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

companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi85rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Nakama” Full Ver.

Ketsumeishi’s “Nakama” is the perfect song that makes you want to link arms and sing together at the closing ceremony of a sports day.

The friends who fought alongside you are comrades-in-arms at the event, but they’re also the companions you spend your days with.

It’s a song that feels like it can help you build a relationship where you praise each other and say “good job” with genuine appreciation.

The bonds among the children, strengthened through the sports day, may deepen even further.

Be sure to give this song with its comfortable tempo and unpretentious lyrics a listen.

It’ll make for a wonderful sports day!

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mayumi

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Bye, my friendbokula.86rank/position

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

This is a gem of a song from bokula., a rock band based in Hiroshima, filled with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.

The lyrics, which remind us that the time and memories spent with friends—things we took for granted—are never wasted, resonate deeply alongside Ei’s straightforward vocals.

Included on the mini-album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, the track has won fervent support especially among junior and senior high school students, and has become beloved by many listeners, surpassing a total of 8.5 million streams.

It’s the perfect song for those moments when you’re facing the sadness of going your separate ways but want to reaffirm an unchanging bond.

Why not send this track to your cherished friends as a token of gratitude at the milestone of graduation?

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi87rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

Falling in love with someone brings lots of joy, but there are also times when you suddenly feel sad or scared, and your mood drops.

This is a sentimental love song that perfectly fits those feelings: Kenshi Yonezu’s “Eine Kleine.” Even though thinking about the person you like should make you happy, you can’t help but think negatively—everyone experiences that.

It’s a slightly sad yet deeply moving love song about wishing for that person’s happiness, even if it means sacrificing your own feelings.

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utatane

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Make you happyNiziU88rank/position

NiziU 『Make you happy』 M/V

Many of you may be familiar with this song.

NiziU’s “Make you happy,” which shot to fame as the “Jump Rope Dance,” is a track that dancers can pick up easily.

While the choreography throughout the song follows some fairly intricate musical accents, its relatively catchy movements are a big draw.

On top of that, you can spot a bit of isolation—moving a single part of the body independently, a fundamental dance technique—so beginners might find it a little challenging.

However, as long as you memorize the sequence, the choreography for the chorus uses movements that even beginners can handle.

The simple yet unforgettable choreography, unlike anything before, makes a strong impression and really makes you want to try it yourself!

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Fukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda

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Team friendsChiba Yūki89rank/position

Yūki Chiba – Team Tomodachi (Official Music Video)

I think today’s middle school students are closer to hip-hop than any generation before them.

Among them, many middle school heads are probably listening to trap music, which leads the times.

What I recommend is Team Tomodachi.

This track is a hit number by Yuki Chiba, aka KOHH, that gained worldwide popularity.

It’s laid back in trap style, so the flow is very simple.

Even those not used to rapping should have no problem performing it.

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Ryo

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Let’s give it a tryWANIMA90rank/position

Yattemiyou

An energetic track that covers a nursery rhyme everyone’s heard at least once, given a bold rock arrangement in true WANIMA style.

Even when you’re feeling sluggish before starting to study, the song’s exhilarating drive will naturally boost your motivation.

Its positive message—urging you to try first without fearing failure—will give powerful encouragement to anyone tackling entrance exams or test prep.

Released as a digital single in January 2017, it also created a buzz as the theme song for au’s “Santaro” commercial series.

Give it a listen when you want to face your weaker subjects with a positive mindset.

parabolaOfisharu Higedan Dism91rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Parabola [Official Video]

Official HIGE DANDism is a four-member rock band.

The vocalist Satoshi Fujihara’s soothing high-tone voice and approachable melodies are especially striking.

While songs like “Pretender” and “I LOVE…” may give them a strong image as love song artists, “Parabola” is a perfect cheer song for starting a new chapter in life.

It was also featured in a Calpis Water commercial, and its lyrics—seeking hope in an uncertain future—seem to gently light a lamp in hearts that feel crushed by anxiety.

Take note of the lyrics, which are poetically beautiful yet strikingly real.

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gummy

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