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

rainbow-coloredayaka36rank/position

Ayaka / “Nijiiro” (Theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Hanako to Anne”) Music Video (Short Ver.)

It was released in 2014 as Ayaka’s 13th single.

The song was written specifically as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Hanako to Anne, and because it’s gentle and easy to sing, it’s sometimes performed at elementary school graduation ceremonies.

It’s a song that makes you want to hum along with a warm feeling.

Everyone is a heroAI37rank/position

“Everyone Is a Hero” Full ver. AI [Official]

It was released in 2016 as a digital-only single by AI.

The song aired as the TV commercial for au’s “Santaro Series,” in the “Everyone’s a Hero” edition, and debuted at No.

1 on music distribution sites such as RecoChoku.

It’s an arrangement of the well-known “Turkey in the Straw,” and it’s a fun, upbeat track that you can sing along to with a bright, positive vibe.

Baibai FIGHTCANDY TUNE38rank/position

[MV] CANDY TUNE “Bai Bai FIGHT!”

CANDY TUNE is an idol group born from a project that spreads KAWAII from Harajuku to the world.

This release came out in April 2024, and its appeal lies in a bright sound that lifts your spirits just by listening.

It became a huge hit on social media, even reaching No.

1 on TikTok’s charts, so many elementary schoolers have probably seen the dance videos.

The lyrics, delivered almost like tongue twisters, convey themes of learning to love yourself and putting in effort with many times the power; it’s a song that can give you courage when you’re feeling down.

It’s perfect for getting everyone hyped up in unison, so be sure to add it to your repertoire.

Yo-kai Exercise No. 1Dream539rank/position

Yo-kai Watch: Yokai Exercise No. 1

It’s the theme song of the hugely popular anime Yo-kai Watch.

It was a track that many people across Japan imitated.

Its distinctive dance also became a nationwide fad, and it’s known as one of the defining songs of the 2010s.

With its message that “it’s all the yokai’s fault,” this song is sure to make you forget your worries.

Odoru Pompoko RinE-girls40rank/position

E-girls / Odoru Pompokorin ~Animation Clip~

A popular artist group E-girls, known as the younger sister group of EXILE, covered a hit song by B.B.

Queens.

As the original ending theme for the first season of the TV anime Chibi Maruko-chan, the song is very popular, and because E-girls are also popular among younger generations, the cover drew a lot of attention.

Chaotic Wacha Life!FRUITS ZIPPER41rank/position

[MV] FRUITS ZIPPER “Hachamecha Wacha Life!”

The song by FRUITS ZIPPER that’s been creating a buzz as the new opening theme for the wildly popular anime Crayon Shin-chan is a super powerful and adorable dance number that makes you want to shake your hips just like Shin-chan.

Their signature “NEW KAWAII” positive energy meshes perfectly with the show’s world.

It has been used starting with the October 2025 broadcasts, drawing major attention as the first change of the anime’s theme song in about five years.

Its bright, bursting melody is perfect for livening up a karaoke party with friends.

Even when you’re a bit worn out from school or lessons, grab the mic and sing together—you’ll be smiling again in no time.

BelieveFolder542rank/position

One Piece – Believe.mp4

The third single from Folder5, who rose to popularity as a dance group.

It served as the opening theme for the popular anime ONE PIECE.

Celebrated as a masterpiece anime song with lyrics about courage and determination, it’s especially well-loved.

It’s an encouraging anthem that gives you a push forward.