Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-Pop Artists Among Junior High School Students [2026]

sparkleFuji Kaze64rank/position

Fujii Kaze – Kirari (Official Video)

This is Mr.

Fujii Kaze’s sixth digital-only single, released in May 2021 by HEHN RECORDS/Universal Music.

It was also used in the commercial for Honda’s fully redesigned VEZEL, so many people have likely heard it.

With its comfortable rhythm, it’s one of the tracks well-suited to mass formation performances where formations change in sync with the timing.

In addition, the song’s uniquely refreshing and near-futuristic feel seems poised to add contrast and dynamism to a sports day event.

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kojifumi

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DynamiteBTS65rank/position

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Dynamite’ Official MV (Choreography ver.)

BTS’s “Dynamite” captivates music fans around the world.

The song blends hip-hop with flowing English lyrics, giving it a light, funky feel.

It’s become a hot topic not only on TV and in the streets but also on social media, and it has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.

It’s so catchy that even if you don’t understand the words, your body picks up the rhythm, and it might just brighten your morning walk to school.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN66rank/position

I tried dancing 'Sugar Song and Bitter Step' in front of the Eiffel Tower

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is a rock band known for their powerful vocals and high-level musicianship.

Their 2015 release “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” is a danceable track packed with vibrant charm.

The lively guitar tones in the intro make you want to step along.

Its refreshing melody line, carried by a rhythmic tempo, will resonate with you.

Whether you go for technical choreography or arrange it for beginners, this uptempo song will liven up any school or cultural festival!

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mutō

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CHE.R.RYYUI67rank/position

CHE.R.RY

Let me introduce a song that refreshingly portrays a bittersweet spring romance.

Delicately expressing the feelings of unrequited love conveyed through cell phone emails, this track by YUI gently sings about the beginning of love—something everyone has experienced at least once.

With warmth, it depicts the protagonist, who isn’t good with emojis, having their heart skip a beat at messages from their crush and fretting over the back-and-forth of replies with pure sincerity.

Released in March 2007, the song resonated with many and was later included on the album “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE.” It was also used as the ending theme for the anime “ReLIFE: Final Arc.” It’s a perfect cheer song for those experiencing their first love in a new environment, or for anyone ready to take a new step forward with the arrival of spring.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//68rank/position

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

It’s a warm, gentle cheer song that softly stays by the side of a heart that feels like giving up on studying.

With a rhythm inspired by a “march to move forward” and a theme that conveys the comfort of having a place to return to, it eases tightly wound feelings.

It’s a popular song by DISH//, also known for being co-written by Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu.

Released as a single in 2021, it was used as the theme song for the drama “The 100th Love with You: The Classroom of Certain Success” (NIGATSU NO SHŌSHA – ZETTAI GŌKAKU NO KYŌSHITSU).

It’s now included on the album TRIANGLE.

Give it a listen during exam season when you’re feeling anxious, or when you want to remember your gratitude for those who support you.

The kindness this song carries will surely give you a gentle push forward.

You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}69rank/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.

Overdosenatori70rank/position

Natori – Overdose

The track released digitally in September 2022 sparked a huge response at home and abroad through social media, helping to spread Natori’s name.

The lyrics depict a relationship you know you shouldn’t be in but can’t escape, mistaking what slips through your fingers for love—an urgent, chest-tightening plunge into a sweet yet perilous whirl of emotion.

Singing of a fleeting romance like a fruit on the verge of breaking, this piece is likely to resonate with middle schoolers grappling with inner darkness.

It’s a recommended number for those who feel loneliness or conflict and wish for someone to understand the pain they carry alone.