[2026] Recommended Entrance Ceremony Songs for Junior High Students: Popular J-POP Roundup

lilacNEW!Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A high-velocity guitar rock track that vividly captures both the radiance and the shadows of youth! Released by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE in April 2024, this song was written specifically as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery.” It became the fastest in the band’s history to surpass 100 million streams and even won the 66th Japan Record Awards—a true classic.

As vocalist Motoki Omori has said, he created it with the feeling of an answer song to their hit “Ao to Natsu,” and it gives you the courage to move forward by affirming even your past self and your anxieties.

Try listening to it on the morning of your entrance ceremony as you slip into your new uniform, syncing with your pounding heartbeat.

You’ll surely feel your heart grow lighter, thinking, “I’m fine just the way I am!”

CorrectNEW!RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

An emotional number by RADWIMPS that sings about the questions you’re likely to face in your school life ahead and the importance of finding your own answers.

It was created to be performed with one thousand 18-year-olds for the NHK program “RADWIMPS 18-sai Matsuri,” broadcast in October 2018.

The lyrics, which explore the true meaning of life—things not found in school textbooks—will surely resonate deeply with junior high school students starting a new chapter.

In addition to being included on the album “ANTI ANTI GENERATION,” it was released as a CD single in February 2024.

The beautiful interplay of piano and chorus is sure to gently give you courage on the morning of the entrance ceremony, when anxiety and anticipation are intertwined.

The calling voiceNEW!Vaundy

The calling voice

Singer-songwriter Vaundy, who not only writes, composes, and arranges his own music but also handles design and video direction, is a multi-talented artist leading the Reiwa era music scene.

Written as the theme song for NHK General’s “Vaundy 18 Festival,” this piece was released digitally in December 2025.

Created with the premise of performing together with 1,000 young people gathered from across Japan, it teaches us the value and responsibility of giving your all—and the joy that lies beyond.

Brimming with the perfect energy to mark the beginning of spring, it’s a number that powerfully supports new students as they face the anticipation and anxieties of their upcoming school life.

Belt it out with your classmates at karaoke, and it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.

Doki itNEW!naniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – Doki it [Official Music Video]

What we especially want you to listen to during the school admission season—when it’s easy to feel anxious—is this full-on positive rock number.

Released in February 2025 by the Kansai-born idol group Naniwa Danshi, it was featured as the song for AOKI’s “Freshers Fair” commercial.

Its driving band sound feels great, and the chorus sticks in your head.

It takes a bit of courage to jump into an unfamiliar environment, doesn’t it? The lyrics give you the strength to believe in yourself and move forward, so be sure to take in their encouragement.

With first-week sales topping 320,000 copies, this track is recommended for anyone feeling a flutter of nerves about the new life that’s about to begin.

The world is smiling at you.NEW!Little Glee Monster

The world is smiling at you.

Little Glee Monster is a vocal group that captivates audiences with their overwhelming vocal prowess and beautiful harmonies.

Their 2018 single “Sekai wa Anata ni Waraikaketeiru” (“The World Is Smiling at You”) is an anthem that gives courage to junior high school students taking a new step forward.

Chosen as a Coca-Cola image song, its sparkling, upbeat sound is sure to linger in many people’s memories.

The positive message—that if you smile first, the world will change too—makes it a powerful ally during the nerve‑wracking school admission season.

At the 2018 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a much-talked-about mass performance with 200 students turned the song into a beloved hit across generations.

Also included on the album “FLAVA,” this track is perfect for listening on the way to school when anticipation and anxiety mix—you’ll find a natural smile spreading across your face.

Good Luck!NEW!SixTONES

SixTONES – Good Luck! [YouTube ver.]

This is an exceptionally positive cheer song chosen as the theme for member Jesse’s first starring drama, “Saisho wa Pā.” Released as a single in November 2022, it was later included on the album “Koe.” If you have a dream you want to achieve, it’s okay to fail or be laughed at.

That kind of straightforward encouragement gives a powerful push to junior high schoolers diving into a new environment.

Packed with down-to-earth smiles and brightness that feel a bit different from their previously cool image, this work is perfect for the morning of an entrance ceremony when you want to blow away your worries.

Debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, it captured many hearts.

Just listening to it will make you feel positive, so why not play it on your commute as a good-luck charm for the school life that’s about to begin?

what kind of person / who (on earth)NEW!King&Prince

King & Prince “Nanimono” MV YouTube Edit

When you look in the mirror dressed in your new uniform, don’t you feel a little more grown-up? In that heart-thumping spring, there’s a warm cheer song by King & Prince that gently stays by your side.

Released as a single in June 2023, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “However, I Have Passion,” which depicts the half-lives of Masayasu Wakabayashi and Ryota Yamasato.

Centered on the theme of the importance of enjoying the present without putting on airs, just listening makes your heart feel light and buoyant.

Changes in your environment can bring anxiety, but this song will surely give you a gentle push forward.

Its unadorned words carry a message that helps you notice the small happiness in everyday life.

If you listen on your way to school, your excitement for school life will grow, and your steps will surely feel lighter.