Middle school students are probably super into the latest J-pop, right?
There are so many songs you won’t want to miss—theme songs from TV dramas and movies, tracks that are blowing up on social media and music shows, and brand-new releases from artists leading the J-pop scene.
And of course, you can’t skip the love songs!
In this article, we’ll introduce popular tracks among middle schoolers, as well as standout songs that went viral on social media and really resonate with them.
If you listen to the songs featured here, you’ll be able to jump into music talk at school tomorrow!
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Popular songs among junior high school students. Trending tracks on social media, too (1–10)
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.
idolYOASOBI
Packed with YOASOBI’s appeal, this track serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oshi no Ko,” with striking lyrics that portray the conflicts and anguish behind the idol world.
The protagonist’s emotions in striving to become the ultimate idol are expressed through Ikura’s clear, translucent vocals.
Released in June 2023, the song became the first Japanese track to reach No.
1 on the Billboard Global Excl.
U.S.
chart.
Its sound—an intriguing fusion of hip-hop and gothic rock—sticks in your ears.
Middle schoolers looking to get hyped on social media won’t run out of conversation topics with friends after listening to this one.
I’m a messMY FIRST STORY
Known by the abbreviation “Maifasu,” MY FIRST STORY is a rock band that thrills fans with overwhelming vocal power and a hard-hitting sound.
Their digital-only single “I’m a mess,” also included on the best-of album X, became a major talking point after resonating with TikTok creators.
The contrast between its nostalgic, bittersweet melody and delicate guitar riffs may feel fresh to middle school listeners.
It’s a brisk, exhilarating track that rock fans of all ages should check out.
Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu
A song by Atarashii Gakko no Leaders released in April 2023.
Its calmly narrative melody line and the poignant emotions of a girl yearning to grow weave a harmony that resonates with people across generations.
The mid-range-centered vocals are praised for being easy to sing, and the slightly nasally vocal style creates a sound that feels familiar not only to middle schoolers but to listeners of all ages.
It’s a track that makes you feel as if you’re turning a page of timeless youth.
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
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.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
This is a powerful track that Kenshi Yonezu poured his heart and soul into, created as the opening theme for an anime centered on figure skating.
Depicting a story of challenge and growth, the work captures the passion of those who push themselves in the world of sports through its strong melody and profound lyrics.
Released in January 2025, it was written specifically as the theme song for the anime “Medalist,” and it’s memorable that Yonezu, a huge fan of the original manga, personally offered to create it.
The song was also performed on the opening day of the nationwide tour “Kenshi Yonezu 2025 TOUR / JUNK,” captivating the audience.
It’s highly recommended for anyone striving toward the dreams and goals of their youth, making it a perfect choice to boost motivation during morning commutes to school or before club activities.
ReawakeR (feat.Felix of Stray Kids)LiSA
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.