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

Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE1rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

An exhilarating rock number that epitomizes summer with an irresistible, piercing sense of refreshment.

In this track by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, seasonal scenes like wind chimes and sunflowers are painted while conveying a fiery message: don’t wait for the story to come to you—be the protagonist and dash through the present.

Released as a single in August 2018, it was written as the theme song for the film “Aonatsu: 30 Days of Love.” It has since taken root as a Koshien stadium cheer song, encouraging countless high school ballplayers and students.

It’s perfect not only as a pump-up work BGM, but also for blowing away a downcast mood.

horizonback number2rank/position

back number – Horizon

A gem of a track by back number that gently stays close to your heart whenever you hit a wall in life.

Even amid the despair that feels like your dreams and hopes are collapsing, the lyrics portray the journey of looking inward and eventually finding light—sure to move you deeply.

This song is also known for being created in August 2020 for high school students after the Inter-High Championships were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While affirming frustration and sorrow, it gives a sense of the view that awaits beyond overcoming them.

As you step into a new world at graduation, you may feel anxiety or loneliness.

In those moments, this song will wrap your pain in its embrace and give you the quiet courage to take that first step.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi3rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is an evocative duet that overlays memories of the past with present emotions shared with a dear friend.

Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda blend their voices to portray the innocence of a youth that remains unforgettable even in adulthood, as well as the way relationships change amid days of missing each other.

Included on the October 2017 album “BOOTLEG,” the song carries a wish to remain unchanged even while being swept up in daily life.

It’s truly a perfect track for school and cultural festivals, where friendship and bonds are key themes.

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism4rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

This is the second single by the Japanese piano pop band Official HIGE DANDism, released in May 2019.

It was also selected as the theme song for the film “The Confidence Man JP: The Movie.” It’s a very characteristic track of theirs, with a refreshing, easy-to-listen vibe.

Many people may find the original key too high for karaoke, so please be mindful when setting the key.

If you’re confident with high notes, this is a great song to show off your voice.

Singing with as bright a tone as possible and a light, breezy delivery will help it sound great.

Also, be careful not to let the rhythm or groove feel heavy.

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Kei Takahata

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HarukaYOASOBI5rank/position

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

YOASOBI’s famous song “Haruka.” For female students living in the Reiwa era, this piece could be considered a staple graduation song.

True to YOASOBI’s style, it still features drastic pitch shifts, but since there are relatively few syllables set to the main melody, it can be considered easy to sing in terms of wordiness.

However, the vocal range is quite wide—from mid1 G to hi F#—and the highest notes are fairly high, so you need to sing with a clear focus on keeping the pitch accurate.

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Ryo

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MiracleGReeeeN6rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

A warm, heartfelt song that directly expresses gratitude and love for someone special.

Released in May 2008 as the theme song for the TBS drama “ROOKIES,” this track has a strong connection to the world of baseball, having been used for high school baseball entrance marches and as walk-up music for professional players.

Its sincere message pledging love that endures over time, combined with an upbeat yet emotionally rich melody, creates a harmony that gently envelops listeners’ hearts.

The sentiment of celebrating a meeting as a “miracle” and treasuring the days walked together as a “trace of our journey” is sure to resonate with everyone.

If you laugh at the skywacci7rank/position

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

This song is filled with the sparkle of youth and hope for the future.

Its warm melody and delicate vocals gently embrace the listener’s heart.

It celebrates the journey of hard work and the importance of friendship, giving you the courage to face any challenge.

Released as a digital-only single in July 2018, it became a hot topic on social media, especially among junior high and high school students, resonating with many.

It’s recommended both as a song to accompany the high school graduation season and for anyone seeking encouragement in their daily life.