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

We againSG22rank/position

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

During the season of graduation and choosing future paths, SG’s song is one that gently supports high school students who feel anxious.

It captures the preciousness of ordinary days spent with friends, the resolve to pursue our own paths, and the hope of meeting again.

Listening to it gives you the courage to feel, “Even if we’re apart, I’m not alone.” Released in April 2021, the song resonated on social media, and it drew attention again when a brass band version was featured from November 2024 in Calorie Mate’s exam-support commercial.

It’s a warm song that reminds us that parting isn’t an ending, but the start of what comes next.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi23rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is an evocative duet that overlays memories of the past with present emotions shared with a dear friend.

Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda blend their voices to portray the innocence of a youth that remains unforgettable even in adulthood, as well as the way relationships change amid days of missing each other.

Included on the October 2017 album “BOOTLEG,” the song carries a wish to remain unchanged even while being swept up in daily life.

It’s truly a perfect track for school and cultural festivals, where friendship and bonds are key themes.

fireworks (launched into the sky)Yonezu Kenshi24rank/position

[BOOTLEG] Uchiage Hanabi Kenshi Yonezu

Regarding the duet song Uchiage Hanabi with DAOKO, this time I’ll introduce Kenshi Yonezu’s solo version! The overall vocal range sits at a relatively calm C3–A4, showcasing Yonezu’s characteristically gentle, tender tone throughout.

In fact, pitch tends to become less stable in the lower notes than the higher ones, so it’s important to pay close attention to the very beginning of each phrase.

If your breathing is shallow, it becomes harder to produce sound, so focus on taking deep breaths.

To nail the pitch, it also helps to lift your facial muscles.

Rather than lifting them while singing, raise them as you inhale and keep them engaged as you phonate.

Since the song is relaxed, there’s ample time for breaths, so don’t forget to take one each time.

Also, because it sits in the midrange, make sure to project your voice forward so it doesn’t get muffled!

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Kubota Mami

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together; along with; bothWANIMA25rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This song, which celebrates friendship, hope, and the strength to overcome hardship, fills listeners with energy and courage.

WANIMA’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound and positive message stand by those who continue to face challenges, serving as a powerful support.

Released in August 2016 as the theme song for Nivea Kao’s “8×4” commercial, it also carries the members’ deep love for their hometown of Kumamoto and their hopes for its recovery.

Included on the album “Are You Coming?”, the track was also performed at the 2017 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With its strong message, the song brings the perfect blend of excitement and refreshment for a school sports day’s exit scene.

It is expected to heighten the sense of unity in the venue, along with the children’s feelings of accomplishment and emotion after giving their all in competition.

migratory bird[Alexandros]26rank/position

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

A signature number by [Alexandros], with a driving melody and piercing high-register vocals that stir the listener’s heart.

It was included on a single released in March 2015 and is also known as the theme song for the film “Ake Garasu (Akegarasu).” The lyrics, which depict striving single-mindedly toward dreams and goals like a bird spreading its wings and soaring into the sky, really resonate.

When your mock exam results aren’t great or you feel anxious because you can’t see what lies ahead, the song’s positive energy will give you a push forward.

It’s a track I want exam takers to keep as a good-luck charm—something to listen to when you want to believe in yourself and sprint all the way to the finish.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu27rank/position

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

An enduring masterpiece by Yuzu, the folk duo that represents Japan.

It embraces all the pain and setbacks of the past, the days of effort piled up without running away, and makes you feel proud of who you are now.

That warm yet powerful message resonates deeply with anyone striving forward.

Released as a single in July 2004, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s broadcast of the Athens Olympics.

Many will remember it alongside the moving scene of the men’s gymnastics team winning gold for the first time in 28 years.

Give it a listen when your club activities aren’t yielding the results you want, or when exam pressure feels overwhelming.

You’ll find the courage to believe that none of your steps so far have been in vain—and to keep moving forward.

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism28rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Now a band boasting nationwide popularity, Official Hige Dandism released “Shukumei” in 2019.

It’s a song that cheers on the days spent preparing for sports day and encourages students on the big day itself.

The passionate band sound intertwined with the bright tones of a brass band resonates deeply.

Many will relate to lyrics that honestly express inner anxiety and doubt.

No matter what difficulties lie ahead, this song teaches the importance of forging ahead as yourself.

Be sure to play this number to make an already heated sports day even more exciting.

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mutō

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