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)

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

Suki Lieatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

ATARASHII GAKKO! – Suki Lie (Official Music Video)

Suki Lieatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

The song delivered by Atarashii Gakko! captivates with its addictive melody and distinctive worldview.

The lyrics, which depict emotions swaying between love and betrayal, deeply resonate with listeners.

Chosen as the theme song for TV Tokyo’s drama “Nanika Okashii 2,” it also reached No.

1 on the iTunes overall album chart.

The track is currently trending on social media, with growing popularity on TikTok.

It’s the perfect song for filming dance videos with friends featuring their signature choreography, or for singing at karaoke.

Why not immerse yourself in its unique sound and lyrical world while enjoying an energetic dance?

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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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RodeoTohji

Tohji – Rodeo (Official Music Video)

RodeoTohji

A maverick rapper born in London and raised in Yokohama, whose unbound, free-spirited artistry captivates fans.

Influenced by his early years in London until age three, he delivers both English and Japanese in a flow that’s uniquely his.

His tracks are packed with an outlaw vibe that’s sure to energize many listeners.

This is a song from an artist whose future success is highly anticipated.

With his nonchalant, charismatic presence, he’s popular with all genders, and his fashion sense also stands out.

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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.