Songs that junior high school students like. Classic and popular Japanese hits.
Once you’re in junior high school, you naturally start listening to all kinds of music—not just the songs that hit the charts, but also tracks you discover through your family and friends!
I’m sure many of you feel like, “I want to discover new music!” or “I want to keep up with my friends’ music conversations!”
So in this article, we’ll introduce a collection of songs from buzzworthy artists in recent years, as well as tracks by artists who are staples in the J-POP scene.
We’ve gathered songs you’ll definitely want to hear as a junior high student, including tracks trending on TikTok and anime theme songs.
Listen to the songs we’re about to introduce, and share them with your friends too!
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Songs that junior high school students like: Classic and popular J-pop hits (31–40)
Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira
A special Johnny’s unit, Shuuji to Akira, released this single in 2005.
It served as the theme song for the drama “Nobuta wo Produce.” Shuuji and Akira are characters in the drama, portrayed by Kazuya Kamenashi and Tomohisa Yamashita, respectively.
With its approachable melody and slightly nostalgic sound, it became a huge hit across generations.
loveHoshino Gen
A single released in 2016 by actor and singer Gen Hoshino.
It served as the theme song for the drama “We Married as a Job!” starring Hoshino himself and Yui Aragaki.
The “Koi Dance,” which played over the ending credits of the drama, also became hugely popular and turned into a social phenomenon.
Maybe you even practiced the Koi Dance yourself?
Having someone you likeJY
A single released in 2016 by actress and singer JY.
It was the theme song for the Monday 9 p.m.
drama A Girl & Three Sweethearts.
JY is a former member of the K-pop girl group KARA.
Back when she was in the group, she was called the “Giant Baby” and had a cute, girlish image.
In this song, she shows a more mature side and delivers a fresh rendition of the drama’s world in fluent Japanese.
summer festivalWhiteberry
A single released in 2000 by the four-member girls’ band Whiteberry.
The theme is a teenage summer romance, depicting the scenes of a summer festival night.
Two people who are more than friends but not quite lovers wander around the festival, shy with each other.
The girl drifts away when she spots her friends, and the boy can’t quite bring himself to confess.
It brings back memories of those teenage years when we couldn’t be honest with our feelings.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
A coming-of-age song that delivers the importance of embracing your true self on a refreshing melody.
The protagonist portrayed by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE carries a earnest resolve to keep looking forward while battling self-denial.
Gratitude and hope toward someone who accepts their true self gently envelop the listener, together with a melody that resonates in the heart.
Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE 18-sai-sai,” it was performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation.
It’s a track recommended for moments when you want to face yourself with a gentle gaze, or when you want to share your feelings with someone important.
Songs that junior high school students like. Classic and popular Japanese songs (41–50)
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This is the song that marked the major debut of Tsuzuri, a singer who rose to prominence on YouTube and TikTok.
It was also selected as the opening theme for the anime “The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses.” It’s noteworthy that the lyrics were written by DECO*27 and the composition was handled by Shota Horie; the track conveys a youthful bittersweetness that aligns with the work itself.
Tsuzuri’s straightforward delivery of the words makes it easy to vividly imagine someone facing their youth head-on, further enhancing the song’s refreshing atmosphere.
idolYOASOBI
YOASOBI’s songs are loved by a wide range of generations! This particular track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oshi no Ko,” so it’s been a huge talking point.
With a 166 BPM technopop sound composed by Ayase layered with ikura’s clear, crystalline vocals, it’s incredibly catchy.
The lyrics portray both the strength and vulnerability of being an idol, as well as the desire to be loved and to love, and they’re sure to resonate with listeners.
Since its release in June 2023, it’s become popular among many middle school students.
It’s a perfect song to listen to on the way to school or to sing at karaoke.
Be sure to give it a listen!