A roundup of anime popular among lower-grade elementary school students

Pocket Monsters

[Official] Anime “Pokémon” Episode 1: “Pokémon! I Choose You!” (Anipoke Selection)

It feels like the Pokémon franchise, which began as a Nintendo game, became a social phenomenon in large part thanks to the anime that started airing in 1997.

The story of the protagonist, Satoshi (Ash), journeying with his partner Pikachu to become a Pokémon Master sparked a spirit of adventure in many children.

The encounters with unique Pokémon, the heated battles, and the bonds with friends are the kind of elements that stir the heart no matter the era.

With each new game release, the anime weaves in fresh elements, and at times looks back on the past—storytelling made possible by its long-running history, which is a big part of its appeal.

SpongeBob

SpongeBob | 36 Minutes of Friendly SpongeBob Moments 🔥 | Nickelodeon Japan

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.

Dandadan

TV anime “Dandadan” Season 2 opening video | Aina The End “Revolutionary Journey”

A work that’s popular among elementary school kids who are into yokai and the supernatural is Dandadan.

Momo Ayase, born into a family of spirit mediums, teams up with occult fanatic Ken Takakura to take on strange phenomena like aliens and yokai.

While it has rom-com elements, the snappy dialogue and plentiful homages make it a lot of fun, and you’ll find yourself laughing non-stop.

It’s an anime that kids can enjoy, but it does include some crude language and expressions.

Please be careful not to imitate them or say them to your friends.

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

[Official] Digimon Adventure Episode 1: "Drifting? The Island of 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.