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

Bring the Rain to Quench the ThirstMinami29rank/position

Minami “Kawaki wo Ameku” MV

Minami is a singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals.

Her debut single, ‘Kawaki wo Ameku,’ was also the theme song for the anime ‘Domestic Girlfriend.’ The intro, which starts with spoken words, is a bit surprising, and the chorus—delivered with a voice that feels like it rises from deep within—along with the lyrics, really hits home.

Pay attention to the lyrics, which feel like a heartfelt cry.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

KindnessFuji Kaze30rank/position

Fujii Kaze – YASASHISA (Official Video)

Fujii Kaze’s songs have a nostalgic feel, and though they’re in Japanese, they somehow sound like Western pop.

“Yasashisa” is another track where his world unfolds richly, pulling you in and making you want to listen over and over—it’s addictively replayable.

We all have those moments when daily life leaves us tired or when something in our relationships leaves us feeling hazy.

This is the kind of song that sinks deeply into your heart at those times and makes you feel like you can be gentle with yourself and with others.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB4831rank/position

[MV] Paper Airplane of 365 Days (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

It was released in 2015 as a coupling track on AKB48’s 42nd major single, “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby.” The song was created as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita” and has been embraced by a wide range of generations.

Recently, it has also been performed in high school choirs.

May it be filled with kindnessFlower32rank/position

Flower “So That It Overflows With Kindness” [Movie “Evergreen Love (A Herb Book): I Picked Up a Fateful Love” Theme Song ver.]

It was released as the theme song for the 2016 film “Evergreen Love,” starring Takanori Iwata and Mitsuki Takahata.

The original song is by JUJU and was released in 2009.

The theme song was announced in March of the same year, and the music video was unveiled before the single’s release.

BEST FRIENDKiroro33rank/position

Best Friend – Kiroro (Full)

It’s a moving friendship song that was also used as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan.” As expected from Kiroro.

Younger people today might not have many chances to hear it, so I highly recommend this classic.

It’s also famous as a graduation song.

Snow Magic FantasySEKAI NO OWARI34rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Snow Magic Fantasy”

As the title includes ‘Snow Magic,’ this is a song I recommend for winter.

Many people spend Christmas with friends or with a significant other, and this is a romantic track I hope you’ll listen to and sing together.

Ah, geez.Saucy Dog35rank/position

Saucy Dog “Ah, geez.” Music Video

This is a song by the three-piece band Saucy Dog that captures the delicate feelings of a woman with an unrequited crush.

It portrays her emotional ups and downs in response to the other person’s suggestive behavior, and the anxiety and self-loathing she falls into while waiting for a reply on LINE.

Featured in collaboration with Morinaga’s “DARS” and as the theme song for the drama “Dekinai Futari,” the track sings of a resolve to drown in love.

It’s a must-listen for high school students who can’t hold back their feelings for someone they like.

Why not listen to this song and find the courage to take a step forward?