A roundup of anime popular with upper elementary school kids, including buzzworthy titles

Demon Slayer

TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba First Teaser PV — Broadcasting begins April 2019

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, a smash hit among upper elementary school kids, captivates viewers with its gripping story and appealing characters.

The series began with Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc, which aired from April 2019 and enthralled fans across Japan.

The subsequent Mugen Train Arc set new records in Japanese film history with its October 2020 theatrical release.

The TV anime continued with the Mugen Train Arc in October 2021, followed by the Entertainment District Arc and the Swordsmith Village Arc, each winning children’s hearts.

By following Tanjiro and his friends’ adventures, viewers can learn the importance of courage and friendship—making it a wonderful anime.

Blue Box

Blue Box Non-Credit Opening | Official HIGE DANDism “Same Blue” | Blue Box Opening

Blue Box is a coming-of-age love story about high school youth, centered on a boy from the badminton team and a girl from the basketball team.

It captures the fluttering moments and wavering feelings of everyday life.

The theme of balancing sports and romance is portrayed realistically, making it easy for even elementary school athletes devoted to their clubs to relate.

The refreshing relationships among the characters and the subtle emotions conveyed in offhand remarks will draw in readers of all ages.

It’s a work that depicts a youth brimming with both sweetness and passion—one that makes you want to cheer the characters on.

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun

TV Anime “Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun 2” Part 2 Non-Credit Opening

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is a slightly spooky yet tender and heartwarming school fantasy that begins with the twist that Hanako, one of the school’s Seven Mysteries—the spirit said to haunt the girls’ bathroom—is actually a boy.

Nene, the girl who meets Hanako, ends up confronting the various apparitions lurking in the school alongside him.

The story blends the thrills of ghost tales with the characters’ delicate emotions, packing kindness and humor amid the scares.

Its unique worldview and stylish use of color are also appealing, drawing readers into a picture book-like atmosphere that makes it especially recommended for children.

It’s a slightly mysterious, memorable work that portrays friendship, secrets, and emotional growth.

Sumikkogurashi

“Sumikkogurashi the Movie: The Mysterious Child of the Patchwork Factory” Official Trailer (60 seconds) — Nationwide release on Friday, November 3!

Premiering in October 2023, the anime “Sumikko Gurashi: Sorairo no Mainichi” is a masterpiece that resonates with upper elementary school children.

Narrated by Perfume, it carefully portrays the characters’ backgrounds and warms the hearts of viewers.

This work helps children notice the small joys found in everyday life.

It’s recommended for relaxing either with the family or on your own! The theatrical releases are also popular, so be sure to check those out as well.

Pretty Cure series

[Official] Healin’ Good Precure Episode 1: “Hearts Connected! Two Together as Pretty Cure — Cure Grace”

The Pretty Cure series, which enjoys immense popularity among upper elementary school children, captivates kids with its vividly colorful world that fills the screen and its powerful action.

The series began with Futari wa Pretty Cure, which aired in 2004, and has continued to evolve with each new installment.

Watching the heroines transform and fight formidable enemies gives children great courage.

It’s no wonder kids love this series! Every episode offers wonderful stories that teach the importance of friendship and hard work.

Crayon Shin-chan

Crayon Shin-chan: A moving film portraying five years of the Nohara family with father Hiroshi as the protagonist — returning after a one-year hiatus. Crayon Shin-chan × BOSS: “To all the dads.”

Crayon Shin-chan is an anime beloved by upper elementary school children and has enjoyed overwhelming popularity since it began airing in 1992.

Starting in April 1992, this long-running series has never lost its charm.

Shin-chan’s pranks and the everyday life of his family unfold in stories that bring lots of laughs and sometimes even a few tears.

It’s perfect for the whole family to watch together in the living room on a day off.

Why not enjoy Crayon Shin-chan with your family and friends anytime you want a good time?

The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 48: “The Beginning” Preview [Airing Fri, 7/4 at 11:00 PM]

The popular anime series The Apothecary Diaries is a story that shines with its mystery-solving appeal.

Maomao, the protagonist who lived as an apothecary in the red-light district, is kidnapped and sold, ending up working in the imperial harem.

There, she meets various people—chief among them the eunuch Jinshi, who manages the harem—and solves incidents that occur within the palace.

It’s fun to learn about medicinal knowledge while using Maomao’s deductions to figure out who the culprit is.

Another highlight is the romance between the quirky Maomao and Jinshi, the epitome of beauty!