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

SenbonzakuraKurousa-P92rank/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.

It’s okay.BLUE ENCOUNT93rank/position

BLUE ENCOUNT “Daijoubu” Music Video (YouTube Ver.)

With lyrics that hit straight to the heart, BLUE ENCOUNT’s “Daijoubu” pairs perfectly with youth.

Many of Blue En’s songs bring tears and reach straight for your heart, don’t they? This track is their fifth single, released in 2016.

True to the title “Daijoubu” (“It’s okay”), it’s a song that wholeheartedly affirms and cheers you on.

It’s a perfect fit as BGM for a sports day, giving you the motivation to look up, push forward, and aim higher.

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utatane

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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.

Don’t give upZARD95rank/position

Don't Give Up – ZARD (Full)

“Makenaide” is a classic cheer song beloved by a wide range of generations.

It’s a track released in 1993 by the music unit ZARD.

The song is well known for being sung during the 24-Hour TV charity marathon and for being used as the entrance music at high school baseball tournaments.

Its lyrics depict the feelings of a woman cheering on someone pursuing their dreams.

When you’re on the verge of losing heart, listening to it will surely fill you with energy and spirit.

Why not play it in the final stretch of a long-distance run?

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yamamoto

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March 9Remioromen96rank/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.

Footsteps ~Be StrongMr.Children97rank/position

Mr.Children “Footsteps” Live from TOUR 2015 REFLECTION

A popular song that was also used as the theme for the drama “Nobunaga Concerto.” Described in the show as a motivational anthem that gives you a push forward, it was reportedly completed after numerous rewrites and marks Mr.

Children’s first self-produced track.

Perhaps for that reason, it carries a vibe of taking a new step.

While it’s not uptempo, it could work well for intermission staging or as background music.

Lavisurii98rank/position

Lavie / Surii feat. Kagamine Len

Let me introduce “Lavi,” which has been making waves for hitting a million.

It’s a track written by the Vocaloid producer Surii as the theme song for the game character Lavi Chouchoumarche.

In it, the character’s complex emotions—something like both love and hate—are sung about.

Overall, it’s high-energy, so it’s sure to hype up the venue.

Another draw is that everyone can get into it together.

The lyrics repeat the character’s name, which makes a big impact, so even first-time listeners will be able to sing along.

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yamamoto

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