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

peace signKenshi Yonezu

My Hero Academia Season 2 Cour 1 Opening (OP) Movie / “Peace Sign” by Kenshi Yonezu / MHA OP

It’s the opening theme song for the popular anime “My Hero Academia.” Released in 2017 as Kenshi Yonezu’s seventh single, its sense of speed and passionate, hero-themed lyrics, combined with the cool visuals of the opening animation, helped it gain popularity.

We are!

ONE PIECE OP1 We Are!

After all, I think anime songs are the best recommendation for elementary school students.

For kids who grew up watching a lot of TV, their ears often remember the tunes automatically.

This song from that anime, which has the theme of friendship, is probably familiar to most people, so I think it’s quite easy to sing.

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

Here’s the theme song “Zenzenzense” from the smash-hit animated film “Your Name.” The song became a huge hit along with the movie’s release, and as you’d expect from the highly skilled rock band RADWIMPS, the track itself is really cool.

In the chorus where they sing “Zenzenzense,” it builds excitement and hype, making it a lot of fun to listen to.

weedHIKAKIN & SEIKIN

Weeds / HIKAKIN & SEIKIN

“Weeds,” by the YouTubers HIKAKIN & SEIKIN—hugely popular among elementary school students and also performed at the year-end Music Station Super Live—is an EDM-style track with a very catchy melody that makes it easy for anyone to sing.

HabitSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI「Habit」

A song with a mysterious vibe and a catchy melody delivers a message that confronts people’s preconceived notions and habits.

With simple, memorable phrases and an addictive sound, it’s sure to get everyone excited at school events or karaoke.

Released by SEKAI NO OWARI in June 2022, this track is the theme song for the film “HOLiC xxxHOLiC.” The work won the 64th Japan Record Award in the same year and was also performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

A highlight is the unique dance performance by the members dressed as a teacher and a janitor.

Even those who tend to get nervous at karaoke can sing this one with confidence thanks to its relaxed tempo and a melody line that doesn’t require too wide a vocal range.

CREATORsPRAYERs

CREATORs (V-Cinext “Kamen Rider Geats…”

A message song filled with hope, deeply tied to the world of the Kamen Rider series, was released in October 2023, sung by PRAYERs.

Blending a powerful rock sound with electronic elements, the track captivates with its exhilarating rhythm and emotional melody.

The lyrics convey that everyone has the right to be happy and emphasize the importance of having the courage to stay true to one’s beliefs—a message that resonates with children as well.

Produced as an insert song for Kamen Rider Geats: Jamato Awakening, it heightens the climactic scenes and brilliantly captures the work’s worldview.

With its simple, catchy melody, it’s perfect for everyone to sing along together.

We are!Hiroshi Kitadani

TV Anime “ONE PIECE” 1000th Episode Commemoration: We Are!

It’s an energetic song packed with courage and a spirit of adventure.

With themes of camaraderie and taking on your dreams, it carries a bright, positive message.

Its up-tempo rock sound and powerful vocals make it a track that both kids and adults can sing along to and get excited about together.

This was Hiroshi Kitadani’s first single, released in November 1999 as the very first opening theme for the popular anime One Piece.

It was released by Nippon Columbia and includes a karaoke version.

The lyrics are simple and easy to remember, and the melody is familiar and catchy, making it a staple choice for karaoke.

It’s a song everyone can sing with one heart, so it’s sure to liven up school events and sports days.