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

The Zero Sense10-FEET85rank/position

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

A powerful rock number that passionately belts out the spirit of basketball and the thrill of challenge! The lyrics, brimming with the fervor of chasing your dreams and the resolve to face adversity, feel as if they’re giving you a push from behind.

10-FEET’s sound, packed with overwhelming power and taut intensity, grips the listener’s heart and never lets go.

Featured on the album “COLLINS” and released in December 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.

Make you happyNiziU86rank/position

NiziU 『Make you happy』 M/V

The hugely popular group NiziU’s debut song, “Make you happy.” It reportedly won a total of 64 crowns across domestic music streaming sites for both singles and albums.

Its music video has surpassed 200 million views and continues to rack up even more! With its upbeat tempo and cute lyrics, it seems perfect for any occasion—like a march or cheer song for sports days and athletic festivals.

If you want to include the famous “jump rope dance,” creating an original routine would be great too.

It’s a truly recommended track that’s incredibly versatile for many uses with just one song!

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!

Cinderella GirlKing&Prince90rank/position

Tokai University Suwa High School Brass Band “Cinderella Girl”

A pop tune by King & Prince, rich with message, that uses the fairy tale Cinderella as its motif and powerfully sings of the protagonist’s single-minded feelings for a loved one.

Its catchy melody blends beautifully with the piano line, vividly capturing the flutter of a heart in love.

Released in May 2018, the song was also selected as the theme for the TBS drama “Hana Nochi Hare: Hanadan Next Season,” debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and became a massive hit with total sales surpassing one million copies.

It’s an ideal track for uniting everyone’s spirits as an entrance march at a school sports day, and also perfect as a cheer song for sharing energy and courage.

Fly Highmilet91rank/position

milet “Fly High” MUSIC VIDEO (NHK Winter Sports Theme Song)

Singer milet, who has worked on numerous anime and commercial tie-in songs, is known for her husky yet supple voice.

Among her tracks, the one that’s perfect for a sports day is “Fly High.” It’s included on her 2022 release “visions” and was selected as the theme song for NHK’s “Winter Sports.” Its dramatic sound with a grand atmosphere is truly moving.

If you’re looking for BGM for the opening ceremony or athletes’ entrance, be sure to give it a listen.

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mutō

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