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Most Popular Japanese Songs and J-Pop Among Junior High School Girls [2026]

Middle school girls in the thick of their teenage years probably have plenty to worry about—and plenty to enjoy—when it comes to love, studies, and relationships.

At times like that, it’s music that cheers you up and lifts your spirits, isn’t it?

Here, we’ve put together a ranking of Japanese songs that were especially popular this year among middle school girls.

Most Popular Japanese Music and J‑Pop Among Junior High School Girls [2026] (11–20)

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE15rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

A coming-of-age song that delivers the importance of embracing your true self on a refreshing melody.

The protagonist portrayed by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE carries a earnest resolve to keep looking forward while battling self-denial.

Gratitude and hope toward someone who accepts their true self gently envelop the listener, together with a melody that resonates in the heart.

Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18-sai-sai,” it was performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation.

It’s a track recommended for moments when you want to face yourself with a gentle gaze, or when you want to share your feelings with someone important.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE16rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

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.

Carnival of Flames and ForestsSEKAI NO OWARI17rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Flame and Forest Carnival”
Carnival of Flames and ForestsSEKAI NO OWARI

If you want to hear that classic SEKAI NO OWARI sound, this is the one song.

It will never let you down.

The setting is a mysterious party held on a fantastical stage—but little by little, it transforms into a love song…

That’s so very Sekai no Owari.

If there’s someone you secretly have feelings for, try sending them this track!

Treasure IslandT-SQUARE18rank/position

T-SQUARE’s “Takarajima” is a piece with a charm that feels almost timeless.

Often heard at Koshien and school concerts, it’s considered a rite of passage for wind ensembles.

Beneath its light, sprightly rhythm lies a blend of wistfulness and loneliness that captivates listeners.

The saxophone solo becomes even more compelling when played with ad-lib improvisation.

It’s a classic that never fades across eras, beloved by a wide range of players from beginners to advanced musicians.

Cherished across generations, “Takarajima” is a highly recommended track for today’s junior high school girls as well.

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy19rank/position

Vaundy’s “Kaiju no Hanauta” has become a hot topic among junior high school girls who effortlessly use smartphones and YouTube and are quick to catch the latest trends.

For girls going through a sensitive time, its emotional melody resonates deeply and elevates the song into one that leaves a lasting impression.

The track is also featured in a Maruha Nichiro commercial.

This open, feel-good classic is sure to hype up school events.

It’s a standout work that showcases Vaundy’s talent for continually delivering the fresh musicality young people crave.

idolYOASOBI20rank/position

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video
idolYOASOBI

YOASOBI’s song “Idol” is guaranteed to captivate many junior high school girls.

YOASOBI is a group whose members also shine in their individual activities, and their popularity is such that the track was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Oshi no Ko.

Blending technopop sounds with rap and pairing them with Ikura’s clear, airy vocals, the song is incredibly catchy.

In particular, the unforgettable chorus is perfect for lifting your mood on the way to school.

It’s also a great pick to hype up a karaoke session, so be sure to experience it at least once.

Most Popular Japanese Songs/J-Pop Among Junior High School Girls [2026] (21–30)

Marigoldaimyon21rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]
Marigoldaimyon

When it comes to Aimyon’s biggest hit and signature song, isn’t it “Marigold”? That husky voice that sticks in your head after just one listen feels so pleasant.

The bittersweet lyrics about love tug at your heartstrings, too.

I imagine many girls especially relate to these lyrics.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re in love.