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

Dramas, movies, anime, live shows, and the internet.

There are more ways to listen to music now than ever before.

It’s fun when you come across a wonderful song, isn’t it?

This time, we’re introducing a ranking of Japanese artists popular among high school students.

It’s a roundup we hope people will check out—those who are currently in high school, and even those who aren’t but are curious about the music that’s popular with younger generations right now.

Playlist

Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-Pop Artists Among High School Students [2026]
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE		A summer cheer song filled with the passionate feelings of youth
2	horizonback number		Even if dreams break, the light can still be seen.
3	Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi		A duet that layers memories with a friend onto the present
4	PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism		A refreshing song by Official HIGE DANDism
5	HarukaYOASOBI		Graduation song “Haruka,” pitch is difficult but moving
6	MiracleGReeeeN		A baseball cheering song filled with love and gratitude
7	If you laugh at the skywacci		A moving song that sings of youthful hope and friendship
8	To Those Who Know the Blue of the Skyaimyon		The appeal of heartbreaking youth love songs
9	Because I like you.Yuika		A cute love song that portrays a high schooler's unrequited love
10	sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI		A song that gently supports the journey toward your dreams
11	together; along with; bothWANIMA		WANIMA’s powerful cheer song
12	We AreONE OK ROCK		A hopeful song that moves the hearts of young people
13	Spot the differenceSuda Masaki		Sing about life with Masaki Suda’s captivating song
14	CorrectRADWIMPS		A cheer song by RADWIMPS, let’s move forward at our own pace
15	A Little Love SongMONGOL800		A song of youth, conveying love and bonds to someone precious.
16	Happinessarashi		An uplifting, bright-guitar anthem cheering you on toward the future
17	DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE		A song that pursues courage and dreams
18	Only for you, clear skiesYorushika		A poignant summer youth song filled with emotion
19	one’s true feelingssumika		I don’t want to give up! Resolve and the power of comrades
20	broad daylightKing Gnu		Reasons why King Gnu became popular and the characteristics of “Hakujitsu”
21	Live in the present.Saucy Dog		Saucy Dog’s High School Soccer Cheering Song
22	Silent majorityKeyakizaka46		A powerful cheer song for Keyakizaka46's debut single
23	OrangeSPYAIR		Haikyu!! theme song: rock of youth and passion
24	migratory bird[Alexandros]		A cheering song to encourage exam-takers chasing their dreams
25	Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster		A powerful song that supports people pursuing their dreams
26	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		An encouraging classic by Yuzu that resonates with the hearts of those who strive.
27	User ManualNishino Kana		Kana Nishino’s “Torisetsu” is an original love song.
28	Dried flowersYuuri		Yuri “Dry Flower” heartbreak song
29	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		A coming-of-age song about looking up at the starry sky and thinking about the future
30	YELLikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari’s moving graduation song
31	We againSG		An encouraging song by SG that cheers you on when you’re anxious about your future path.
32	It doesn’t meltmakaroni enpitsu		At a glance, just looking at the lyrics, it feels like a love song...
33	proofflumpool		Singing Techniques and Expressive Methods in Choral Music
34	Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA		A popular rock-style song with a hopeful message
35	Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai		Hirai Dai’s love songs warm people’s hearts.
36	KanadeSukima Suichi		A moving song that portrays farewell and bonds
37	New Treasure IslandSakanakushon		A Song of Children's Adventures and Courage for the Future
38	Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO		An anthem that cheers the heart from a weekend hero
39	GIFTMr.Children		Mr.Children 'GIFT' Beijing Olympics theme song
40	Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN		A classic song by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN
41	Love and romanceNovelbright		Novelbright's love songs are heartwarming
42	wake upAAA		A refreshing dance number as the theme song for ONE PIECE
43	InfluencerNogizaka 46		The pain of being strung along by someone you like
44	Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		Let’s sing with gratitude—thank you.
45	Do Re Mi So La Si DoHinatazaka46		A love that leaps under the blue sky, a love song skipping Do-Re-Mi
46	A song about being cheated on but still in love.riria.		A classic song that sings of the aching heart of being cheated on
47	366 daysHY		A heartfelt cry that sings of the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment
48	A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly		A moving masterpiece that conveys gratitude and love, for your precious moments.
