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

SunMy Hair is Bad78rank/position

My Hair is Bad – Sun

It’s a song by My Hair is Bad imbued with the freshness of a spring breeze.

Vivid depictions unique to high school baseball—pre-game nerves, the smell of mud on the field, the sound of the brass band—resonate deeply.

The members’ past and present feelings intertwine, resulting in a gem that fires up the hearts of its listeners.

Released in March 2024, the track was written as the official theme song for MBS for the 96th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

At their show at Saitama Super Arena, they created a moving stage together with a full house of fans.

It’s a work that will resonate not only with those who have memories of the baseball club, but with anyone who threw themselves wholeheartedly into their youth.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko79rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

Letter ~To You, Fifteen~Anjura Aki80rank/position

Angela Aki “Letter: To You, Fifteen” 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 HabitatKitanitatsuya81rank/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 Mao82rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE83rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – “Nando Demo”

DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Nando Demo” has encouraged and energized countless people across Japan.

Chosen as the theme song for the third season of the drama “Emergency Room 24 Hours,” it was the most-played song on the radio in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

In the many practices leading up to the sports festival, there will be times when you feel fed up, get discouraged when things don’t go well, and repeat days like that.

But just like the song says, no matter what happens, if you keep facing forward and practice again and again, it will lead to success on the big day.

This song has the power to remind you of those painful days leading up to the festival and transform them into beautiful memories.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

FLASHPerfume84rank/position

[Official Music Video] Perfume 「FLASH」

The song, which captures the brilliance of a fleeting moment, stands out as a refreshing, exhilarating dance tune.

Featuring Perfume’s signature innovative sound and the charm of the three members, it was released as a digital single in March 2016 and included on the album COSMIC EXPLORER.

It was also used as the theme song for the film Chihayafuru.

Notably, the choreography incorporates kung fu-inspired movements.

The must-see routine, themed around stillness and motion, pairs a fast-paced tempo with a dazzling melody, making it perfect for a school sports day entrance song.

It’s also great for cheering on club activities.

Just listening to it will boost your energy, so give it a try!