Featured Songs Popular with Junior High School Boys! A Roundup of Trending Tracks

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

au Santaro TV commercial: “Let’s Try It” edition (60 seconds + making-of footage)

It was released in 2017 as a digital single by WANIMA.

The song gained attention after being featured in the au Santaro series commercial, “Spring Door: Let’s Try.” It’s an upbeat, encouraging track that inspires listeners to actively take on difficult or daunting challenges and give their best shot.

MUSIC VIDEOOkazaki Taiiku

Okazaki Taiiku 'MUSIC VIDEO' Music Video

This is the song that made solo male artist Taiiku Okazaki famous.

As the title suggests, it’s a song about music videos.

It mainly sings about common “MV tropes,” and there are so many relatable ones that you can’t help but chuckle.

It expresses music in a way that didn’t exist before, and it’s a lot of fun to listen to.

karmaBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN 'Karma'

It’s BUMP OF CHICKEN’s long-running hit following “Tentai Kansoku.” It also served as the theme song for the anime Tales of the Abyss.

The “we” that appears in the lyrics refers to another version of oneself reflected in a mirror, revealing it to be a song with a strong message.

InfluencerNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Influencer”

It was released in 2017 as Nogizaka46’s 17th single.

The center positions were held by Mai Shiraishi and Nanase Nishino, and it was used as the CM song for Haruyama Trading’s “Sulatechno Suit.” The lyrics express the feeling of being influenced by every single move of the person you like, using the relationship between stars as a metaphor.

It’s a recommended song for junior high school boys who have someone they like.

SUNHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – SUN (Official Video)

Gen Hoshino’s songs are characterized by bright, pop melodies that incorporate elements of jazz and funk.

The lively rhythms blend with Hoshino’s refreshing vocals to create tracks that lift the listener’s spirits.

This piece was released in May 2015 and was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kokoro ga Pokitto ne” (Crazy for Me).

The tie-in with the drama greatly boosted the song’s recognition.

When junior high school students listen to it as they take a new step forward, it’s sure to gently fill their hearts with courage.

It will also definitely liven up social moments with friends.

A hundred flowers in full bloomIkuta Rira

Lilas Ikuta “Profusion of a Hundred Flowers” Official Music Video

A dramatic song by Rira Ikuta that paints a vividly colored future beyond hardship.

The melody, infused with traditional Japanese elements, blends beautifully with the grand sound.

Her translucent vocals and powerful beat deftly express the protagonist’s inner strength and delicate emotions.

Released in December 2024, the track was chosen as the opening theme for the anime “The Apothecary Diaries,” which begins airing in January 2025, and its vibrant jacket photo by Mika Ninagawa also drew attention.

It’s a song not only for anime fans, but one to hear when you’re at a crossroads or feeling lost.

It will surely awaken the courage sleeping in your heart.

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]

The opening sound for the TV anime Dandadan masterfully fuses the disparate elements of music and the supernatural, crafting an epic sonic world.

With Creepy Nuts’ razor-sharp rap and singular worldview, it breathes new allure into this occult-themed story.

Written specifically for the anime, which began airing in October 2024, the track showcases the full extent of DJ Matsunaga and R-Shitei’s exceptional skills.

Also included on the album Legion, it serves as a bridge connecting the distinct cultures of hip-hop and anime.

Its mysteriously compelling melodies and powerful beats make it a recommended listen even for those who don’t usually follow anime songs.

Whether in an after-school classroom or through earbuds on the commute to school, it’s sure to capture the hearts of middle schoolers seeking a fresh musical encounter.