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

Sakura, You, and Ituki.78rank/position

tuki. 'Sakura Kimi Watashi' Official Music Video

A heartwarming youth song that condenses graduation, partings, and the transience of love into a single track.

Featured as an insert song in ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita.

Graduation Edition 2024,” it was crafted by tuki.

with delicate sensitivity.

A gentle melody led by acoustic guitar intertwines with clear vocals to carefully portray the feeling of basking in memories.

Released in January 2024, the track also drew attention for its animated music video by Posuka Demizu, the illustrator of the manga The Promised Neverland.

It’s a youth anthem that will resonate not only with students facing the end of their school days but also with anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear.

Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu79rank/position

ATARASHII GAKKO! – Otona Blue (Official Music Video)

A gem of a song that vividly portrays the delicate emotions of youth.

It brilliantly captures the frustration of adolescence and the real, unvarnished struggles of teens wrestling with the gap between their outer image and inner self.

Its up-tempo beat and cool vocals are a perfect match for the dynamic flair of group gymnastics.

Released digitally in May 2020, it’s also remembered for sparking the wildly popular “head-shaking dance” on TikTok.

The song won an Excellence Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards, and it dazzled viewers with a spectacular performance at the 2023 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

As a coming-of-age anthem that many teens can relate to—reflecting their worries and first loves—it’s a highly recommended track for use as BGM in group gymnastics.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE80rank/position

EXILE / Michi (Short Ver.)

This is a ballad that makes you want to express gratitude to the friends who stood by your side when you’re at a crossroads in life.

Released by EXILE in February 2007 as their 23rd single, the song warmly reflects on the days spent walking together, with themes of graduation and new departures.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became the 1,000th song in Oricon history to top the chart, marking a milestone.

It was featured in MTI’s “music.jp” commercial and selected by the National Karaoke Business Association as a recommended song for the graduation season, resonating with many listeners.

First included on the album “EXILE EVOLUTION,” it was later featured on releases such as “EXILE BALLAD BEST.” Loved as a staple performed at graduation ceremonies, a choral version was also produced.

When you and your dear friends begin to walk separate paths, it gives you the courage to move forward while holding your memories close.

Even when you’re apart, your hearts remain connected.

It’s a song that makes you feel exactly that.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko81rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

This is one of the signature songs by aiko, a singer-songwriter from Osaka Prefecture.

It was released in 1999 as her fourth single.

The lyrics are especially relatable—perhaps particularly for women.

It’s also a very popular song for karaoke.

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Araki Jakkan

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Letter ~To You, Fifteen~Anjura Aki82rank/position

Angela Aki “Letter ~Dear You, Fifteen~” Official Music Video (HD)

This song, which begins with the gentle sound of piano, is based on a letter Angela Aki wrote to her future self when she was 15.

The lyrics feel like an exchange of letters between a troubled 15-year-old “me” and the future self who replies—an especially moving piece.

It gently stays close to the emotional ups and downs of a sensitive time and seems to encourage you, reminding you that the future isn’t only dark.

Released in September 2008 as her eighth single, the track is also included on the album ANSWER.

It was chosen as a required piece for the NHK National School Music Contest, and is also known as a song featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta and as the theme song of the film “Have a Song on Your Lips.” It’s an inspiring anthem that will resonate with your heart as you graduate and set out on a new path.

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya83rank/position

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

This song paints memories of youth that are as refreshing and bittersweet as a summer sky.

Tatsuya Kitani released it in July 2023.

It was chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen and received a Special Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.

The cool, refreshing melody and lyrics that weave together the pure relationships unique to adolescence, along with regret and a sense of loss, vividly awaken memories everyone has experienced.

It’s a perfect song to sing in an air-conditioned karaoke room on a hot summer day while reminiscing about the past.

I want to be your lover.Abe Mao84rank/position

Mao Abe – I Want to Be Your Lover [Official Music Video]

Even people who usually don’t overthink and consider themselves optimists show a different side when they fall in love, don’t they? Even someone with an easygoing mindset can end up, just like in this song, agonizing—second-guessing everything, wanting to ask the other person this and that, wishing they hadn’t said something, and just spiraling.

It’s a song that conveys those helpless feelings of being in love, packed with a sincere, pure desire to “become lovers.” Highly recommended.

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utatane

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