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

PrologueUru76rank/position

[Official] Uru “Prologue” YouTube ver. — Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Chugakusei Nikki (Junior High School Diary)”

This song, “Prologue,” whose translucent vocals perfectly match lyrics about falling in love, was the theme song for the 2018 TV drama “Chugakusei Nikki” (Diary of a Middle School Teacher).

The drama portrays a forbidden love in which a female junior high school teacher is admired by a male student, and the song’s connection to the storyline made it indispensable to the show’s emotional arc.

It’s a track that conveys, from the depths of the heart, feelings that can’t be stopped—emotions for someone that overflow even when you try not to think about them.

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utatane

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Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu77rank/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)EXILE78rank/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.

SunMy Hair is Bad79rank/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)aiko80rank/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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