s charm lies in its gentle, cheerful melody and adorable lyrics that reflect the world of the movie.

It’s so catchy that once kids hear it, they’ll naturally want to sing along.

If you’re unsure what to pick at karaoke, give this song a try.

The pitch is easy to follow, and elementary schoolers can learn it quickly.

Plus, it’s great for singing together with family and friends, making your karaoke time even more fun!

FANTASTIC BABYBIGBANG

BIGBANG – FANTASTIC BABY M/V

This BIGBANG song includes some English lyrics, but I think it would be best for you to lean into the lively energy of elementary school students and focus on singing it in a way that feels more like BIGBANG.

Rather than worrying about singing the lyrics perfectly, aiming for that BIGBANG vibe will probably go over better.

ParadiseNiziU

NiziU(니쥬) 5th Single「Paradise」M/V

NiziU’s songs are popular across a wide range of ages—from elementary school kids to adults—for their uplifting melodies and positive messages.

This track was selected as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia,” and it became a hot topic among fans.

Composed by Stray Kids, it’s a piece that fully brings out NiziU’s appeal.

The lyrics’ message about valuing your true self is sure to resonate with children.

It’s a perfect song for family karaoke time.

The choreography is easy to learn, so if everyone sings and dances together, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Laughing out loud to the festival musicKingu Kurīmusōda

King Cream Soda / Gera Gera Po at the Festival (Yo-kai Watch)

This is the opening theme of Yo-kai Watch, which is hugely popular among elementary school kids.

The phrase “Gera Gera Po!” is very catchy, easy to sing, and guaranteed to get everyone pumped up.

Since it’s a mixed male-female vocal song, you can also have fun singing it with someone you’re interested in.

If you can sing the talk-like parts without getting shy, it might even help you show a bit of manliness.

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā

Effeminate / Golden Bomber – Music Video

From Golden Bomber, a popular air band, here’s “Memeshikute,” which is sung every year on the Kouhaku music show.

Their laugh-seeking style makes them popular with kids, and it’s sure to get everyone pumped at karaoke.

You could try some air guitar during karaoke, and the chorus choreography is simple, so it might be better to let loose rather than just sing it straight.

PPAPPikotarō

PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen Official) Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen / PIKOTARO (Pikotaro)

A middle-aged man with a permed punch hairstyle, flashy clothes, and sunglasses appears and starts singing English lyrics that make no sense.

It’s the song by Piko Taro, portrayed by Kosaka Daimaou, that became a global hit thanks to its catchy rhythm and wordplay.

After its digital release in December 2016, people of all ages and nationalities were humming it for a while.

Just get the flashy outfit, sunglasses, a mustache, and a wig, and you’re all set! Mash up different words and turn it into a party gag! It’s also great for family karaoke outings.