Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-Pop Artists Among High School Students [2026]

Because I’ve always loved you.neguse.64rank/position

Neguse. “Because I’ve Always Loved You” Official Music Video

A straight-shooting cheer song from Neguse, the Nagoya-born rock band whose motto is “smiles”! Its message, delivering the value of “keeping at it” head-on, slowly seeps into a tired heart.

The structure—unfolding from Ryotachi’s rhythmic rap to a soaring sing-along chorus—gives listeners a powerful push forward.

Released for streaming in June 2024, it’s also included on the EP “Ai to Ai no Fight!” Chosen as a summer high school baseball cheer song and the theme for “Netto Koshien,” it even became the melody played at Koshien Station—a hot topic indeed.

Give it a listen especially when the May blues sap your motivation.

It’ll remind you of that fiery feeling: you can give it your all because you love it!

Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa65rank/position

Road of Major / Kokoro-e

This is a song by Road of Major that powerfully paints the “picture of the heart” hidden in one’s chest.

Its passionate message—“No matter how many times you stumble, seize the future you dreamed of with your own hands!”—resonates with listeners.

Released in November 2004, this was their major-label debut single and served as the opening theme for the first season of the NHK Educational anime Major.

It can be called a rousing anthem that gives courage to high school baseball players chasing the white ball, and to everyone striving toward a big goal.

Bye, my friendbokula.66rank/position

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

This is a gem of a song from bokula., a rock band based in Hiroshima, filled with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.

The lyrics, which remind us that the time and memories spent with friends—things we took for granted—are never wasted, resonate deeply alongside Ei’s straightforward vocals.

Included on the mini-album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, the track has won fervent support especially among junior and senior high school students, and has become beloved by many listeners, surpassing a total of 8.5 million streams.

It’s the perfect song for those moments when you’re facing the sadness of going your separate ways but want to reaffirm an unchanging bond.

Why not send this track to your cherished friends as a token of gratitude at the milestone of graduation?

sparklingmosao.67rank/position

Kira Kira / Mosawo. [Music Video]

A one-sided love song featuring lyrics from a woman’s perspective and Mosa-o’s gentle singing voice.

For karaoke, the range is relatively narrow and easy to sing, making it a song where you can focus on expressiveness.

The overall vocal range is E3 to A#4, which is comfortable to handle, and there isn’t much falsetto.

It’s recommended to sing clearly with a chest-voice focus.

There are occasional unique rhythms, so it’s important to thoroughly go over the melody line.

Also, the key modulates in the final chorus and the pitch goes up, so rather than forcing chest voice, skillfully switching to falsetto is a good tip for hitting the notes accurately!

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Kubota Mami

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Summer LoveInoue Sonoko68rank/position

Sonoko Inoue – Summer Love

Natsukoi, which was used as the ending theme for the drama Koe Koi starring Mei Nagano, is, just as the title suggests, a love song packed with the feelings of a summer romance.

It portrays the emotions of a girl who worries about how things might change if she confesses her feelings.

The cuteness of being in love is sung in an adorable voice that makes your heart skip a beat.

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utatane

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pupilŌhara Sakurako69rank/position

Sakurako Ohara “Hitomi” (Music Video Full ver.)

When it comes to songs that stand by the hearts of high school students, this has to be the one.

Released in March 2015, it was chosen as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament and captured the hearts of many young people.

Its clear vocals and powerful lyrics lift up teenagers striving in entrance exams and club activities.

The lyrics, imbued with the resolve to “never give up until the very last second,” will give you courage when you feel like faltering in tests or competitions.

Portraying the journey of moving toward dreams while supporting one another, this piece is the perfect song for anyone living their youth to the fullest.

Make you happyNiziU70rank/position

NiziU 『Make you happy』 M/V

Many of you may be familiar with this song.

NiziU’s “Make you happy,” which shot to fame as the “Jump Rope Dance,” is a track that dancers can pick up easily.

While the choreography throughout the song follows some fairly intricate musical accents, its relatively catchy movements are a big draw.

On top of that, you can spot a bit of isolation—moving a single part of the body independently, a fundamental dance technique—so beginners might find it a little challenging.

However, as long as you memorize the sequence, the choreography for the chorus uses movements that even beginners can handle.

The simple yet unforgettable choreography, unlike anything before, makes a strong impression and really makes you want to try it yourself!

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Fukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda

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