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

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

Many people probably have the impression that “piano recitals are for playing classical pieces!” It’s true that classical music makes up a large portion of performances, and there are even studios that focus exclusively on classical.

However, in recent years more children have been attending piano lessons not as a form of ‘culture’ or ‘refinement,’ but as a hobby-like activity, and it feels like the range of genres performed at recitals has broadened accordingly.

So this time, from among the many pop pieces frequently chosen as recital repertoire outside the classical realm, we’ve picked recommendations that are perfect for junior high school students!

From anime theme songs to Vocaloid tracks and the latest hits—we’ve got plenty to share.

Recommended for junior high school students! A selection of pop songs to play at a piano recital (31–40)

Those Who FightUematsu Nobuo

Those Who Fight (Piano Version)

Those Who FightUematsu Nobuo

This is a powerful instrumental piece that brilliantly captures the exhilaration of in-game battles.

Its striking melody blends the grandeur of an orchestra with the timbres of electric guitar and synthesizer, overflowing with tension and a sense of speed.

The work adds dramatic flair to standard battle scenes and serves to inspire the player’s spirit.

Since its 1997 release, it has continued to captivate fans worldwide through a variety of arrangements performed by orchestras and rock bands.

Masterfully expressing both the player’s passion and the intensity of combat, this piece also has the power to draw in audiences at piano recitals, making it an excellent choice for performers aiming for expressive, emotionally rich playing.

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Champion CynthiaMasuda Junichi

[Piano] I tried playing Cynthia’s battle theme from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl [Pokemon Shirona Battle]

Champion CynthiaMasuda Junichi

A powerful piano melody rings out, unfolding into a grand piece brimming with tension and exhilaration.

The work’s melody carries a fierce sense of speed that symbolizes strength and dignity, stirring the hearts of listeners.

Released in 2006, it has remained deeply etched in many people’s memories as music that heightens the intensity of heated battles.

It is favored in a variety of events and scenes, and is even used as wedding background music.

While it demands dazzling, impactful performance technique, it also allows for rich expressiveness.

As a piece that fully showcases the piano’s charm, it is an excellent choice for recitals and concerts.

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Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

[Piano] I Tried Playing “Where Our Blue Is” (Ao no Sumika) [Jujutsu Kaisen ‘Hidden Inventory/Premature Death’ OP]

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

A multi-talented artist who brings innovation to Japan’s music scene, Tatsuya Kitani’s song “Aono Sumika.” Widely talked about as the opening theme for Season 2 of the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen, this work skillfully depicts the brilliant moments of youth and the emotions that accompany them.

For junior high school students, taking on a piano arrangement of this piece is not only a chance to hone technique, but also an important opportunity to express the song’s deep emotions and delicate nuances.

To avoid merely lining up notes, hum the lyrics, expand your imagery, and approach your piano performance with that vision in mind.

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In conclusion

From among pop songs that sound impressive and are great for piano recitals, we introduced pieces perfect for kids who love anime and games, as well as trend-savvy middle schoolers! When they can fully enjoy performing a piece they truly want to play, many middle school students will feel a strong sense of achievement and confidence.

To help piano recitals contribute to children’s personal growth, please choose pieces with care—using the songs listed in this article as a reference.