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

Spot the differenceSuda Masaki8rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

A captivating song featuring the vocals of Masaki Suda—who is active as both an actor and singer—written and composed by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.

Released in May 2019, this track was also used as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” starring Tori Matsuzaka.

It gently sings about the search for “mistakes” and “answers” in life, and the importance of what we learn from them.

The lyrics convey the joy of spending time with someone you love and the significance of human connections, making it a great choice to listen to as a memorable song for a date.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE9rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

This track captivates with its refreshing guitar sound and exhilarating sense of speed.

Crafted by the popular band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, you might also recognize it as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery.” Released in April 2024, it went on to win the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards the same year.

The lyrics, which depict the brilliance and inner conflicts of youth, amplify the excitement of summer vacation.

Be sure to give it a listen as the perfect BGM for making memories with friends!

DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE10rank/position

Da-iCE / <TV Anime “ONE PIECE” Theme Song> “DREAMIN’ ON” Music Video

This song expresses the courage and strong will to pursue one’s dreams.

Released in August 2020, it was selected as the 23rd opening theme for the popular anime ONE PIECE.

As the first installment of Da-iCE’s six-month consecutive release plan, it was created with a focus on the theme of “vision.” The lyrics, written by Sota Hanamura, are notable for their powerful message.

The song celebrates the spirit of adventure in taking on unknown worlds with your friends and the importance of staying true to yourself.

Conveying the value of moving forward without being defeated by adversity, this track is sure to encourage everyone taking on events at sports days and athletic festivals together with their teammates!

RomanticismMrs. GREEN APPLE11rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Romanticism Cultural Festival Kinki University Higashi-Hiroshima Dance Club High School Performance

A refreshing love song where coolness and passion intertwine! With the feeling of being gently pushed forward by a summer day, it portrays a protagonist who carries feelings of love yet struggles to convey them, all set to Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature buoyant melody.

Released in April 2019 as the commercial song for Shiseido’s SEA BREEZE, this track was also included on the album Attitude and has surpassed 340 million streams.

You’ve started to notice that special someone, but just can’t bring yourself to speak up… It’s filled with emotions that students grappling with that frustrating feeling will surely relate to.

Perform it on a cultural festival dance stage, and you’re bound to spark a sense of unity with the audience!

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number12rank/position

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

This classic song by back number captures the bittersweet unrequited love that everyone has experienced.

In front of the person he likes, he’s nothing more than “a friend of a friend.” Even so, you can’t help but relate to the protagonist who just wants to see her smile and say “good morning.” Released in June 2013, the song was featured in a Kirin Beer commercial in 2019 and performed at the 73rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2022, showing how it’s been loved for years.

It’s perfect for a shy high school boy who gets nervous in front of his crush.

Sing it at karaoke, and your honest feelings are sure to reach the one you like.

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI13rank/position

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

A ballad that portrays the loneliness and anxiety felt in the pursuit of a dream, as well as the warmth of someone watching over you.

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Sazanka” is a single released in February 2018 and became widely known as the NHK theme song for coverage of the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics.

Rather than simply urging listeners to “do your best,” the song is filled with a gentle kindness that seems to affirm every attempt to overcome setbacks and pain.

Anyone chasing a dream may wonder, “Is this really the right path for me?” In those moments, this song will quietly stand by you, saying, “I know how hard you’ve been trying.”

OrangeSPYAIR14rank/position

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

It became a massive hit as the theme song for the 2024 film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.

The same track was also chosen as the theme song for TBS Television and BS-TBS’s Volleyball Nations League 2024, powerfully expressing the passion of young people who devote their youth to volleyball, and marking a revival of the long-standing collaboration between SPYAIR and Haikyu!!.

It’s a rock ballad characteristic of SPYAIR, with easy-to-catch pitches that help you score steadily in karaoke.

The melody is basically structured so you can sing each phrase carefully.

It builds toward the latter half, and the vocal melody changes slightly in the final chorus, so it’s a good idea to review that part thoroughly.

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Kubota Mami

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