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

Cinderella GirlKing&Prince91rank/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 futureKiroro92rank/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 Highmilet93rank/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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March 9Remioromen94rank/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.

SenbonzakuraKurousa-P95rank/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.