Recommended Japanese pop songs for elementary school students to sing at karaoke

If I'm wrapped in kindnessYumi Matsutoya

Wrapped in Gentleness – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya)

One of Yumi Matsutoya’s signature songs was also used as the ending theme for the film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Its melody and lyrics, full of gentleness and warmth, resonate with a wide range of generations, from children to adults.

The song is included on the album MISSLIM and has also appeared on numerous best-of and self-cover albums.

In 2020, as part of NHK’s With Corona project, a collaborative version featuring 27 artists from 18 acts connected to Yuming was produced.

It’s a recommended song to enjoy at karaoke with your elementary school–aged child.

If you sing it together as a parent and child, it will surely become a wonderful memory.

Futari SaisonKeyakizaka46

Keyakizaka46 “Futari Saison”

This song portrays the fleeting nature of love and personal growth through the changing seasons.

Paired with choreography that incorporates classical ballet and contemporary dance, it symbolizes both the unity of youth and individual development.

Released in November 2016, the track generated a major response, selling over 350,000 copies on its first day and debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon Daily CD Single Ranking.

It’s a piece packed with the charm of Keyakizaka46, so when you sing it at karaoke, why not feel the passage of the seasons and recall the brilliance of youth? It’s a refreshing, heartfelt song that the whole family can enjoy—and one that lets you deliver a moving vocal performance.

Promise of SunflowersMotohiro Hata

Himawari no Yakusoku – Motohiro Hata (Full)

This song by Motohiro Hata was written as the theme for the 2014 film STAND BY ME Doraemon.

It’s a memorable track featuring warm yet bittersweet lyrics that depict the relationship between Doraemon and Nobita.

Because it expresses bonds and deep affection, it has become a wedding standard and is often performed at receptions as a solo vocal-and-guitar piece or a piano solo.

The song created a huge buzz, holding the top spot on Japan’s overall iTunes chart for an extended period.

For a more moving piano performance, play the conversational passages lightly, and use the weight of your arms to produce a deeper tone in the soaring sections.

paprikaKenshi Yonezu

#3 [Ensemble by Middle and Senior Kindergarteners] “Paprika”

This song features a bright, energetic melody that captures children’s hearts and lyrics filled with hope.

It was written by Kenshi Yonezu for NHK’s support song project for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and is performed by the children’s music group Foorin.

Centered on the theme of a dialogue between one’s pure childhood self and one’s grown-up self, it carries a self-encouraging message.

Released in August 2020, the song has been loved by people of all ages, from children to adults, and has been performed at various events and concerts.

It’s also perfect for family karaoke—easy to sing and remember, it’s sure to create lasting memories.

rainbow-coloredAyaka

Ayaka / “Nijiiro” (Theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Hanako to Anne”) Music Video (Short Ver.)

Ayaka’s gentle, warm voice softly wraps around you in this tender, encouraging song.

Written as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Hanako to Anne,” it was released in April 2015.

As Ayaka herself said, she aimed to create a song that “stays close” to the listener, and the forward-looking lyrics—focused solely on the future—leave a strong impression.

“Don’t keep looking back—face the present and what lies ahead, and live strongly!” This piece gives you that spark of resolve.

It’s a perfect karaoke pick that the whole family can sing together to lift their spirits.

On the Day of Departure

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

This song, well-known as a choral piece sung in elementary schools, originally originated at a junior high school in Saitama Prefecture.

It was composed through the efforts of teachers striving to create a “school where singing voices resonate,” and from there it spread to schools nationwide.

It is popular across a wide range of ages, from adults to children.

SHINE!!Kirakira☆Precure à la Mode

SHINE!! Glittering☆Kirakira Precure à la Mode

It’s the theme song of the girls’ anime Kirakira☆Precure a la Mode.

Precure is always popular with kids, isn’t it? It seems to be trendy and often sung not only in elementary schools but also in kindergartens.

The melody is catchy, so it’s probably very easy to sing.