A wonderful classic

An anime popular among upper elementary school students! A show that will get conversations with friends buzzing just by watching it.

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.

Looking for anime that’s popular with elementary school kids—something you can enjoy together with your child? As they reach the upper grades, anime often becomes a common topic in conversations with friends.

Stories full of adventure, friendship, laughter, and tears can really move kids’ hearts.

With that in mind, this article is packed with anime that are popular among upper elementary students! It’s perfect for anyone looking for shows to watch with friends, and it’s also great for spending a relaxing weekend with the family.

Find a favorite and dive into the world of anime!

Popular anime among upper elementary school students! Titles that will spark lively conversations with friends just by watching (1–10)

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Wander the Dungeon

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon Non-Credit Opening BRADIO “Fanfare”

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Wander the Dungeon

An unexpected and unique isekai fantasy where the protagonist is reincarnated as a vending machine and survives in a labyrinth with his companions.

Even though he can’t speak or move, the idea of helping people by dispensing drinks, food, and handy items is fresh and fun! The battles against monsters are thrilling too, as they overcome challenges by combining the team’s strengths with the vending machine’s functions.

The bond with the heroine, Lammis, is heartwarming, making this an adventure that’s funny, soothing, and exciting—perfectly accessible for elementary school readers as well.

The particularly unique combat methods are a real highlight!

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Oshi no Ko

[Oshi no Ko] Non-Credit Opening | YOASOBI “Idol”

Oshi no Ko

A hugely popular work whose mysteries and thriller elements feel intriguingly at odds with its subject matter! The anime Oshi no Ko, based on the manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, set the anime scene ablaze in 2023 alongside its opening theme Idol by YOASOBI.

The story follows Aqua, the protagonist, who pursues the truth behind the death of his mother, the idol Ai Hoshino, through his activities in the entertainment industry.

As the plot unfolds, you catch glimpses of the glamorous showbiz world’s seamy underside, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

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Akebi’s Sailor Uniform

TV anime “Akebi’s Sailor Uniform” Non-Credit Opening Animation / Opening Theme “Hajimari no Setsuna” — Roubai Academy Junior High, Class 1-3

Akebi’s Sailor Uniform

This coming-of-age story follows Asahi Komichi, who enrolls in a prestigious girls’ middle school in the countryside and races through her new days wearing the sailor uniform she admires.

Casual conversations, small gestures, and the moments when the distance between friends subtly shrinks are depicted with fresh sensitivity, making your heart flutter just by reading.

With overwhelming artwork that carefully captures light, wind, and even the slightest shifts in expression, the world feels almost cinematic.

It gently embraces not only the sparkle but also the anxieties and conflicts, letting you experience the “dazzle” of adolescence head-on.

For upper elementary school students, it’s a work that can help them imagine a not-too-distant future.

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Popular anime among upper elementary school students! Shows that will get conversations with friends going just by watching (11–20)

Kingdom

TV anime “Kingdom” non-credit opening movie / BiSH “TOMORROW”

Kingdom

Set during China’s Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, this popular anime is based on a quintessential historical manga about a boy named Xin who rises through the chaos to become a Great General under the Heavens.

Its greatest appeal lies in the overwhelming scale of its battlefield depictions and the blistering clashes where strategy, strength, and conviction collide.

It carefully portrays bonds with comrades, resolve that risks one’s life, and the sacrifices behind victory—delivering one spine-tingling iconic scene after another.

From Xin and Zheng onward, every character—ally or foe—is strikingly bold and downright cool.

Even if you’re not into history, once you start watching, you won’t be able to stop.

It’s a soul-stirring war epic.

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Ramen Akaneko

TV anime “Ramen Akaneko” main PV

Ramen Akaneko

A heartwarming workplace comedy set in the mysterious ramen shop “Akaneko,” run entirely by cats.

With a new human staff member joining the team, the story follows their days filled with customer service, prep work, and all the cat-specific quirks and craftsmanship.

The working cats are adorably serious, and the dialogue has impeccable rhythm! It’s full of cozy laughs, yet also offers touching episodes about job fulfillment and navigating personal boundaries.

The more you watch, the hungrier you get—and the warmer your heart feels.

Its gentle atmosphere is a major charm, and the uniquely feline worldview is a delight, too!

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Delicious in Dungeon

TV Anime “Delicious in Dungeon” Non-Credit Opening | “Sleep Walking Orchestra” by BUMP OF CHICKEN

Delicious in Dungeon

An unconventional fantasy about adventurers who, after running out of provisions, press on through a dungeon by cooking and eating the very monsters they fight to rescue their lost companion.

Familiar creatures like slimes and basilisks become mouthwatering dishes thanks to surprisingly logical recipes—an idea that’s just too fun! Beyond the laughs and gourmet flair, the dungeon’s ecosystem and worldbuilding are superb, drawing you into increasingly serious and thrilling developments as the story progresses.

The party’s banter is top-notch, and by the end of the anime, both your stomach and your heart will feel satisfied—A true masterpiece.

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Villainess-Reincarnated Middle-Aged Man

TV Anime “Reincarnated as a Villainess Uncle” OP Video | Cider Girl — “Choose!!!”

Villainess-Reincarnated Middle-Aged Man

A serious, mild-mannered middle-aged man reincarnates as the “villainess” in an otome game world—a full-throttle gap-moe isekai comedy! She’s supposed to be the hated character, yet her workplace-honed consideration, planning skills, and polite speech keep shining through, sending everyone’s affection for her skyrocketing in the funniest way.

She wants to pull off classic villain moves, but her fundamentally good nature trips her up, which only makes her more endearing.

It’s a breezy read that, somehow, warms the heart as well.

A feel-good story that’ll make you laugh and heal you, whether you watch it with friends or enjoy it as a parent and child.

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