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? Well-Known and Sing-Along Hits! [2026] (51–60)

Racing into the NightYOASOBI

YOASOBI “Racing into the Night” Official Music Video

Racing into the NightYOASOBI

This is the first digital-only single by YOASOBI, a music duo consisting of singer-songwriter ikura and Ayase, who was active as a Vocaloid producer.

Although it is a distinctive number created based on the novel “An Invitation from Thanatos,” it became a hot topic as the first song to top the year-end Billboard Japan Hot 100 without releasing a physical CD single.

With a thrilling, Vocaloid-like melody, catchy piano, and a key change in the latter half that serves as a hook to heighten the excitement, its rapid-fire development—hard to keep up with on a single listen—stimulates the sensibilities of elementary schoolers.

It stands as a defining number of the J-POP scene in 2020.

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Hoshino Takashi

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100% CourageHikaru GENJI

100% Courage – Nintama Rantarō (Full)

100% CourageHikaru GENJI

It might feel nostalgic for adults, but it’s still hugely popular with elementary school kids today! It’s the opening theme of the NHK anime Nintama Rantarō, and groups from Johnny’s have performed it across generations.

Just like the title suggests, the upbeat lyrics and energetic melody really lift your spirits! It’s especially recommended if you’re looking for a karaoke song to sing with your kids.

This is what you’d call a surefire crowd-pleaser! It’s one of those classic anime songs that will keep its name alive for years to come.

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Don’t go.Souta

Don't go / Mafumafu [I Tried Singing]

Don't go.Souta

A song famous as a Vocaloid track, “Ikanaide” (“Don’t Go”).

It’s the eighth work by Vocaloid producer Sota and has reached a million views; it’s included on the full album “Shonen Shoujo no Kotoba,” released in 2013.

It’s a popular song that many well-known cover singers—like Mafumafu, Eve, and Riinu, familiar even to elementary school students—have uploaded “I tried singing” videos of.

The song is about a sorrowful farewell, and it’s easy to empathize with the protagonist who can’t bring themselves to say the words in the title.

Listening to it while thinking about friends or lovers you’re parting with due to transferring schools or graduation can really bring you to tears…

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Shiokara-bushiShiokarāzu

Shiokara-bushi (with lyrics)

Shiokara-bushiShiokarāzu

Shiokara-bushi is an upbeat tune born from Splatoon, a game many elementary school kids love.

Its electronic sound is unforgettable after just one listen, and even though the complex “Inkling” lyrics are indecipherable, they leave a strong and unique impression.

It’s a bright and lively track that makes you want to dance along with the game’s squid-world idols, the Squid Sisters.

It’s perfect to enjoy with friends who love the game, and highly recommended to share with those who haven’t heard it yet—get everyone hyped together!

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What songs are popular among elementary school kids? Well-known and sing-along hits! [2026] (61–70)

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

SMAP – The Only Flower in the World

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

This is the 35th single by SMAP, a five-member idol group that disbanded in 2016 but remains immensely popular and is eagerly awaited to return.

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, it became SMAP’s biggest hit, achieving triple million sales—the first work released in the Heisei era to do so.

Carrying a gentle melody with the message that individuality matters more than ranking, it’s a song that resonates not only with elementary school children but also with adults.

For parents, it’s filled with messages you’ll want to pass on to your children.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Goodbye DeclarationChinozo

Chinozo “Goodbye Declaration” feat. FloweR

Goodbye DeclarationChinozo

You just can’t get enough of how good the chorus melody feels! “Goodbye Sengen,” a massive hit by Vocaloid producer Chinozo.

It went viral on TikTok and other video platforms and social media, and it’s already become a staple track for the younger generation.

With its speedy tempo and the pleasing sound of the words in the lyrics, it has a charm that makes you want to sing along yourself.

Elementary school kids are a native Vocaloid generation! Including “Goodbye Sengen,” there are tons of popular Vocaloid songs out there!

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Maru-Maru-Mori-Mori!Kaoru to Tomoki, tama ni Mukku.

Kaoru and Tomoki, with Mook sometimes. “Maru Maru Mori Mori! 2014” — choreography video featuring Kaoru and Tomoki.

Maru-Maru-Mori-Mori!Kaoru to Tomoki, tama ni Mukku.

This is a song that enjoys overwhelming popularity as a children’s tune.

It was released in May 2011 and used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Marumo no Okite.” It is sung by Kaoru to Tomoki, Tamani Mook., and is characterized by its catchy melody and lively choreography.

The song conveys messages like “the joy of growing up” and “every day is wonderful,” giving hope to children.

It became a social phenomenon, including an appearance at the 62nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2011.

It is widely used at kindergarten and nursery school recitals and school events, and is loved by people of all ages, from children to adults.

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