49	Unrequited lovemiwa		Introduction to the love song 'Kataomoi' by miwa
50	Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai		A powerful anthem that captures the anxieties and brilliance of youth
51	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		Himawari’s Yakugi Doraemon Theme Song
52	rainbow-coloredayaka		A healing song of hope and courage that brightens the morning
53	Zankyo SankaAimer		A powerful message about overcoming the past and moving toward the future
54	At dawn again today, with cherry blossoms dancingCHiCO with HoneyWorks		Remembering a distant friend and staying positive to keep going
55	Connect!Misaka Saki		The support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Championship will be sung by Saki Misaka for the first time.
56	catDISH//		The moving portrayal of heartbreak and regret in “Cat”
57	You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}		A duet song depicting the budding feelings of spring love
58	companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi		Deepen the bonds of the sports day with Ketsumeishi's “Nakama”
59	We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā		An anthem of support that gives you the courage to keep moving forward without giving up
60	HEROAmuro Namie		Namie Amuro’s hit song “Hero” is moving.
61	Biting the second handzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.		A heartrending love is expressed with a crystalline, translucent singing voice...
62	SUNHoshino Gen		R&B and neo-soul–style Gen Hoshino: recommendations of songs suited for low vocal range
63	Overdosenatori		Reset your mood with Natori's 'Overdose'
64	Because I’ve always loved you.neguse.		A fight song that depicts the youthful spirit of high school baseball
65	Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa		A passionate anthem for those who chase their dreams: the power of courage
66	Bye, my friendbokula.		The bittersweetness of youth, bokula.’s masterpiece
67	Summer LoveInoue Sonoko		Summer love, the heart’s pattern of expressing feelings
68	pupilŌhara Sakurako		A youth anthem cheering on high school students
69	sparklingmosao.		Easy to sing as an unrequited love song, richly expressive in chest voice
70	Team friendsChiba Yūki		Introduction to Trap Music for Middle School Students
71	Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts		In a magical world, Mashle’s OP, the strongest muscles
72	Goodbye, AliceFlower		The heartrending feelings of a man who doesn’t want to break up
73	Sakura, You, and Ituki.		A heartwarming song portraying youthful partings and love.
74	I am the strongest.Ado		The powerful in-film song from the movie One Piece
75	JUMPIkuta Rira		A positive cheer song by Rira Ikuta that expresses the challenge toward dreams
76	PrologueUru		The theme song of 'Chugaku Seito Nikki' that portrays a forbidden love
77	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE		A song of gratitude and farewell to dear companions
78	SunMy Hair is Bad		An inspiring song themed around high school baseball
79	beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko		Popular songs by aiko, relatable lyrics
80	Letter ~To You, Fifteen~Anjura Aki		An anthem of hope that carries on into the future
81	Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya		A refreshing song that portrays the bittersweet memories of youth
82	I want to be your lover.Abe Mao		When people fall in love, they are overwhelmed by unexpected emotions.
83	As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE		Practicing over and over, facing forward with DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Nando Demo.”
84	FLASHPerfume		A refreshing dance tune that captures the brilliance of the moment
85	CHE.R.RYYUI		A heartwarming classic by YUI that portrays a springtime love
86	I like you.YUTORI-SEDAI		A Gen Z-targeted song depicting the heartache of unrequited love
87	Leading someone on is a serious offense!arekunn		A song depicting unrequited love for a teasing/flirtatious person
88	HappinessAI		AI says, 'Happiness' is a song of hope that spreads joy across the world.
89	rainbowAqua Timez		Aqua Timez’s cheer song “Niji”
90	fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi		The summer classic by DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu
91	Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento		Singing points for “Hai Yorokonde”
92	The summer you gave meieiri reo		Leo Ieiri’s theme song for bittersweet summer memories
93	Bunny GirlAKASAKI		A hit song by AKASAKI popular on TikTok that portrays the emotions of love
94	secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE		A signature youth ballad by ZONE
95	Brother BeatSnow Man		Brother Beat by Snow Man, for a school festival
96	Melancholy, resplendentkuriipuhaipe		A song of poignant summer love and deep affection
97	Follow MeE-Girls		Introduction to E-girls’ signature song “Follow Me”
98	May it be filled with kindnessJUJU		A song of the heart that prays for a loved one’s happiness
99	R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu		The third-generation JSB’s captivating songs, with the Running Man being especially memorable
100	Kaikai KitanEVE		A powerful song that portrays the strength to overcome the darkness