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

Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster22rank/position

Little Glee Monster 'Someday These Tears Will' Short Ver.

An uplifting anthem by Little Glee Monster, brimming with passion and powerful harmonies that stir the heart.

Created as the support song for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, this piece gives a push to all who are walking toward their dreams.

Included on the album “juice,” the song carries a message that the tears you’ve shed will one day turn into shining achievements.

When you want to get fired up before a match or for an important moment, listening to this track will fill you with courage and hope.

It’s a song that stays close to your heart and gives you tremendous strength.

One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS23rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “One More”

A classic cheer song! This signature track by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS—a group that gained popularity with a style that blends J-pop with hip-hop elements—was released in August 2010.

“Ato Hitotsu,” a timeless masterpiece etched in many people’s memories as a summer high school baseball cheer song, is also included on the album “Funky Monkey Babys 4.” Its lyrics carry the message that even in tough situations, taking just one more step can bring you closer to your dreams, stirring the hearts of listeners.

It’s guaranteed to amplify emotional moments, from entrance marches to climactic competitions.

A perfect number to send a passionate cheer to everyone giving their all at sports days and athletic festivals!

We AreONE OK ROCK24rank/position

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

With its powerful message and hope-filled lyrics, this song stirs the hearts of young people.

While grappling with struggles against societal judgment and prejudice, it conveys a strong will to cherish one’s true self and keep moving forward.

Included on the album “Ambitions,” it has received high acclaim since its release in January 2017.

On NHK’s “18 Festival,” ONE OK ROCK and 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation created a once-in-a-lifetime stage, producing a moving moment.

Paired with a group gymnastics performance, it can express the importance of teamwork and the determination to take on a shared goal.

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA25rank/position

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSiC CLiP- (Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc Opening Theme)

It features a powerful rock sound and LiSA’s clear, crystalline vocals.

The lyrics portray the courage to face hardship and find hope amid battle, filled with a positive message that even elementary school students can relate to.

With a simple, easy-to-remember melody line and lyrics that express emotion straightforwardly, it’s beloved as a karaoke staple.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba from April 2019, it was also performed spectacularly at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in December 2020.

Its singable vocal range and simple melody make it perfect for music classes and school events.

It’s also recommended for when you want to get excited with friends at karaoke or sing together with everyone.

Dinner Songtuki.26rank/position

tuki. “Banquet Song” Official Music Video

Woven into song with the ache of bittersweet love, tuki.’s music resonates across genders and generations.

This work carefully portrays the inner conflicts born from repeated partings and renewals with a loved one, gently expressing affection and gratitude toward the other person.

Released in September 2023, it also drew attention with an acoustic version featuring Yuuri in December of the same year.

The stirring vocals and melody are perfect for karaoke; performing it at school festivals or gatherings with friends—any moment when you want to share feelings—will surely strike a deep chord with listeners.

Its warm atmosphere and clear, transparent vocal quality will gently envelop the room.

We againSG27rank/position

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

This work by SG has gained support as an encouraging song that resonates deeply during graduations and farewells.

Its gentle melody, which accompanies young people as they overcome partings and take new steps forward, and its lyrics filled with hope for reunion are especially appealing.

Released in April 2021, it has become a popular track with a cumulative 150 million streams.

Starting in November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, and a concert band version by the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble has been making waves.

It’s a heartwarming song for farewells, graduation ceremonies, and moments when you long to see someone special again.

It’s a recommended track for times when you want to cherish your memories while looking ahead and doing your best.

migratory bird[Alexandros]28rank/position

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

When it comes to songs that take the excitement of intense events like relays, ball toss games, and tug-of-war to the next level, “Wataridori” tops the list.

Released in 2015 by the band [Alexandros], known for their distinctive rock sound, it has become a beloved staple at school sports days and athletic festivals.

The lyrics, themed around a bird flying endlessly, perfectly match the image of students taking on various events.

With its grand drumming and rhythmic guitar work, it’s a brisk yet passionate rock number that makes you want to start running.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem