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

InfluencerNogizaka 4643rank/position

Nogizaka46 “Influencer”

The word “influencer” tends to evoke someone who affects the broader public, but in this song it portrays an influencer on a smaller scale—someone who influences you personally.

It depicts the constant concern over what the person you like is interested in, and how being swayed by that can sometimes become painful.

The sound, with its passionate atmosphere accented by flamenco guitar tones, gives the impression of a powerful feeling within oneself blazing up.

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kappamaki

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Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS44rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

As you graduate, it’s important to sing about friendship, hope, and anticipation, but isn’t it even more important to express gratitude—to say thank you—to the people who have supported you up to now? This 2013 release by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS is a song that straightforwardly conveys such thanks.

When performed as a choral piece, it becomes even more powerful and memorable, so why not have all the third-year students sing it together, filled with gratitude for all the people who have been there for you?

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Do Re Mi So La Si DoHinatazaka4645rank/position

Hinatazaka46 'Doremi Solashido'

Formed in 2015 as Hiragana Keyaki and debuting in 2019 as Hinatazaka46, their second single is a refreshing love song.

It sings about the feelings of a girl who realizes she’s in love.

The standout feature is the chorus, where they keep singing “Do Re Mi So La Si Do.” Notably, the “Fa” is missing.

By leaving out “Fa,” it creates a feeling of leaping forward with a jump.

This conjures the image of a girl jumping against a blue sky.

It’s a love song that perfectly suits high school students.

A song about being cheated on but still in love.riria.46rank/position

A song about being cheated on but still in love. [Original]

This song became a hot topic as a cheating-themed track sung by a teenager.

It’s “I Got Cheated On but I Still Love You” by Lilia, a singer-songwriter active mainly on social media.

The song conveys the raw feelings of a woman whose boyfriend cheated on her, resonating strongly with listeners who’ve had similar experiences.

There’s the anger of not being able to forgive the betrayal and the demand to never touch her again.

Yet in the end, the aching, sorrowful love that makes her cling to him and beg him to stay pierces the heart.

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sasashina

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366 daysHY47rank/position

HY – “366 Days” Live Music Video

This is a heartbreak song that expresses the aching feelings of a love that suffers because you can’t forget the one you love.

It’s common to look back and think, “If only I’d given up back then, maybe I wouldn’t have been hurt this much…” But that’s the thing about love—you can’t just stop yourself there.

When the more you try to forget someone, the more they occupy your mind, maybe all you can do is wait for time to heal it.

This song can be seen not only as a pure love song about continuing to think of someone you loved, but also as a song about an affair filled with lingering attachment.

Which do you feel it is?

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yuri

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A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly48rank/position

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

A classic go-to song for weddings and birthdays, “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo”! Released in 2008, it’s one of Superfly’s signature tracks and was used as the theme song for the drama “Edison no Haha” (Edison’s Mother).

The lyrics, which convey “gratitude” and “love,” have moved many people.

If you’re giving a bouquet to your beloved on their birthday, why not use this song as the BGM to create a touching moment? It’s also a great choice as background music for a heartfelt letter or a message video.

Happy tears are guaranteed!

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sasashina

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Unrequited lovemiwa49rank/position

miwa 'Unrequited Love'

If you’re a high school student, there’s a good chance you’re in a relationship right now or have a crush on someone, right? For those in that situation, I highly recommend this song by miwa—its title says it all: “Kataomoi” (Unrequited Love).

Released in 2012, it’s miwa’s eighth single.

Although it’s called “unrequited love,” the theme centers on a love that’s difficult and likely unattainable, and many listeners will probably feel their hearts tighten as they listen.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to lean into that bittersweet mood or have a good cry.

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utatane

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