Recommended for junior high school students! A selection of pop songs perfect for piano recitals

Racing into the NightYOASOBI

Played “Racing into the Night (Yoru ni Kakeru)” in full [Piano]

YOASOBI’s second unforgettable song is a richly narrative piece where the brilliance and bittersweetness of youth resonate.

Centered on themes of life and death, love and loneliness, it captivates with a compelling contrast between its light, buoyant melody and deeply meaningful message.

In the chorus, a driving rhythm pairs with an overwhelming desire to save a loved one, striking listeners straight in the heart.

Topping the Oricon Weekly Combined Singles Chart in June 2020 and performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, the work blends pop appeal with literary depth.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to immerse themselves in a story world, and for listeners who enjoy both rhythmic compositions and profound lyrics.

ultramarineYOASOBI

“Gunjou” YOASOBI [with sheet music] Piano cover by ear – Gunjo – Piano Cover – CANACANA

“Gunjou,” widely supported especially by young listeners, stands as one of the works that symbolize YOASOBI’s high musical artistry.

Inspired by the short story “Ao o Mikata ni” (Make the Blue Your Ally), the song portrays the passion and determination of a protagonist advancing toward their dream.

When playing it on piano, aim to keep the accompaniment light to convey a sense of speed and freshness, and highlight the melody’s clear tone and intricate rhythms.

It’s also recommended to practice with a metronome to prevent the tempo from wavering.

New EraAdo

"New Era" Ado – Uta – ONE PIECE FILM RED [With Sheet Music] Piano – CANACANA

The theme song “New Genesis” from the film ONE PIECE FILM RED highlights Ado’s powerful, expressive vocals.

Created around the theme of “advancing into a new era,” which symbolizes hope and forward momentum, this piece is perfect for a middle school piano recital brimming with optimism for the future.

To convey the song’s positive message through your performance, it’s best to play at a lively tempo.

First, slowly and carefully internalize the left-hand progressions and the flow of the melody, then gradually increase the tempo to approach the feel of the original track.

SEKAI NO OWARIsaikō tōtatsuten

[Sheet Music] “Highest Point / SEKAI NO OWARI” TV Anime “ONE PIECE” Theme Song – Intermediate Piano Score

Released on September 17, 2023 by SEKAI NO OWARI, known for their unique worldview, “Saikou Toutatsu Ten” became a hit and garnered attention as the opening theme for the popular anime ONE PIECE.

Infused with messages of courage and hope, the song emphasizes the importance of acknowledging your own weaknesses, transforming them into strength, and moving forward step by step toward the future.

By deeply understanding the meaning of the lyrics and reflecting it in your performance, you can play with greater emotional richness.

Once you’re comfortable with two-handed playing, try practicing with a focus on dynamics and nuance.

mixed nutsOfisharu Higedan Dism

[Sheet Music] For Beginners to Intermediate! 'Mixed Nuts / Official HIGE DANDism' [SPY×FAMILY] Opening Theme Piano Sheet Music

Mixed Nuts by Official HIGE DANDism was created as the opening theme for SPY×FAMILY and released digitally on April 15, 2022.

Its lyrics, which portray a family laden with various secrets as seen in the anime, make it a deeply moving song.

Official HIGE DANDism’s music features notably complex chord progressions and key changes.

You might feel discouraged while sight-reading, but if you can make it through the entire piece, it will undoubtedly be a step forward and a big boost to your confidence.

Beyond the chord progressions, the rhythmic melodies and emotionally stirring sound are also compelling.

Tackle the challenging sections and enjoy the process as you work your way through.

Final Fantasy VII Piano Collections “One-Winged Angel”Uematsu Nobuo

One-Winged Angel

A piano arrangement of the masterful final battle theme—friendly and approachable yet imbued with grandeur—returns with overwhelming quality.

Also used in the Sephiroth battle of the film FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, created with game CG techniques, this piece fuses classical and rock in an innovative style, successfully rendering the majestic sound of choir and orchestra on a single piano.

Without losing the atmosphere of the original released in 1997, it becomes an excellent arrangement that adds the piano’s unique delicacy and power.

While by no means easy to play, it’s a piece that lets you fully showcase dynamic expressiveness and dazzling technique.

It’s perfect not only for boys who want to perform something cool at a recital, but also for skilled players looking to create a spotlight moment that makes the most of their technique.

Far AwayKen Arai

[With Sheet Music] Far Away / Insert Song from “Do Not Say Mystery” (Piano Solo Intermediate–Advanced) Ken Arai [Piano Arrangement Sheet Music]

Since his debut in 2003, Ken Arai has continued to showcase his talent across a wide range of genres, and the song “Far Away” is packed with his appeal.

Known for its use in the Fuji TV drama “Mystery to Iu Nakare” (Don’t Call It Mystery), it stands out as one of the most popular tracks among Ken Arai’s diverse soundtrack works.

Performed on piano with dynamic contrasts and rhythmic variations, it’s sure to reveal new dimensions of the piece.

It’s a song that will undoubtedly steal the spotlight at a recital.