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

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE57rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

An encouraging anthem that gently stays by your side and gives you a push forward, dedicated to everyone who feels anxiety and uncertainty in the midst of youth.

With Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature emotional, catchy melodies and lyrics rich with messages that boost self-esteem, it resonates deeply.

Released in January 2025, the song was written for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18-sai Matsuri” and featured a special performance alongside 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation.

Play it as the finale of a sports day or school athletic festival, and you’re sure to end on a moving, memorable note!

Wanted WantedMrs. GREEN APPLE58rank/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.

Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi59rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Horse and Deer

A heartwarming song by Kenshi Yonezu that gives a boost to the spirit of doing your best at sports days and athletic festivals.

It’s included on the acclaimed album STRAY SHEEP, released in August 2020.

The lyrics, which use the metaphor of a horse and a deer to portray the importance of holding on to sincere feelings even when you’re awkward, leave a strong impression.

Created amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the piece reflects Yonezu’s search for his role in a chaotic situation.

Singing of a resilient heart that strives to rise even when it’s on the verge of breaking, this song will gently encourage everyone working hard in practice and on the big day.

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE60rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – StaRt

This track is packed with a catchy melody and an uplifting message.

Its invigorating pop-rock sound and dynamic, crisp rhythms feel great—sure to encourage you every time you listen! Even when things don’t go well, it carries a powerful cheer: return to your roots and make a fresh start.

Featured on Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s major-label debut mini-album “Variety,” this song is a perfect choice for scenes that mark the beginning of new challenges, such as opening ceremonies or athlete entrances at school sports days.

It will unite the entire venue and elevate the excitement.

You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}61rank/position

You know. / Are-kun & “Yuika” [MV]

A refreshing melody that evokes the feeling of spring and lyrics that capture the innocence of first love make a lasting impression! This is a duet song by Are-kun and Yuika.

Created solely through exchanges on social media, the track was born from a fateful encounter where they met in person for the first time at the recording session.

It vividly portrays the frustrating emotions of two people who have feelings for each other but can’t quite express them honestly.

Released in April 2022, the song gained attention for its youthfully nostalgic music video, in which a high school boy and girl share their feelings as cherry blossoms flutter around them.

It’s recommended not only for those experiencing unrequited love, but also for anyone looking to start a new romance with the arrival of spring.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro62rank/position

Motohiro Hata / Promise of a Sunflower (Short Ver.)

One of Motohiro Hata’s signature songs, “Himawari no Yakusoku” (Promise of a Sunflower).

Released as a single in 2014, it served as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” and is a track loved by people of all ages.

It’s a moving ballad and a popular friendship song—one that will likely captivate everyone if you sing it at karaoke.

Hata’s songs can be quite difficult and you may find some notes hard to reach, but lowering the key a bit makes it feel just right and makes the chorus easier to sing.

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utatane

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proofflumpool63rank/position

flumpool “Akashi (A Spring Breath ver.)” ‘ROOF PLAN ~Acoustic in Billboard Live~’ 2021.12.31 Billboard Live

It seems this was the set piece for the 2011 (78th) NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, Junior High Division! The vocal range is quite wide, from A2 to C5.

The falsetto parts appear in the chorus.

The melody line is easy to follow, building nicely through a verse (A), pre-chorus (B), chorus, and final chorus.

First, the A section sits quite low, so be careful not to overuse your throat there.

If you watch choirs or singers’ facial expressions, you’ll notice their eyebrows and facial muscles are lifted quite a bit.

Simply lifting your facial muscles like this helps open the throat and makes singing a bit easier.

It also helps you transition smoothly from chest voice to falsetto.

In addition, make sure to fully support and release your breath on the high falsetto notes.

Aiming your voice straight up toward the top of your head makes falsetto easier to produce.

With just a small shift in awareness, the song becomes much easier to sing—give it a try!

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Kubota Mami

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