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

ultramarineYOASOBI78rank/position

YOASOBI “Gunjou” Official Music Video

Inspired by the manga Blue Period, this piece portrays a fervent passion for immersing yourself in what you love.

It’s a track released digitally in September 2020 by YOASOBI, a unit that turns novels into music, and it’s also known as the song from the Bourbon Alfort Mini Chocolate commercial.

The song is included on their first EP, THE BOOK, released in 2021, and ikura’s clear vocals together with the exhilarating sound really resonate.

The chorus features a group-singing part, so even if you’re not confident singing alone, you can have a blast with friends! Even in sections with sustained high notes, it’s nothing to fear when everyone raises their voices together.

How about enjoying it at karaoke after club activities or after school, feeling the bond with your friends as you sing?

strong wind slicked-back hairYukopi79rank/position

Yukopi – Strong Wind Slicked-back Hair (feat. Kaai Yuki)

A song by Yukopi, who turns little everyday happenings into music.

It sings about the experience of hair getting messy in strong winds, set to a lively melody.

The recorder’s tone is striking, making it a track that’s sure to lift your spirits just by listening.

Released in March 2023, it immediately became a hot topic on social media.

It reached No.

1 on Billboard JAPAN’s VOCALOID chart and stayed at the top for five consecutive weeks.

It’s guaranteed to be a hit at karaoke, too.

Isn’t it the perfect song to sing with friends when you want to make fun memories?

Chu, diversity.ano80rank/position

ano “Chu, Diversity.” Music Video

Ano-chan, who is so active as a TV personality that there’s hardly a day you don’t see her on screen, also works as a singer and has released numerous hit songs under the name “ano.” Among her tracks, the one I especially recommend is Chu, Tayōsei.

It features a cute, Chinese pop–inspired melody, and while the vocal range is high—mid2 A# to hi C#—it’s compact and focused.

Easy to sing yet adorable, it’s a song that perfectly embodies both of those qualities.

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Ryo

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Fictionsumika81rank/position

sumika / Fiction [Music Video]

Isn’t this one of sumika’s signature songs? “Fiction” is a track that instantly puts you in a happy mood.

It has a breezy, springlike freshness and is also a song you’ll want to hear when you’re feeling down.

How about it for those sluggish mornings, when you want music to lift your spirits, or as a companion on your way to school? It seems perfect for a morning boost.

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utatane

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Because I like you.Yuika82rank/position

Because I love you. (feat. Ren) / “Yuika” [Music Video]

A cute love song by Yuika that portrays the pure feelings of a high school romance.

Set to a gentle melody, the lyrics express in down-to-earth words how the singer is drawn to a crush’s small gestures and unexpected personality contrasts.

The heartfelt wishes—“Please turn around,” “Please notice me”—will remind anyone of a page from their own youth.

Released in June 2021, the track became a major sensation, especially on TikTok, topping viral charts in many countries.

It’s a perfect pick for those feeling the ache of unrequited love or looking to boost their motivation in romance.

Spring Dayaimyon83rank/position

Aimyon – Harunohi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Among Aimyon’s songs, “Harunohi” is particularly easy to sing in the original key.

I even had a male student who tackled it in the original key! The song itself is a bit long at about five and a half minutes, and once the singing starts it’s nonstop, but it’s widely known across all ages and genders, so it works well for karaoke.

That nonstop singing part can be a bit tough.

If you’re mindful of your breath timing and where to place accents, it becomes easier to sing without running out of breath.

Also, since the structure builds sequentially—A verse → B verse → chorus—it’s important to consciously add a little more energy to each phrase.

Right before the chorus, the high notes are the key: imagine sprinting up a staircase and project your voice firmly.

Give it a try!

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Kubota Mami

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Marigoldaimyon84rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyon is popular across all generations.

“Marigold” is also a hit that people in their 50s often sing at karaoke.

I have students of various ages, and many of them sing her other songs too! It seems Aimyon really resonates with everyone, regardless of gender or age.

Also, “Marigold” sits in a comfortable range of F#3 to B4, so it’s an easy song to sing with a melody that’s simple for anyone to pick up.

If you think you’re tone-deaf, you might get nervous when holding the mic, but try not to tense up—sway gently side to side and sing lightly.

It helps you relax, and I recommend it! This can be especially good in karaoke settings with younger people around.

If you say, “Everyone, sing along with me,” you’ll feel even more at ease, so just be natural and enjoy singing!

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Kubota Mami

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