[Age 5] A roundup of anime for 5-year-olds that will draw them into the story
Just as anime has many adult fans, there are plenty of works with complex, profound stories and themes.
Once children turn five, they can start to appreciate the depth of anime as well.
It can be a good idea to choose titles with a different flavor from what they’ve watched so far.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of anime suitable for five-year-olds.
Not only will kids enjoy watching them, but they might also discover new favorite characters and scenes.
Teachers and guardians, please consider watching together with the children and sharing your thoughts afterward.
- [Age 4] Fun for grown-ups too! A roundup of anime for four-year-olds
- [Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too
- [Age 5] A roundup of anime for 5-year-olds that will draw them into the story
- [Age 2] A Special Feature on Anime to Enjoy with Your Child!
- Recommended anime theme songs for children: timeless anime song classics you should listen to at least once.
- Anime recommendations for 1-year-olds: Let’s use them as support for childcare
- I want to sing it at the senior class recital! A choral piece that 5-year-olds can sing with all their heart
- [Childcare] Fun Songs for 2-Year-Olds to Sing! Recommended Song Collection
- Choral songs that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of heartfelt song ideas for junior kindergarten recitals
- [For 3-year-olds] Songs to sing at nursery schools and kindergartens! Popular and recommended songs
- Sing and dance along to popular songs! Recommended hits from kids’ TV shows.
- [Preschool] Recommended choral pieces for 3-year-olds
- [Childcare] Songs we want 6-year-old kindergarten seniors to sing! Perfect songs for recitals and graduation ceremonies.
[Age 5] A collection of engaging anime for 5-year-olds (11–20)
Secret Catch
This is the story of Romy, a princess from a magical kingdom, who solves mysteries while searching for the Tinypins—fairies that have been scattered across Earth.
The world sparkles with fairies, keys, and magic, full of elements that especially capture girls’ hearts.
A cast of uniquely charming fairies appears, and the powers and roles hidden within each key are a highlight of the story.
Each episode brings new encounters and lessons, allowing viewers to naturally feel the importance of friendship, growth, and kindness.
It’s a captivating work that lets you enjoy the sensation of magic slipping into everyday life—sure to sweep you off your feet.
Chibi Maruko-chan
Chibi Maruko-chan is an anime set in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, depicting the everyday life of the protagonist, Maruko.
While many of the stories are funny, focusing on her interactions with family and friends, there are moments that bring tears to your eyes, and the exchanges with Maruko’s grandpa, Tomozo, can really warm your heart.
Maruko’s friends include a colorful cast of characters: her close friend Tama-chan; the quiet yet suddenly eerie-laughing Noguchi-san; the cynical boy, Nagasawa-kun; and the lovestruck maiden, Migiwa-san, among others.
Crayon Shin-chan
Crayon Shin-chan is an anime whose charm lies in the way the uproar caused by its kindergarten-aged protagonist, Shin-chan, draws everyone around him into the fray.
The original work is a gag manga by Yoshito Usui.
Shin-chan is free-spirited and often pulls pranks that go too far, so his family and teachers scold him a lot.
But no matter what anyone says, he never gets discouraged, and his playful personality helps him get through anything.
His interactions with friends are full of laughs! The commotion Shin-chan causes is sure to make the children watching feel thrilled and excited.
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.
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Dragon Ball DAIMA is a brand-new story in which the series’ characters are turned into children and embark on a fresh adventure.
While the familiar faces in their younger forms may be surprising, the nonstop thrills and battles deliver the same excitement as ever.
With unique elements like enemy conspiracies and new settings, it’s a work that even first-time young viewers can fully enjoy.
For longtime fans it feels nostalgic, and for new audiences it’s refreshingly new—a series that can be enjoyed across generations.
Curious George
The animated series “Curious George” is based on the picture book series “Curious George.” The protagonist, George, is a little monkey, so he doesn’t speak.
But through his gestures and expressive face, you can tell what he wants to do and what he’s thinking.
In these charming stories, George dives into all kinds of adventures and mishaps—and solves them—making the show hugely popular with children! The lack of dialogue sparks the imagination and draws viewers into George’s world.
If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to give it a try.
[Age 5] A roundup of engaging anime for 5-year-olds (21–30)
SpongeBob
SpongeBob SquarePants is a comedy-heavy animated series that portrays the lives of creatures living in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom.
It’s an American cartoon loved by people of all ages.
Since it’s also broadcast on TV in Japan, many elementary school students may have seen it.
The main character, SpongeBob, is very optimistic and cheerful.
Although he means no harm, various mishaps unfold as he involves those around him—like his best friend Patrick and Mr.
Krabs, the owner of the burger shop where SpongeBob works—making it a show that will have you chuckling.