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

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//71rank/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’}72rank/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.

Overdosenatori73rank/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.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu74rank/position

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

An emotional rock number that delicately portrays the fleeting beauty of youth.

It carries the message that even the dull days that pass by unnoticed will one day become irreplaceable treasures when you look back.

The warm band sound resonates in the heart, gently encouraging you to take on challenges without fear of failure.

Released by Macaroni Empitsu in March 2019, the song was written for a McDonald’s commercial and was also chosen as the opening theme for the drama “I Saw That Girl’s Dream.” It is included on the acclaimed album “season.” It’s recommended for times when you’re feeling down from tough training for the sports festival or nervous before the big day.

This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to etch the fleeting brilliance of racing forward with friends into their heart.

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE75rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – “Nando Demo”

For junior high school students, school life is a place for growth, but there are days when you just can’t feel motivated to study.

That’s when “Nando Demo” by DREAMS COME TRUE can give you strength.

When you face tricky problems or complicated relationships, this song encourages you.

Beloved across generations and a source of hope for many, it’s perfect not only for a quick study break but also for building the resilience to overcome tough situations.

It supports both your learning and your spirit, making everyday life in junior high school more fulfilling.

Yi-Er Fan ClubMikito P76rank/position

Mikito-P “Yi-er Fan Club” MV

With its bubbly tune and addictive lyrics, this piece captivates listeners.

Created by Mikito-P, the song was released on Niconico in August 2012 and became a huge hit.

It tells the story of girls learning Chinese, conveying a passion that transcends language barriers.

Included on the album “I Kissed Hatsune Miku,” it made its major-label debut through EXIT TUNES in April 2013.

With its bright rhythm and cute illustrations, it gained popularity, surpassing 3 million views.

Recommended for those who want to feel the joy of tackling a new language.

It’s the perfect track when you need a boost of energy or a change of mood.

HEROAmuro Namie77rank/position

Hero – Namie Amuro (Full)

Namie Amuro, the singer who sparked the “Amuraa” boom that became a social phenomenon in the 1990s and rose to fame as a charismatic icon for young women.

Her 45th single “Hero,” chosen as the NHK theme song for broadcasts of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics, features a sweeping melody woven with her beautiful vocals that truly stirs the heart.

Its dramatic ensemble mirrors the ever-changing tides of competition at sports days and athletic festivals, lifting your spirits in step.

With its powerful choral work that amps up the energy, it’s an emotional number through and through.

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Hoshino Takashi

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