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.

Hot right now? Popular Japanese dance music among junior high schoolers (41–50)

Dokimeki Diaryasmi

Dokimeki Diary – asmi feat. Chinozo (Official Music Video)

Dokimeki Diaryasmi

Singer-songwriter asmi shot to prominence with PAKU, which went viral on TikTok and other social media, and with her collaboration track Yowanehaki feat.

Wanuka, asmi.

In 2023, she and Vocaloid producer Chinozo created a new song, Dokimeki Diary, which was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon.

asmi’s clear, translucent vocals convey the feelings of a girl just as she is.

Centered on themes of self-discovery and growth, the song celebrates the courage to face unknown possibilities.

It’s a track that gently encourages middle schoolers as they move forward toward their dreams.

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

DOWNHentai Shinshi Kurabu

Hentai Shinshi Club / DOWN (Official Music Video)

DOWNHentai Shinshi Kurabu

A hit song by Hentai Shinshi Club, fronted by two leading new-generation Kansai artists: the slightly mischievous WillyWonka and VIGORMAN, whose straightforward vocals resonate with listeners.

Willy Wonka had already been drawing attention since high school—a talent so sharp that Anarchy has even admitted on air to being a longtime fan.

Their honest lyrics and free, unbounded style are refreshing to watch.

Contrary to the group’s name, both the rap and the sound are insanely cool.

You, even as a middle schooler, should try to become someone this slick.

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Odoru Pompoko RinE-girls

E-girls / Odoru Ponpokorin

Odoru Pompoko RinE-girls

This needs no explanation: a national anime’s national theme song! In the hands of E-girls, it turns into a cute song with high-girl-power choreography.

It’s a tune that lets both guys and girls sing and dance cheerfully to that lively “piihyara piihyara” beat.

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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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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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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.