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

Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu92rank/position

Yū Takahashi’s directorial debut MV “Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day” — Omokuri Director Edit Version (Short Size)

A heartwarming song by Yu Takahashi that, with a gentle singing voice, portrays the worries and joys everyone experiences.

Its positive message—like laughing off awkward moments and remembering that a rainbow comes after the rain—gently encourages listeners.

Released in June 2015, it was featured in a Daihatsu commercial.

It’s also used as the departure melody at JR Akita Station, Takahashi’s hometown station.

This song is recommended for when you want to lift your spirits, overcome difficulties, or take a step toward tomorrow.

Cinderella GirlKing&Prince93rank/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.

To the futureKiroro94rank/position

To the Future – Kiroro (Full)

I feel that when you take a close look at the lyrics of this song, which is often used as a choral piece, there’s something that deeply resonates.

The gentle singing and the piano melody seem to calm the heart.

I sang this song at a farewell event for our seniors in middle school, and even now, whenever I hear it, I remember that moment and get teary-eyed.

Fly Highmilet95rank/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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rainbow-coloredayaka96rank/position

Ayaka / Nijiiro Music Video

Ayaka is known for her powerful, gospel-tinged voice with a solid core.

Now a mother, her singing has become even more captivating.

“Nijiiro,” released in 2014, was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Hanako to Anne.

It’s a song that maintains a gentle sound throughout.

While Ayaka’s music is often noted for using a wide vocal range from low to high, this track is characterized by its calmness.

You can sing it without strain.

The pitch is easy to grasp, making it an approachable song.

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gummy

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SenbonzakuraKurousa-P97rank/position

"MV" Senbonzakura WhiteFlame feat. Hatsune Miku

Many people are sure to think of this when they hear “Vocaloid song.” It’s one of Kurousa-P’s signature tracks, released in February 2012—a fast-paced, Japanese-style Vocaloid rock tune.

Its popularity is evident from the fact that it was adapted into a manga, a novel, and even a musical.

It’s also well known as a commercial jingle: it was used in a Toyota ad, and Sachiko Kobayashi performed it on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, so even people who don’t usually listen to Vocaloid likely know it.

Back then, the fan rallying cry “Let’s make this our national anthem” stirred up a lot of buzz online.

It’s an indispensable work when discussing the history of Vocaloid.

Bunny GirlAKASAKI98rank/position

[AKASAKI] Bunny Girl (Lyric Video)

The song “Bunny Girl,” which became a major hit from 2024 to 2025, is a work by the young singer-songwriter AKASAKI, characterized by a subtly languid mood throughout.

Among recent Japanese songs, this track boasts an exceptionally narrow vocal range—specifically mid1 C to mid2 E.

Thanks to this notably limited range, anyone—regardless of gender—should be able to sing it comfortably with the right key adjustment.

Be sure to check it out.

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Ryo

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