A wonderful classic

What songs are popular among elementary schoolers? Well-known and sing-along favorites! [2026]

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

These days, you can listen to songs and watch music videos through various social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Of course, many adults do, but I think a lot of elementary school kids watch them too.

This time, we’ll be introducing songs that are popular among elementary school students, as well as highly well-known tracks!

We’ve gathered plenty of songs that today’s elementary schoolers often hear—like dance numbers that blew up on social media and tracks used as theme songs for popular anime—so please read to the end!

If there are any songs you don’t know, be sure to give them a listen!

Now, let’s get started.

What songs are popular among elementary school kids? Popular songs everyone knows and wants to sing! [2026] (101–110)

HenceforthOrangestar feat. IA

Orangestar – Henceforth (feat. IA) Official Video

HenceforthOrangestar feat. IA

Speaking of Orangestar, he’s a Vocaloid producer popular even among elementary school students, also known as the composer of the classic track Asu no Yozora Shoukaihan.

The song Henceforth is a refreshing summer tune that Orangestar released in May 2020.

Amazingly, it surpassed one million views just four days after the music video was released—a testament to Orangestar’s popularity and skill.

The lyrics portray the sorrow of parting with someone important, yet convey a forward-looking resolve to keep walking on, even alone.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

rainbow-coloredayaka

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

rainbow-coloredayaka

This is Ayaka’s 13th single, first released on RecoChoku on April 28, 2014.

The song was written as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Hanako to Anne.” For elementary school kids, watching the morning drama is a battle against the dilemma of wanting to see it to the end but needing to leave early for school to avoid being late!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Thank youikimonogakari

Thank you / Ikimonogakari (Cover)

Thank youikimonogakari

Released on May 5, 2010, this is Ikimono-gakari’s 18th single.

It was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.

The song is very familiar even to elementary school children, as it is played during lunchtime at schools and the like.

This might be the best song to appreciate vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka’s resounding voice.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

The Peak

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI is a four-member co-ed band that has gained popularity for its one-of-a-kind, fantastical sound and lyrics that span a wide range of themes from the intimate to the global.

Their sixth digital-only single, “Saikou Toutatsuten” (Highest Point), was written as the opening theme for the TV anime ONE PIECE.

Its positive and powerful message connects with the anime’s story and heightens the sense of anticipation.

With an ensemble that evokes forward motion and lifts your spirits, it’s a dramatic pop tune.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

When it comes to signature songs by Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE, this track is indispensable.

Released in June 2014, it became the group’s first million seller and topped the Oricon charts.

It was also used as the campaign song for Tokyo City Keiba, gaining broad support across generations.

The lyrics, themed around dreams, hope, and friendship, and the sound that fuses dance music with pop are particularly appealing.

The music video was filmed in Los Angeles, and its exhilarating visual beauty drew attention as well.

It’s a popular song often played at school sports events, and the “Running Man” dance is widely loved by everyone from young children to adults.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

What songs are popular among elementary school kids? Well-known and sing-along favorites! [2026] (111–120)

A chance over the shoulderKame to Yama P

[Full Lyrics] Chance Over the Shoulder (Theme Song of the Drama 'I'm Your Destiny') – Kame to YamaP (monogataru cover)

A chance over the shoulderKame to Yama P

For the first time in over ten years since Nobuta wo Produce, the two have formed a unit again.

This song is the theme for “I’m Your Destiny,” starring Kazuya Kamenashi of KAT-TUN and Tomohisa Yamashita, formerly of NEWS.

In the choreography, the two even create the word ‘suki’ (like/love) with their bodies, moving perfectly in sync.

If you’re an elementary school girl, you can’t miss their songs, right?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

That gentle girlsupittsu

Spitz / That Gentle Girl

That gentle girlsupittsu

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call “Yasashii Ano Ko” a new masterpiece by Spitz, chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Natsuzora.

Since Yo Yoshida and Rio Suzuki also covered it in a “Pocari Sweat” commercial, I think any TV-loving elementary schooler would know it.

The lyrics are very gentle, making it perfect as a chorus piece for elementary school students! It’s quietly growing in popularity.

The lyrics, which express a wish to share the wonderful things you know with someone else, evoke warmth and a gentle future.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem