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

CHE.R.RYYUI85rank/position

CHE.R.RY

Let me introduce a song that refreshingly portrays a bittersweet spring romance.

Delicately expressing the feelings of unrequited love conveyed through cell phone emails, this track by YUI gently sings about the beginning of love—something everyone has experienced at least once.

With warmth, it depicts the protagonist, who isn’t good with emojis, having their heart skip a beat at messages from their crush and fretting over the back-and-forth of replies with pure sincerity.

Released in March 2007, the song resonated with many and was later included on the album “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE.” It was also used as the ending theme for the anime “ReLIFE: Final Arc.” It’s a perfect cheer song for those experiencing their first love in a new environment, or for anyone ready to take a new step forward with the arrival of spring.

I like you.YUTORI-SEDAI86rank/position

[Official Music Video] YUTORI-SEDAI – I Like You (Suki)

A song that captures the ache of unrequited love and steals Gen Z’s hearts! In this track by YUTORI-SEDAI, a girl’s feelings are portrayed as she struggles to slip into the gaps of the person she likes.

She changes her nails and makeup to catch their attention, but they just won’t turn her way… it’s something everyone’s experienced, right? Released in February 2023, the song became a hot topic on social media.

The music video features popular TikTok influencers, adding even more charm to the song’s world.

Why not listen to this track and take the leap to share your feelings with the person you like?

Leading someone on is a serious offense!arekunn87rank/position

Teasing Is a Serious Crime! / Are-kun [Official Music Video]

This song depicts the heartache of an unrequited crush tossed around by someone’s teasing behavior, all through a comedic lens.

Its lyrics capture a racing heartbeat, affection for the other person, and mounting frustration, resonating deeply with listeners.

Showcasing Are-kun’s unique expressive style, the track gained buzz after its September 2023 release, especially on social media, with numerous TikTok videos using parts of the song.

It’s recommended for anyone troubled by a crush’s mixed signals or feeling the frustration of unrequited love.

The relatable lyrics will encourage and uplift you.

HappinessAI88rank/position

Let's Dance at the Christmas Party! AI 'Happiness' Easy Dance Choreography for Elementary School Kids

AI’s song “Happiness” conveys a powerful sense of hope, as if wishing for happiness to spread throughout the world.

Dancing to this song, imbued with such a wish for happiness, will let you feel the joy through your whole body.

Because it’s a grand piece with a relatively calm rhythm, large movements that highlight its grandeur might work well.

It’s also a good idea to keep the choreography simple—something everyone can synchronize—while staying mindful of the song’s worldview.

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kappamaki

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rainbowAqua Timez89rank/position

Aqua Timez “Niji” Music Video (Theme song for the drama Gokusen Season 3)

Aqua Timez’s “Niji” gently wraps a heart on the verge of breaking and gives it a powerful push forward.

Released in May 2008 as their sixth single, it became widely loved as the theme song for the drama Gokusen: The Third Series, starring Yukie Nakama.

The melody, which fuses sweeping strings with a powerful band sound, has a refreshing clarity that feels like your view opening up just by listening.

Its million certification for surpassing one million downloads also speaks to its long-lasting support.

When you feel lonely studying for exams or frustrated by results in your club activities, give this song a listen.

The straightforward message in the chorus will pour fresh energy into your anxious heart and help you keep going.

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi90rank/position

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

A song by DAOKO, a female singer active as a rap singer and hip-hop MC, and Kenshi Yonezu, the singer-songwriter who composed the track.

Chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?,” its melody, which carries a hint of traditional Japanese flair, and its transparent arrangement evoke images of summer scenery.

The scenes expressed through each of their voices seem to suggest the faint, personal summer stories that exist for as many people as there are listeners.

It’s a masterpiece with an exquisite, beautiful worldview that transcends the boundaries of anime songs—perfect for the summers of one’s youth.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento91rank/position

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

Singing the latest hits can show you’re on trend, but classic anthems are still essential for getting the crowd going at karaoke.

That’s why we recommend “Hai Yorokonde.” It’s often seen as high and difficult, but that’s only if you try to replicate the falsetto in the chorus; the highest chest note is mid2 F#, which isn’t particularly high.

The song is guaranteed to hype up the room, but since it has many rapid-fire lyrics, make sure you identify your breathing spots in advance.

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Ryo

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