[High School Students] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]

Unrequited lovemiwa64rank/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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You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}65rank/position

You know. / Are-kun & “Yuika” [MV]

A refreshing melody that evokes the feeling of spring and lyrics that capture the innocence of first love make a lasting impression! This is a duet song by Are-kun and Yuika.

Created solely through exchanges on social media, the track was born from a fateful encounter where they met in person for the first time at the recording session.

It vividly portrays the frustrating emotions of two people who have feelings for each other but can’t quite express them honestly.

Released in April 2022, the song gained attention for its youthfully nostalgic music video, in which a high school boy and girl share their feelings as cherry blossoms flutter around them.

It’s recommended not only for those experiencing unrequited love, but also for anyone looking to start a new romance with the arrival of spring.

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS66rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

This RADWIMPS song sings of a love that transcends time and space.

It became a massive hit as the theme song for the animated film “Your Name.” Released in August 2016, the track features a driving melody and lyrics that truly resonate.

The chorus is especially easy to remember, and belting it out with power is sure to move hearts.

There are multiple versions, including a “movie ver.” produced as part of the film’s score and an “original ver.” included on RADWIMPS’ album “Ningen Kaika” (Human Bloom).

It’s a perfect pick for high school guys looking to fire up the room at karaoke—and a great choice for a karaoke date with your favorite girl.

KanadeSukima Suichi67rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This song depicts the parting with someone precious—and the wish to remain connected at heart beyond that farewell—set to a beautiful ballad.

Released by Sukima Switch in March 2004 as their second single, it features a sentimental sound centered on piano and guitar that resonates deeply.

It was used as an insert song in the film “Rough,” as the theme song for the drama “Sotsu Uta,” and in 2006 it was selected as the ending theme for the final day of “Netto Koshien.” It’s a track that, while looking back on days spent with friends, makes you want to cherish those bonds from here on out.

Christmas songback number68rank/position

back number – “Christmas Song” Music Video

Just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean everyone feels happy.

If you’ve “recently had your heart broken and are feeling down,” this might hit especially hard when you sing it.

It’s a song by the rock band back number—also known for “Happy End” and “Takane no Hanako-san”—released in 2015 as their 14th single.

Perhaps thanks to the down-to-earth sound and vocals, the message in the lyrics feels like it slips straight into your heart.

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Araki Jakkan

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Wherever you areONE OK ROCK69rank/position

Wherever You Are – ONE OK ROCK Full

This is a masterpiece by ONE OK ROCK, celebrated for its intricate musicality and emotional lyrics.

A gem of a love song that reflects feelings for a cherished person, its seamless blend of English and Japanese lyrics truly resonates.

Included on the album “Niche Syndrome,” the track was also featured in a 2015 NTT Docomo commercial, drawing widespread attention.

In both 2017 and 2018, it ranked No.

1 as the most-used song at weddings for two consecutive years.

It’s a perfect song to listen to when you want to look back on memories with someone special or on a special day.

Please give this heartwarming piece a listen—you’re sure to be moved.

366 daysHY70rank/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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