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

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS50rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

As you graduate, it’s important to sing about friendship, hope, and anticipation, but isn’t it even more important to express gratitude—to say thank you—to the people who have supported you up to now? This 2013 release by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS is a song that straightforwardly conveys such thanks.

When performed as a choral piece, it becomes even more powerful and memorable, so why not have all the third-year students sing it together, filled with gratitude for all the people who have been there for you?

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Live in the present.Saucy Dog51rank/position

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.

Dried flowersYuuri52rank/position

Yuuri – Dry Flower / THE FIRST TAKE

Released in 2020, Yuuri’s “Dry Flower” spread mainly through social media and became a long-running hit.

The song is a breakup ballad told from a woman’s perspective, and many listeners have probably shed tears because of it.

Yuuri’s vocals heighten the sense of heartbreak and really tug at your heartstrings.

It might be a bit challenging to sing perfectly at karaoke, but try adjusting the key and give it a go.

Since it’s from a woman’s point of view, it’s great for women to sing as well.

It’s a song that everyone will naturally find themselves humming.

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utatane

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Love and romanceNovelbright53rank/position

Novelbright – Love and Romance [Official Music Video]

Novelbright’s heartwarming love song is attracting attention.

With lyrics overflowing with feelings for a lover and a refreshing melody, it’s a captivating track that resonates with listeners.

Released digitally in April 2022, it was later included on the album “Assort.” Centered on pop rock, the song is notable for its clear, expansive vocals.

It carefully depicts the deep affection one feels for a partner in everyday life and the inner changes brought about by their presence.

It’s a song that lifts your spirits—even on a dreary Monday, just thinking of your loved one makes your heart leap—and fills you with a positive outlook.

It’s moving in the way it celebrates the feeling of being in love.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO54rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

A rock number that cheers on our everyday efforts through its weekend heroes.

It was included on the 2017 album “SHISHAMO 4” and became widely known as the CM song for NTT Docomo’s “Docomo Student Discount.” That same year, the band performed it on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen for their first-ever appearance, generating major buzz.

The song frankly depicts the strength to keep running forward even when things are so tough you want to cry, along with gratitude for those who support you.

Inspired by watching a Kawasaki Frontale match, it’s also loved as a fight song—perfect for anyone looking to get fired up at sports events or live shows.

It stands as one of the band’s signature classics.

Blue AmbienceMrs. GREEN APPLE55rank/position

Blue Ambience

A refreshing song that makes it feel as if a page of youth is unfolding before your eyes.

The emotions and growth of young people in love depicted by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE truly resonate with listeners.

Used as the theme song for the romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: First Rainbow,” it was released in June 2022.

The lyrics, which weave together the importance of being yourself while pushing back against the expectations around you, perfectly capture how high school students feel, don’t you think? As you listen to this song, why not etch memories with your best friends into your heart and take a step toward the next stage?

Wanted WantedMrs. GREEN APPLE56rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – WanteD! WanteD!

This song is notable for its exhilarating sound that vividly captures the emotions of youth.

Released in August 2017 as Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s fifth single, it was also used as the opening theme for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “We Did It.” The lyrics deftly portray modern young people who run from their own weaknesses, while also weaving in irony toward conservative adults, resulting in a message that resonates with many.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for class performances or karaoke, and a perfect song for friends to sing together—one that offers comfort to students dealing with pressure and stress.