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

We AreONE OK ROCK22rank/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 FlowerLiSA23rank/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.

migratory bird[Alexandros]24rank/position

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

A song marked by exhilarating sound and a powerful message.

It portrays taking flight toward big dreams and gives a push to those taking a new step forward.

Released in June 2015, the track has been used as a movie theme song and in commercials, making it popular across a wide range of ages.

It’s also said to be a favorite at events like sports days and athletic festivals.

Perfect for people embarking on a new chapter, such as entrance ceremonies or the start of a new school term.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to believe in your own strength and move forward, or when you want to give your all together with friends.

Dinner Songtuki.25rank/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 againSG26rank/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.

Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai27rank/position

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Is Youth Embarrassing?' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hazukashiika Seishun wa

An uplifting youth anthem featuring a dynamic melody and a driving, fast-paced sound.

Released by Ryokuoushoku Shakai in July 2024 as the theme song for an ABEMA dating show, it captures the anxieties and aspirations of adolescence and the brilliance of giving your all, expressed through powerful vocals and a grand arrangement with a 40-piece orchestra.

The track is also included on the album “Channel U,” and since its first live performance at Sukima Fes, it has been featured on numerous music programs.

It’s perfect for events like sports days and athletic festivals where you go all out with your friends.

A song that gently supports students living their “only-now” moments to the fullest.

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya28rank/position

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

This song, the title track of Tatsuya Kitani’s EP “Ao no Sumika,” released in July 2023, was chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death.” The lyrics, which layer the radiance of youth with the sense of loss that comes with adulthood, really hit home.

The chime tones that ring out amid the driving rock sound evoke a certain nostalgia, don’t they? Its refreshing yet emotional vibe makes it a perfect BGM choice for work or study when you want to get fired up.