Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Among Elementary School Girls [2026]

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism22rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

Pretender is the hit song that made Official HIGE DANDism known to the world.

It was the theme song for the movie The Confidence Man JP: Romance, and it’s a song about unrequited love that expresses a man’s bittersweet feelings.

While their track Shukumei is especially popular among elementary school kids, many girls might prefer this song.

The aching longing and sincere affection depicted here really make your heart swell.

Since many elementary school girls may be experiencing crushes, this is a song we’d love them to listen to—both those who haven’t heard it yet and those who already know it—especially when they’re in love.

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sasashina

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Chocolate DiscoPerfume23rank/position

[Official Music Video] Perfume “Chocolate Disco”

A song by Perfume, a three-member technopop unit from Hiroshima Prefecture produced by Yasutaka Nakata—also known for his work with his own band CAPSULE and producing female singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

The track is included on their fourth single, “Fan Service [sweet],” and is well known as a staple Valentine’s Day song.

With its refrain-heavy chorus, poppy sound, and dance moves that make you want to imitate them, it’s no wonder it’s popular among elementary school girls; it’s no exaggeration to call it a modern technopop masterpiece.

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Hoshino Takashi

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My friendZARD24rank/position

My Friend / ZARD [A Cappella]

ZARD’s 17th single, which still has many fans today.

It was the final ending theme for the TV Asahi anime SLAM DUNK.

The song reminds you of the importance of friendship and that you’re not alone.

It’s a work that makes you feel like doing your best for someone by your side.

Dried flowersYuuri25rank/position

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -

A digital-only single, the second major-label release by singer-songwriter Yuuri, depicting from a woman’s perspective the story of the song “Kakurenbo,” which was released digitally in 2019.

Its wistful melody over clean guitar chord strokes resonates deeply.

Although the portrayal of a mature romance—where simply being with the one you love doesn’t necessarily bring happiness—may be complex, even elementary school girls might sense its bittersweet atmosphere.

It’s a gentle, melodic number that evokes the story in listeners’ minds across generations.

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Hoshino Takashi

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100% CourageHikaru GENJI26rank/position

[Cheering Song] 100% Courage / Nintama Rantarō [covered by Yūki Kuroki]

A theme song for the anime Nintama Rantarō, sung by Hikaru GENJI—the superstar idol group that dominated the late Showa and early Heisei eras.

The show has aired for many years as a children’s anime, and the song has been carried on by many idols and artists, including Hey! Say! JUMP, so even kids who don’t know about its original release have likely heard it.

As a track that gives you courage, adding it to your karaoke repertoire is sure to get everyone hyped!

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko27rank/position

A Cruel Angel's Thesis – Yoko Takahashi (Full)

It’s a hit song so well-known as the opening theme of the TV anime “Neon Genesis Evangelion” that there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know it.

Even many who haven’t seen the anime know the song, and it makes you aware of the courage and resolve to face reality.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB4828rank/position

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

A song released as a coupling track for AKB48’s 42nd single, “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” by the idol group that has continued to evolve as a defining presence of the Heisei and Reiwa eras.

Created as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Asadora “Asa ga Kita,” it’s a number in which a relaxed melody pairs beautifully with an arrangement featuring acoustic guitar and strings.

The lyrics, which carry important messages about living life, resonate even with elementary school girls.

Rather than relying on flashiness or high energy, it’s a song that lets you simply appreciate the beauty of the melody.

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Hoshino Takashi

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