Good songs recommended for junior high school students. Classic and popular Japanese hits.

Make sure you study up, okay?zutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

ZUTOMAYO - “Study Me” Music Video (Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni. - O Benkyou Shitoite yo)

“Zenzen Mayonaka de Ii no ni.” (ZUTOMAYO), who became hugely popular especially among younger listeners with their breakout hit “Byoushin wo Kamu,” have done it again.

Compared to “Byoushin wo Kamu,” this track feels much brighter and catchier.

同時に、ZUTOMAYO特有のグルーブ感と、ACAねの力強く高音域のボーカルも健在だ。

The piano and bass in the interlude are especially cool, too.

At first glance, the lyrics might leave you wondering what the song is actually about, but if you read them through to the end, it seems to be expressing the protagonist’s feelings for an unrequited love.

“Study up on my feelings, will you!!” is such an adorable line—and one a lot of people can probably relate to.

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Hane Keisuke

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boys and girlsKanzaki Iori

Boys and Girls / Iori Kanzaki

Kanzaki Iori is active as a Vocaloid producer, singer, music producer, and novelist.

This song, “Shounen Shoujo” (Boys and Girls), is his first release since going independent, and its lyrics feel like they capture the emotions of that new beginning.

When you start something new and take your first steps toward a dream, a wall inevitably appears in your path.

I can’t help but feel that this song is what you need to keep going without letting your spirit break.

All of Kanzaki Iori’s works give me the impression of a “cry from the heart,” and this track is no exception—one I recommend listening to before you bottle up your emotions.

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utatane

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Ghost in the FlowersYorushika

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Yorushika, formed by Vocaloid producer n-buna and singer suis, is another artist many middle schoolers these days really like! I’m sure a lot of people regularly listen to Vocaloid songs, and if that’s you, you’ll definitely enjoy their music.

One of their biggest draws is their piano rock–based sound, which feels so pleasant; this song also has a tone that evokes youth, doesn’t it? It was written as the theme song for the film “A Whisker Away,” and it’s a track I’d love not only music fans but also movie lovers to give a listen to at least once.

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Hane Keisuke

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PerfumeEito

Perfume / Eito (Official Music Video)

Although it was released in 2019, this song made a huge comeback in 2020.

The catalyst was TikTok, and I think many junior high school students use TikTok.

Many of you have probably seen videos of people singing this song on TikTok.

The way a scent can trigger various memories and events—can’t you, as a junior high schooler, relate to that? The sweet, distinctive chorus melody is so addictive you’ll want to listen to it over and over.

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Hane Keisuke

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Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

When it comes to junior high schoolers, many are probably excited or troubled about romance, right? Falling for someone brings lots of fun, but there are times when you suddenly feel sad or scared and your mood drops.

A sentimental love song that perfectly matches those feelings is Kenshi Yonezu’s “Eine Kleine.” Even though thinking about someone you like should make you happy, it’s easy to slip into negative thoughts—that happens to everyone.

It’s a sad yet deeply moving love song about wishing for that person’s happiness, even if it means sacrificing your own feelings.

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utatane

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GarnetOku Hanako

Garnet

A single released in 2006 by singer-songwriter Hanako Oku.

It’s the theme song for the animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

It’s a love song that portrays a realistic, adolescent romance.

Two close friends at first, but after one confesses, their relationship begins to change—capturing a dynamic that could easily happen in real life.

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en

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RPGSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI「RPG」

It’s a song that became popular as the theme for the movie “Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-Class Gourmet Survival!!” and is often cited as one of SEKAI NO OWARI’s signature tracks.

With a very singable rhythm, it’s great both to sing and to listen to.