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

Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa43rank/position

Road of Major / Kokoro-e

This is a song by Road of Major that powerfully paints the “picture of the heart” hidden in one’s chest.

Its passionate message—“No matter how many times you stumble, seize the future you dreamed of with your own hands!”—resonates with listeners.

Released in November 2004, this was their major-label debut single and served as the opening theme for the first season of the NHK Educational anime Major.

It can be called a rousing anthem that gives courage to high school baseball players chasing the white ball, and to everyone striving toward a big goal.

JUMPIkuta Rira44rank/position

Rira Ikuta “JUMP” Official Music Video

This is a track brimming with a sense of speed and a powerful message.

As an anthem for those facing hardships, it gently gives listeners a supportive push.

Ikuta Lila’s clear vocals convey the importance of keeping your head up and continuing to challenge yourself without giving up.

Released in November 2022, the song was chosen as the official theme for Fuji TV’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 coverage and is also included on the album “Sketch.” It will surely be a strong ally for junior high school students confronting new environments and relationships.

This is a motivational song we want to deliver to everyone who strives to overcome fear and anxiety and take a step toward their dreams.

companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi45rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Nakama” Full Ver.

Ketsumeishi’s “Nakama” is the perfect song that makes you want to link arms and sing together at the closing ceremony of a sports day.

The friends who fought alongside you are comrades-in-arms at the event, but they’re also the companions you spend your days with.

It’s a song that feels like it can help you build a relationship where you praise each other and say “good job” with genuine appreciation.

The bonds among the children, strengthened through the sports day, may deepen even further.

Be sure to give this song with its comfortable tempo and unpretentious lyrics a listen.

It’ll make for a wonderful sports day!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO46rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

It’s a friendly, feel-good cheer song that almost everyone has heard at least once.

Unusual among SHISHAMO’s works, it was created based on the excitement felt while watching a match of the soccer team Kawasaki Frontale.

Released in February 2017 as a track on the album “SHISHAMO 4,” it gained wide recognition through its tie-in with an NTT Docomo commercial.

Singing about the joy of meeting your dream heroes on the weekend and the energy you get from it, the song features warm lyrics that convey the support around you and hope for the future.

Even in tough or discouraging times, it’s a stirring track that gives you the courage and strength to look forward, and it resonates in moments when you step forward with power—such as the entrance at a sports day or the opening of a school athletic festival.

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy47rank/position

[Mixed Chorus] Monster Flower Song / Vaundy *Part-specific audio available

Vaundy is a singer-songwriter who handles everything from songwriting to video production and enjoys overwhelming support, especially among young people.

This track, included on his first album “strobo” released in May 2020, was featured in a Maruha Nichiro commercial and drew huge attention when performed on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Its driving band sound and catchy melody seize listeners’ hearts and don’t let go.

The lyrics, which nostalgically recall carefree days with friends while giving you a push to step into the future, perfectly match the bittersweet yet uplifting feelings of graduation season.

By 2025, it had become a universally known classic with a cumulative one billion streams, so if your whole class sings it together, it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.

SUNHoshino Gen48rank/position

Gen Hoshino – SUN (Official Video)

Gen Hoshino’s 8th single, released in May 2015.

The song was created as the theme for Fuji TV’s Wednesday 10 p.m.

drama “Kokoro ga Pokitto ne,” marking Hoshino’s first theme song for a serial drama.

It has that stylish Gen Hoshino feel, and there are parts that can be a bit tricky to sing, so if you’re aiming for a high score, try practicing after you’ve memorized where the melody and lyrics break.

It’s a good idea to keep your singing light to maintain the song’s breezy groove!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

The world is falling in loveCHiCO with HoneyWorks49rank/position

The World Is Falling in Love / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Middle schoolers right in the thick of adolescence… Many of you are probably starting to get interested in romance.

Why not lift your spirits with a sweet and tangy love song? This track by the music unit CHiCO with HoneyWorks was released as their first single in 2014.

It became a hot topic when it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Blue Spring Ride (Ao Haru Ride).

It’s such a lovely song that you can’t help but think, “Falling in love is wonderful.” Be sure to listen for yourself and feel its charm.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem