A wonderful classic

In season now? Popular Japanese dance music among junior high school students

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Composition nerdmutō
Started performing in bands in junior high school. Influenced by Japanese rock and UK rock, spent over 10 years continuing band activities while creating original songs. Later began producing Vocaloid tracks using Hatsune Miku, with total plays of released songs surpassing 10,000. Has five years of experience writing for music magazines. Currently works as a music writer, director, and composer, keeping a ground-level perspective on the scene by attending live shows across Japan. Now performs at live houses in Tokyo, showcasing guitar playing centered on acoustic guitar and informed by knowledge of chord analysis and guitar scales. Also writes leveraging a broad knowledge of music genres.

From songs going viral on TikTok and YouTube to a wide variety of dance music, these tracks are gaining popularity even among middle schoolers.

Plenty of songs are being released that you can enjoy dancing to or filming dance videos with friends.

In this article, we’ve gathered a wide range of dance numbers, from the latest hits to timeless classics.

We’ll introduce everything from easy, upper-body-only routines to tracks with full-on choreography.

Use this lineup as a reference to find songs you can dance to based on themes like love and friendship.

In season now? Popular Japanese dance music among junior high schoolers (51–60)

Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

ATARASHII GAKKO! – Otona Blue (Official Music Video)

Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

When it comes to dance music hugely popular among junior high schoolers, this track is the one.

Its signature head-shaking choreography stood out, and TikTok blew up with posts imitating the dance.

The lyrics portray the gap between a mature outward appearance and a childlike inner self.

It’s a song that reflects young people’s feelings, expressing a desire to connect with others heart-to-heart.

Released in February 2020, it has won multiple awards, including the Grand Prize at the TikTok First Half Trend Awards 2023.

It also opened the 2023 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a perfect pick for filming dance videos with friends or for a quick mood boost.

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Rat-tat-tatSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

‘Rat-tat-tat’ Official Music Video / Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE

Rat-tat-tatSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Famous for the “Ratata Dance”! This track made big waves after being featured in Universal Studios Japan’s “ZOMBIE de DANCE HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS.” It’s a cool, high-energy dance tune.

In the music video, the performers dance joyfully to the beat.

From kids to adults, everyone gets swept up in the party vibe.

It’s effortlessly cool and really likable.

As a junior high schooler, you’re probably just starting to get into Western music.

Frustrating as it is, doesn’t that pure, bubbling sense of fun rise up from deep inside you?

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WAKARIMASEN (PROD. MIYACHI)MIYACHI

MIYACHI – WAKARIMASEN (OFFICIAL VIDEO)(PROD. MIYACHI)

WAKARIMASEN (PROD. MIYACHI)MIYACHI

The half-Japanese, half-American rapper MIYACHI emphatically declares, “I don’t understand English.” Setting aside the fact that he clearly can speak it, the track nails a trendy vibe with a satisfying triplet flow.

The rapid-fire lyrics right before the final hook will blow you away.

It’s a number I’d recommend to middle schoolers who like hip-hop.

It also went viral on TikTok, with lots of people doing loose, casual dances to it, and it even hit No.

1 on Spotify’s popularity charts.

Released in 2018, he’s also drawn attention from Japanese music fans, including participating on RADWIMPS’ album ANTI ANTI GENERATION.

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ResetMukai Taichi

Taichi Mukai / Reset (Official Music Video)

ResetMukai Taichi

Taichi Mukai is a bona fide R&B singer-songwriter.

He’s a looker too—he even contributes to fashion magazine websites.

From a guy’s perspective, he might be someone to be jealous of, but the music is just that good.

Before his debut, he was the vocalist in a funk band, and you can feel his love for dance music in his sound, yet his singing voice is firmly J-pop.

I want both dance music fans and J-pop fans to give him a listen!

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced dance music that’s popular among junior high school students up to this point! Did you find any songs you like or a new favorite artist? The selection ranged from cool tracks that could rival overseas dance music to catchy, pop tunes unique to Japan.

Take this opportunity to listen to even more dance music! I’m sure wonderful new discoveries are waiting for you.