Emo songs recommended for junior high school students: A roundup of classic and popular Japanese tracks!

mentally unstable personMioyamazaki

Mio Yamazaki “Menhera”

There must be quite a few students who end up struggling mentally—whether it’s because of academics, relationships, or any number of things.

If you’re grappling with worries right now, I recommend Mio Yamazaki’s work.

The lyrics are so relatable for anyone feeling down that just listening can lighten your heart.

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Saitō Ayumu

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seems like (just) my imaginationmaji musume

majiko – Kokoronashi [LIVE]

It’s a song I want to listen to when I’m tired of everything.

When you can’t trust anyone and you’re in a tough situation, listening to it will make your heart feel a little lighter.

The cry-like vocals really pierce the heart… Many singers have covered it, and it’s a highly acclaimed song.

The saddest thing in the worldmirukīuei

M1LKYWAY – The Saddest Thing in the World (Official Music Video)

Milkyway is a band from Osaka whose concept is “We’re done becoming adults.” They often sing about themes like bullying and suicide, but their melodies are very catchy.

When you set painful feelings to a catchy tune, it somehow starts to feel a little like salvation, doesn’t it?

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Saitō Ayumu

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The Day the Curse Was LiftedTaito

Takuto “The Day the Curse Was Lifted” MV

This song has a story: although Taku Takeru was bullied in junior high and closed himself off, he was able to regain his smile through encounters with fans and the people around him.

It’s a track that, while being a “dark” song, still inspires hope, making you think, “Let’s accept ourselves as we are, acknowledge ourselves, and keep moving forward.”

Stray SheepKamisama, boku wa kizuite shimatta

God, I Have Come to Realize – STRAY SHEEP

This is a song I especially want people who are struggling with their future or feeling stuck to hear.

They rose to popularity with piercing high notes and sharp lyrics.

In this track, they play gently—and at times intensely—as if saving lost lambs.

Singing, “Don’t worry about those around you; listen to your own voice,” their message will surely give you a little push toward the future.

Venusjoōbachi

Queen Bee “Venus” MUSIC VIDEO (FULL VERSION)

Once you hear it, it’s guaranteed to stick in your head.

You’ll find yourself captivated by a neutral-sounding voice that feels constantly chased by something.

She’s the Madonna and Venus of your class—someone you want to talk to but just can’t.

This is the one song I want you to listen to when you’re stuck in that restless, pent-up state.

Sakura Clear SkiesYuuri

Sakura Clear Skies

Prompted by an email from a fan who was graduating without being able to make enough memories during the pandemic, this is Yuuri’s first graduation song, written specifically in response.

It was released in February 2021 and was included on the following year’s album “Ichi.” Built on an arrangement centered around piano and strings, the song layers a wistful yet emotional vocal to create a deeply moving ballad.

The lyrics carefully express gratitude to father, mother, and friends, and they hold both the anxiety and lingering attachment of the season of departure alongside a sense of brightness and hope.

Everyday scenes—like the smell of home or the window by the sill—serve as devices of memory, naturally stirring listeners’ own recollections.

It’s the perfect song for a graduation ceremony, a way to say “thank you” to the people you met during your middle school years.