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

IcarusMotohiro Hata

Motohiro Hata “Icarus” Music Video - Film ‘Icarus: The One-Winged Town’ Ten Years and Eternity ver.-

Singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata has remained a leading, popular figure from the 2000s to the present.

By the upper grades of elementary school, many students will likely have encountered his music.

Among Hata’s works, the song Ikaros is one I especially recommend.

Its melody is simple enough for elementary school students to sing, and the vocal range is relatively narrow, making it easy even for those who haven’t experienced voice changes yet.

The lyrics also have depth, so it’s a song I can recommend from an educational standpoint as well.

100% Courage

Naniwa Danshi – 100% Courage Collaboration MV | “Nintama Rantaro the Movie: The Dokutake Ninja Squad’s Strongest Strategist” opens Friday, December 20

A song that’s easy to sing at karaoke and beloved by younger elementary school kids is “Yuuki 100%.” It came out in 1993 and became a big hit when the idol group Hikaru GENJI sang it.

It’s also well known as the opening theme for the anime Nintama Rantarō.

Loved by people of all ages, it’s often chosen as an upbeat tune for events like sports days.

The melody is bright, and the lyrics are full of positive messages.

It encourages you to face challenges without fearing failure, making it a perfect song for kids to sing.

Parents can join in too and feel energized together!

paprikaFoorin

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

If you’re looking for a song that will make kids’ hearts leap at karaoke, Paprika is the perfect pick! With its colorful, familiar melody, this track—created by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu—bursts with the voices of elementary and middle schoolers and radiates fun.

The bright, percussive rhythm naturally lifts the listener’s spirits, and its sprightly dance became a hit as well.

Why not fire up your karaoke session with this song that blows away any jitters? Sing along to the buoyant beat and enjoy a time full of smiles!

paprikaFoorin × Kenshi Yonezu

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

Paprika is a collaboration song by Foorin and Kenshi Yonezu, and it’s hugely popular among children.

Created as the support song for the NHK 2020 Support Song Project, it spread across generations and became a social phenomenon.

Its fun, dynamic melody makes you want to sing along as soon as you hear it.

With an overall relaxed rhythm, it’s easy even for beginners to sing, and many kids already know the lyrics by heart.

If you sing it at karaoke, it might turn into a big sing-along before you know it!

Ponyo on the CliffFujioaka Fujimaki & Nozomi Ohashi

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea Nozomi Ōhashi

“Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea” is the theme song of the Studio Ghibli film of the same name.

Sung by Fujimaki Fujioka and Nozomi Ohashi, it became a major hit.

The song’s charm lies in its gentle, cheerful melody and adorable lyrics that reflect the world of the movie.

It’s so catchy that once kids hear it, they’ll naturally want to sing along.

If you’re unsure what to pick at karaoke, give this song a try.

The pitch is easy to follow, and elementary schoolers can learn it quickly.

Plus, it’s great for singing together with family and friends, making your karaoke time even more fun!

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

“Ashita mo,” sung by SHISHAMO, a young three-piece rock band of three girls from Kanagawa Prefecture, is an upbeat track that fills you with energy.

It’s a lively song that everyone from kindergarteners to adults can enjoy.

FANTASTIC BABYBIGBANG

BIGBANG – FANTASTIC BABY M/V

This BIGBANG song includes some English lyrics, but I think it would be best for you to lean into the lively energy of elementary school students and focus on singing it in a way that feels more like BIGBANG.

Rather than worrying about singing the lyrics perfectly, aiming for that BIGBANG vibe will probably go over better.