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

It feels like I’m in love.Yuika78rank/position

It’s like I’m in love / “Yuika” [MV]

A heartrending ballad that delicately portrays the feelings of a single-minded girl.

As her emotions for the person she loves grow stronger, the protagonist’s yearning for them to notice her feelings becomes all the more poignant.

Featured as an insert song in “Koisuru ♥ Shūmatsu Homestay 2024 Winter,” the track garnered attention as a song that brightens the romance show, and it also drew the spotlight as singer-songwriter Yuika’s major-label debut.

It’s the perfect song for anyone feeling the flutter of a new crush or the frustration of not being able to confess their feelings.

Why not give it a listen and relive the bittersweet romances of your youth?

Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism79rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

An ambitious work crafted by Official HIGE DANDism as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers.

The song fuses lyrics that brilliantly capture the anime’s worldview with an innovative sound that shifts keys roughly ten times.

It sings of the protagonist’s indomitable spirit in the face of fate, his comeback from setbacks, and the bonds with his friends, inspiring courage and emotion in listeners.

Since its release in May 2021, it peaked at No.

4 on Billboard JAPAN’s Japan Hot 100.

It continued to be a long-running hit, ranking 13th on the year-end chart for 2021.

When you want to strive toward your goals together with your cherished friends, this song is sure to be a pillar of support.

Spring ThiefYorushika80rank/position

Yorushika – Spring Thief (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

For high school students, you can’t skip Yorushika’s songs, right? This song, “Haru Dorobou” (Spring Thief), is included on Yorushika’s first EP “Sousaku,” released in 2021.

It was also used in a commercial, so you probably heard it often.

It’s a song about the sights and feelings of spring that instantly puts you in a spring mood—a refreshing number that makes you feel as if you can see cherry blossoms in full bloom behind your eyelids when you close your eyes.

But it’s not just about the gentle, refreshing side of spring; it’s filled with thoughts and a sense of poignancy inspired by the falling petals.

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utatane

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Full-Power BoySukima Suichi81rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Zenryoku Shonen” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / Zenryoku Shonen Music Video

Celebrated as one of Sukima Switch’s signature songs, this track sings of the strength of a pure heart that evokes the freshness of youth.

Carrying a message about the importance of holding on to youthful passion, it inspires the courage and energy to face difficulties.

It rekindles the playful spirit and willingness to take on challenges that are often lost in adulthood, reminding us of the beauty of living life to the fullest.

Released in April 2004, the song was featured in an NTT Docomo commercial for the Kansai region and became a key work that showcased Sukima Switch’s musical evolution.

It gives a boost to students practicing for sports days and athletic festivals, and serves as a reliable ally when you want to give your all toward a goal.

wake upAAA82rank/position

AAA / 「Wake up!」Music Video

An energetic, upbeat tune that became the opening theme for the anime ONE PIECE.

Overflowing with speed and freshness, its bright vibe will hype up any school or cultural festival, whether as a dance number or background music! Centered on the themes of “friendship” and “bonds,” it’s an exceptional track packed with the close-knit spirit of AAA’s seven-member era.

Practice the dance together as a team and you’ll probably grow closer, too! And of course, when it’s time to perform, the song’s momentum will push you to have a blast.

When everyone dances together, it’s unstoppable and exhilarating!

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KEI

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Kitearashi83rank/position

Arashi – Kite (Arafes 2020 at National Stadium) [Official Live Video]

This is the 58th single by Arashi, a five-member idol group whose popularity as a national favorite has remained undiminished despite going on hiatus in 2020.

The song drew attention for being written by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu and was also selected as the “NHK 2020 Song.” The five distinctive yet harmonizing voices, paired with an arrangement that is simple yet majestic, evoke a refreshing sense of youth symbolized by school club activities.

And as Arashi’s final release before their hiatus, it may resonate with those about to retire from their club activities.

It’s a grand piece that suggests the road continues on even after all the effort and the moment of stepping away.

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Hoshino Takashi

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User ManualNishino Kana84rank/position

Kana Nishino “Torisetsu” MV Full

Kana Nishino’s “Torisetsu” is a unique love song that likens me, the person, to an instruction manual.

I felt it’s a song that seems like it existed before, yet didn’t! Aside from the chorus, it’s more spoken than sung, so even those who are tone-deaf can enjoy it without worrying much about the melody line.

However, because there are a lot of words, where you breathe and where you break the phrases is important.

It might be good to sing as if you’re actually talking to someone! If you sing with no expression, your vocal placement drops into your throat and becomes straining, so try raising your eyebrows and bringing your vocal placement up to eyebrow level.

Aim to sing as lightly as possible.

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Kubota Mami

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