Ranking of Popular Japanese Songs and J-Pop Among High School Girls [2026]

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE71rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

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.

Step and a stepNiziU72rank/position

NiziU(니쥬) Debut Single『Step and a step』MV

NiziU’s memorable debut single, also known for being produced by J.Y.

Park.

Released in December 2020, it garnered attention as the song used in Lotte’s “Fit’s” commercial.

It carries a warm message of “It’s okay to move at your own pace,” offering a comforting charm that’s different from the upbeat vibe of their pre-debut track “Make you happy.” It’s a song we especially want high school students to hear—those who tend to feel rushed while studying for exams or are struggling with club activities that aren’t yielding the results they hoped for.

Even if you don’t force yourself to run, taking one step at a time is enough—their voices will give you a gentle push forward.

Love and romanceNovelbright73rank/position

Novelbright – Love and Romance [Official Music Video]

“No matter what I’m doing, I can’t stop thinking about that person…” For high school students who feel this way, give “Ai toka Koi toka” a listen.

Released in 2022 by Novelbright, the rock band behind numerous film and TV theme songs, this track soothes with its soft, acoustic guitar–led melody and Yudai Takenaka’s clear, high-tone vocals that honestly express the feelings of love.

It’s a song we recommend both to those nursing a crush and those happily in love.

Be sure to check out this heartwarming love song that will color your high school days.

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mutō

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1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism74rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – 1,150,000-Kilometer Film [Official Audio]

It’s a song by Official HIGE DANDism, notable for its beautiful piano melody.

The lyrics, which liken life to a movie and depict recording days with a lover on film, are deeply moving.

Included on the April 2018 album “ESCAPARADE,” it was also used as the theme song for the film “Love Me, Love Me Not.” This warm track sings of the desire to never forget precious moments with a partner.

If you sing it at karaoke with someone you like or with your girlfriend, it will surely resonate with them.

Its sweet, bittersweet vocals may even help deepen your relationship.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake75rank/position

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

Omoinotake is a band formed by members from Shimane Prefecture with roots in Black music.

This song they perform centers on deep, unwavering love for someone no matter the distance, and its compelling contrast between aching emotion and a bright, catchy melody is a major draw.

The arrangement intertwines the vocalist’s soaring voice with a refined sound, powerfully captivating listeners.

Released in February 2024, the track became a massive hit as the theme song for the drama “Eye Love You” and was also included on the acclaimed album “Pieces.” It’s perfect for karaoke when you want to convey your feelings straight from the heart.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to sing a moving song to someone special.

Because you are hereUru76rank/position

[Official] Uru “Because You Are Here” — Theme Song for TBS Sunday Theater ‘Ship of Theseus’

Uru, whose gentle, fragile yet incredibly strong voice captivates listeners after just one hearing, has been gaining a devoted following.

Her song “Anata ga Iru Koto de” was the theme song for the popular drama “Theseus no Fune,” which aired starting in January 2020.

The drama powerfully portrays family love and strong bonds, and the lyrics and worldview of the song fit the story perfectly.

It’s a moving piece about great love, sung powerfully about the hope that arises when you choose to believe in someone.

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utatane

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HarukaYOASOBI77rank/position

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

YOASOBI’s famous song “Haruka.” For female students living in the Reiwa era, this piece could be considered a staple graduation song.

True to YOASOBI’s style, it still features drastic pitch shifts, but since there are relatively few syllables set to the main melody, it can be considered easy to sing in terms of wordiness.

However, the vocal range is quite wide—from mid1 G to hi F#—and the highest notes are fairly high, so you need to sing with a clear focus on keeping the pitch accurate.

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Ryo

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