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

paprikaFoorin85rank/position

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

This is the well-known masterpiece “Paprika” by Kenshi Yonezu.

I’ve also listened to the version sung by Yonezu himself, and it’s rare to find a song whose impression changes this much depending on the singer.

This song is said to be used a lot for kindergarten playtime, and it’s perfect as a dance piece for lower elementary grades too! With its cute lyrics and comical choreography, kids trained through eurhythmics could probably master it in about an hour! In the latter half of the song, where the clapping comes in, it would be great to have all the students clap together.

The Zero Sense10-FEET86rank/position

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

A rock number that powerfully belts out a passion for basketball and the spirit of challenge! The lyrics, brimming with the drive to chase your dreams and the resolve to face adversity, feel like a push on your back.

10-FEET’s overwhelmingly powerful, tension-filled sound grabs your heart and won’t let go.

Featured on the album “COLLINS” and released in November 2022 as the ending theme for the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” this track is perfect not only for basketball and sports fans, but also for those moments when you want to strive toward your dreams or fire yourself up before an important showdown.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP87rank/position

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

When it comes to moving songs, isn’t it impossible to talk about them without mentioning this one? It’s a signature track by SMAP, the nationally beloved idol group.

With lyrics themed around “Only One,” I think it’s perfect for school sports days, too.

It might be a slightly older song, but I believe it’s one of those timeless classics that still deserves to be loved.

The members’ gentle voices really touch the heart, don’t they?

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Hane Keisuke

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Tightly.mosao.88rank/position

Tightly. / Mosawo. [Music Video]

This is a love song by Mosao that gently seeps into the heart with soft acoustic guitar and a wistful vocal.

Cherishing the small moments of everyday life, it tenderly sings of feelings for a lover.

Gaining attention after being posted on social media, the track was released in July 2020 and captured the hearts of many young people.

Mosao’s crystalline voice and the irresistibly singable melody are particularly appealing.

Recommended for those who can relate to the innocence of first love and the desire to hold someone tight.

It might be nice to listen to it together with someone special and reaffirm each other’s feelings.

Donut holehachi89rank/position

Hachi – Donut Hole 2024, HACHI – DONUT HOLE 2024

A rock tune brimming with a sense of speed that makes you want to sprint at full throttle.

It’s a piece Kenshi Yonezu released under the name Hachi in October 2013.

The world woven by its alternative sound and the animated music video featuring illustrations he created himself is breathtaking.

The lyrics, themed around “lack” and “a sense of loss,” also delve deeply into selfhood and relationships, striking a chord.

I think it’s a great fit for running events like relays!

March 9Remioromen90rank/position

Remioromen – March 9

A song that accompanies the season of farewells and new encounters.

Its delicate yet warm melody and lyrics resonate deeply with those embarking on a fresh start.

Although the songwriter originally wrote it for a friend’s wedding, it became widely known as a song celebrating new beginnings, with a music video themed around graduation.

Released in March 2004, the track is also included on the album “ether.” It has been featured as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears” and in multiple commercials, leaving a lasting impression on many listeners.

Often called a “classic graduation song,” it carries the songwriter’s gentle yet powerful encouragement to everyone standing at a milestone in life.

It’s a piece we especially hope junior high school students, who are living through their sensitive teenage years, will listen to.

R.Y.U.S.E.ISandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu91rank/position

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

The dance-vocal group Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, known for their emotional vocals and polished dance performances, gained widespread popularity.

Released as a single in June 2014 and selected as the TCK 2014 campaign song, this track captivates with its pop EDM sound themed around the passion of chasing dreams and the bonds with friends.

The song won the Japan Record Award in December of the same year, and its “running man” choreography during the instrumental break became a social phenomenon.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced melody makes it a perfect dance number for everyone to synchronize and perform together at school sports days and athletic festivals.