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)

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…

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu’s “KICK BACK” was written as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man.

Released as a single in 2022, it topped both the Billboard Japan and Oricon singles charts and dominated various charts including streaming and downloads.

Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu participated in the arrangement.

It’s a track defined by its driving rhythm and Yonezu’s distinctive sound.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Don’t give upZARD

Don't Give Up – ZARD (Full)

Don't give upZARD

A moving classic that just about everyone in Japan knows.

It’s one of ZARD’s signature songs and a track that had a major impact on the Japanese music scene.

Released in January 1993, it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Reiko Shiratori de Gozaimasu!” and became a huge hit, propelling ZARD to the top.

Izumi Sakai’s clear, pure vocals and the heartfelt lyrics are captivating.

As an anthem that gives you the courage to face difficulties, it continues to be loved by many.

It’s a song that pushes you forward in all kinds of moments, from graduation ceremonies to sporting events.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

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

peace signYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

peace signYonezu Kenshi

Characterized by a rhythmic, catchy melody, this piece overflows with bright, forward-looking energy.

The heartfelt lyrics depict overcoming hardship and growing through it, carrying a powerful message.

The melody line shifts from phrase to phrase, gripping the listener’s heart and never letting go.

Chosen as the opening theme for season 2 of the anime My Hero Academia, it was included on Kenshi Yonezu’s third album, BOOTLEG, released in June 2017.

It’s no surprise that it’s often sung even among elementary school students.

Dramatic yet approachable, this work offers encouragement and courage to everyone walking a difficult path.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

I want to be cute.HoneyWorks feat. Kusari-na

I Want to Be Cute / HoneyWorks feat. Sana

I want to be cute.HoneyWorks feat. Kusari-na

HoneyWorks is a creator unit active on video-sharing sites like Niconico and YouTube, with a total of over 400 million related video views.

Their music centers on upbeat rock often called “heart-fluttering” or “youthful,” and they are extremely popular among young people.

This song is about a girl in love—getting dressed up for the person she likes, greeting them with a smile…

It’s an adorable track that many girls can relate to and that makes you want to fall in love.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

tapestrySnow Man

Snow Man “Tapestry” Music Video

tapestrySnow Man

Snow Man’s eighth single, released in 2023, is “Tapestry.” It was selected as the theme song for the film “My Happy Marriage,” which marks Ren Meguro’s first solo lead role, and it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

It’s a love song that sings about the “love” that connects two lovers, tying in with the film’s story.

The lyrics, passed from one member to the next, really strike a chord.

Be sure to give it a listen!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem