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

ElfAdo

[Ado] Elf

This song explores themes of loneliness and struggle, set in a fantastical world with profound messages.

Inspired by a legendary long-lived race, it portrays a solitary battle, growth, and confronting oneself.

Ado’s powerful vocals brilliantly capture both the strength and fragility of facing loneliness.

It is used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Who Saw the Peacock Dance?” airing from January 2025, perfectly matching the world of the series starring Suzu Hirose.

Centered on strings and piano, the arrangement creates a richly emotional atmosphere, making it a memorable track that enhances the drama.

It’s a heartwarming anthem that gently supports those trying to carve out their own path or take a new step forward.

ReawakeR (feat.Felix of Stray Kids)LiSA

LiSA『ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids)』MUSiC CLiP

This is a collaborative piece by LiSA, known for her powerful vocals and energetic melodies, and Stray Kids’ Felix.

The lyrics, expressing the resolve to carve out one’s destiny and the determination of someone reborn, carry a message of challenge and growth.

Created as the opening theme for the TV anime “Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow,” airing from January 2025, the song is composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, a leading figure in the industry.

With a masterful fusion of rock sounds and electronic elements, this track will strongly encourage middle school students who want to forge their own path.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

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.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE has delivered a gem of a song that beautifully captures both the brilliance and the fragility of youth.

It delicately portrays the feelings of trying to embrace everyday anxieties, inner conflicts, and the pains of growth as cherished memories.

The song was also chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery” and won the 66th Japan Record Awards in December 2024, marking an unprecedented achievement of back-to-back wins for the band.

This heartwarming track offers empathy and encouragement to middle school students grappling with the uniquely turbulent emotions of adolescence and feelings of self-doubt.

It will surely stay close to your heart and give you the courage to look ahead.

We againSG

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

This work by SG has gained support as an encouraging song that resonates deeply during graduations and farewells.

Its gentle melody, which accompanies young people as they overcome partings and take new steps forward, and its lyrics filled with hope for reunion are especially appealing.

Released in April 2021, it has become a popular track with a cumulative 150 million streams.

Starting in November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, and a concert band version by the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble has been making waves.

It’s a heartwarming song for farewells, graduation ceremonies, and moments when you long to see someone special again.

It’s a recommended track for times when you want to cherish your memories while looking ahead and doing your best.

Run, SAKAMOTOVaundy

Run, SAKAMOTO / Vaundy: SAKAMOTO DAYS with Vaundy

This is a masterful work by Vaundy, written specifically as the opening theme for a popular anime! The energetic melody generated by its heavy bassline and sharp guitar sound will set your heart racing.

Recorded in London, UK, this piece brings new musical challenges to life through collaboration with overseas staff.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “SAKAMOTO DAYS,” airing from January 2025, it brilliantly captures the protagonist’s overwhelming strength and determination to protect his family.

It’s the perfect anthem not only for anime fans, but also for anyone who needs courage and a boost in their daily life!

In that casemakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu "Saraba" Music Video

It’s a love song that beautifully captures fresh memories of youth and the aching pain of unrequited love.

Created by Macaroni Enpitsu, the piece portrays unreturned feelings and longing for someone from a warm, gentle perspective.

Its sweet, wistful vocals and melodious sound tenderly embrace the complexities of being in love.

Released in January 2025, it serves as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Ao no Hako.

Seamlessly harmonizing with the anime’s worldview, it succeeds in expressing the vivid emotions of youth through music.

This heartwarming track resonates deeply not only with those currently in love but also with anyone who recalls a past romance.