[Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too
By the age of three, children gradually start to understand characters and stories and enjoy narratives.
You may feel their growth as you watch them view anime.
On the other hand, as adults, it can be hard to know which anime suits their age or to find shows you can let them watch with peace of mind.
For those in that situation, we’ve put together a list of anime for three-year-olds.
Teachers and guardians will likely find some titles they already know.
Please use this as a reference and a chance to discover new works.
- [Age 4] Fun for grown-ups too! A roundup of anime for four-year-olds
- [Age 2] A Special Feature on Anime to Enjoy with Your Child!
- [Age 5] A roundup of anime for 5-year-olds that will draw them into the story
- Anime recommendations for 1-year-olds: Let’s use them as support for childcare
- [For 3-year-olds] Songs to sing at nursery schools and kindergartens! Popular and recommended songs
- [Preschool] Recommended choral pieces for 3-year-olds
- [Childcare] Fun Songs for 2-Year-Olds to Sing! Recommended Song Collection
- Sing and dance along to popular songs! Recommended hits from kids’ TV shows.
- Choral songs that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of heartfelt song ideas for junior kindergarten recitals
- Nursery rhymes to sing to your baby! Recommended songs enjoyable from 0 months
- I want to sing it at the senior class recital! A choral piece that 5-year-olds can sing with all their heart
- [For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events
- [For 1-year-olds] Fun Together! Recommended Songs and Hand Play Collection
[Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too (11–20)
The Bears' School
The Bears’ School is an animated work based on a picture book.
You can enjoy it as a theatrical film or on DVD.
Centered on the main character, Jackie, it tells stories featuring her eleven kind older brothers.
There aren’t any major incidents.
This work portrays the small events of everyday life, making it perfect for children who don’t like intense stories or who want to enjoy a calm, quiet anime.
The distinctive bear character designs are also memorable.
Why not use this work to rediscover the happiness found in ordinary, everyday moments?
Chibi Godzilla Strikes Back
Starring Chibi Godzilla, this work depicts him not as a monster of destruction but spending a laid-back everyday life with his friends.
Its appeal lies in an easy-to-understand storyline for elementary schoolers and brisk, well-timed gags.
The humorous interactions with the surrounding kaiju mirror situations children experience in daily life, offering plenty of moments that are both funny and relatable.
Each episode runs about three minutes, so it stays engaging without dragging, and it’s a perfect gateway for those encountering the hugely popular Godzilla character for the first time.
Brimming with charm, it’s a work that can spark conversation when watched together by parents and children.
Shimajiro: Wow!
Shima-jiro is a character from Benesse’s educational course “Kodomo Challenge.” In the anime, he plays and goes on adventures with friends like Mimirin, Torippy, and Nyakki.
There are small mishaps at the kindergarten they all attend, worries about siblings, and other topics close to children’s everyday lives.
It also features songs and dances, making it great for kids who want to move their bodies! Let’s enjoy all the content together.
This is a recommended series for three-year-olds who are beginning to notice other people’s feelings.
Panda! Go, Panda!
This is a heartwarming anime that depicts the interactions between the cheerful, energetic girl Mimiko and a mysterious parent-and-child panda duo.
The presence and charm of the big Papa Panda and the small Baby Panda will bring a smile to your face.
Within its gentle, cozy atmosphere, the story is filled with exciting adventures and the joys of everyday life.
Created by Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli, it leaves a lasting impression with its nostalgic and tender worldview.
The pacing is relaxed, and its calm narration and simple developments make it an easy, comforting watch.
It’s approachable for children and has long been loved as a work that families can enjoy together.
The characters’ casual exchanges and the slightly mysterious depictions of daily life will wrap your heart in warmth.
It’s an anime recommended for moments when you want to spend time overflowing with smiles.
Hanakappa
Hanakappa is an anime mainly aimed at preschoolers and lower elementary school children, but plenty of older kids like it too.
The protagonist is Hanakappa, an elementary school kappa who can make flowers bloom on his head.
The story unfolds in Yamabiko Village, where Hanakappa lives.
The adventures and commotions he experiences are full of appeal for kids! When Hanakappa is in a pinch or needs to solve something, he makes various flowers bloom, so children naturally learn about flowers as well.
The everyday elementary school moments and interactions with friends are also highlights.
Digimon Adventure
The anime Digimon Adventure, which aired in 1999, is a story about children who get lost in another world and embark on an adventure.
Their encounters with Digimon in the Digital World, and the way each of them grows and deepens their bonds throughout their journey, resonated with viewers.
The unique personalities and action of the Digimon are part of the appeal, and the emotion and intensity come through especially strongly in the evolution scenes.
The children each struggle with their own issues, and many viewers likely related to watching them move forward while grappling with their worries.
[Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too (21–30)
Bananya
Bananya is a soothing anime featuring mysterious creatures that live hidden inside banana peels and look like cats.
Each episode is about three minutes long, with a relaxed pace and gentle narration, making it a show kids can watch with ease.
Its colorful palette and cute movements naturally resonate with children’s sensibilities, creating a feel-good atmosphere that brings a smile just by watching.
With minimal dialogue, it’s easy to enjoy intuitively.
You can savor a whimsical world where they play when people aren’t around and get up to mischief together.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone looking to spend some heartwarming, laid-back time.