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

peace signYonezu Kenshi29rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

A powerful song themed around challenge and growth makes the perfect cheer anthem to support practice for sports days and athletic festivals.

Included on the album BOOTLEG, released in November 2017, and chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime My Hero Academia, this track sings about the importance of moving forward by overcoming past failures and regrets.

With its bright, energetic sound, it fills listeners with courage and hope.

It’s sure to be a song that gives a push to everyone working hard toward their sports day or athletic festival.

treasurewacci30rank/position

wacci “Treasure” (Lyric Video)

It’s a coming-of-age song wrapped in a warm singing voice and gentle melody.

Released in August 2017 on the album “Nichijo Dramatic,” this celebrated track by wacci praises the wonder of meeting cherished people and the beauty of friendship.

It is also known for being used as speed skater Miho Takagi’s go-to song when she won the gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

Featuring a soothing piano tone and the warm vocals of wacci’s lead singer Yohei Hashiguchi, the piece is perfect as background music for a video gift on a friend’s birthday or as part of a surprise event.

It’s a highly recommended song for moments when you want to say “thank you” to someone special or look back on shared memories.

InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE31rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Inferno

This song, used as the opening theme for the anime Fire Force, conveys a sense of speed from the very first drum beats and a feeling that something is about to begin.

In events where momentum is crucial—like cavalry battles—it will surely boost athletes’ motivation with a “Let’s go!” spirit.

In fact, the song encapsulates both transience and passion, asking what meaning we find in a life that will one day end and how we live with that awareness.

It’s an ideal track for spending your school days—a youth that will inevitably come to an end—with burning intensity.

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kojifumi

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We AreONE OK ROCK32rank/position

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

With its powerful message and hope-filled lyrics, this song stirs the hearts of young people.

While grappling with struggles against societal judgment and prejudice, it conveys a strong will to cherish one’s true self and keep moving forward.

Included on the album “Ambitions,” it has received high acclaim since its release in January 2017.

On NHK’s “18 Festival,” ONE OK ROCK and 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation created a once-in-a-lifetime stage, producing a moving moment.

Paired with a group gymnastics performance, it can express the importance of teamwork and the determination to take on a shared goal.

Marigoldaimyon33rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyon is popular across all generations.

“Marigold” is also a hit that people in their 50s often sing at karaoke.

I have students of various ages, and many of them sing her other songs too! It seems Aimyon really resonates with everyone, regardless of gender or age.

Also, “Marigold” sits in a comfortable range of F#3 to B4, so it’s an easy song to sing with a melody that’s simple for anyone to pick up.

If you think you’re tone-deaf, you might get nervous when holding the mic, but try not to tense up—sway gently side to side and sing lightly.

It helps you relax, and I recommend it! This can be especially good in karaoke settings with younger people around.

If you say, “Everyone, sing along with me,” you’ll feel even more at ease, so just be natural and enjoy singing!

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Kubota Mami

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It doesn’t meltmakaroni enpitsu34rank/position

Macaroni Enpitsu “Tokenai” MV

At first glance, the lyrics might make this song seem like a love tune, but it’s actually a coming-of-age anthem about friendship that really hits you in the heart.

The catchy melody line creates a familiar, comfortable vibe.

At the same time, there’s a tricky development mid-song where the tone shifts and a funky section appears, showcasing Macaroni Enpitsu’s impressive range.

The lyrics are excellent, so I recommend listening carefully while reading them multiple times.

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Hane Keisuke

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OrangeGReeeeN35rank/position

GReeeeN – Orange

This is a song by GReeeeN that refreshingly depicts a faint budding romance through scenes bathed in the orange glow of dusk.

The lyrics, which straightforwardly express feelings for the other person, are striking; they carefully portray the joy of the moment when love becomes mutual and the anticipation for the future that lies ahead.

Released in April 2012, the track was featured in a Shiseido “SEA BREEZE” commercial and is included on the album “Utautai ga Utautai ni Kite Utau tae to Iu ga Utautai ga Utau dake Utai Kireba Uta Utau keredomo Utautai dake Utautai Kirenai kara Uta Utawanu!?” It’s a recommended song for times when you feel unsure about your feelings for someone or when you want to cheer on a romance that’s about to begin.