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

Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE1rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is a three-piece rock band known for their emotional high-tone vocals and catchy melodies.

Their 7th single, “Ao to Natsu,” chosen as the theme song for the film Aonatsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-nichi (Blue Summer: The 30 Days I Loved You), is a summer-ready number marked by a refreshing guitar riff.

The lyrics evoke images of chasing after a youth that will never come again, making the heat of summer heighten their sense of reality.

It’s an exhilarating rock tune that resonates both with middle schoolers in the midst of their youth and adults who can’t help but look back on theirs.

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Hoshino Takashi

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peace signYonezu Kenshi2rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

A powerful song themed around challenge and growth makes the perfect cheer anthem to support practice for sports days and athletic festivals.

Included on the album BOOTLEG, released in November 2017, and chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime My Hero Academia, this track sings about the importance of moving forward by overcoming past failures and regrets.

With its bright, energetic sound, it fills listeners with courage and hope.

It’s sure to be a song that gives a push to everyone working hard toward their sports day or athletic festival.

HarukaYOASOBI3rank/position

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

A moving work spun from the story of a mug that has watched over someone’s half a lifetime.

In YOASOBI’s music-led tale, the mug sometimes illuminates life’s milestones and at other times gently embraces small moments of growth.

Everyday scenes sprinkled throughout vividly reflect the bittersweetness of partings and growing up that everyone experiences.

Released in December 2020, this work is based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Ouji” (Moon Prince).

It has also been featured as the commercial song for Takara Tomy’s LCD care toy “Puniruns” and as the image song for “Art Aquarium 2021 — Hakata: Festival of Goldfish,” garnering support from a wide audience.

It is a song that stays close to those who have parted with a cherished memento or who are facing a farewell with someone dear.

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism4rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

For middle school students caught up in the demands of school life, it’s nice to have a song that helps them focus on studying.

“Shukumei” by Official HIGE DANDism is just the track that lends strength in such moments.

Chosen as the theme song for “Netto Koshien,” it encourages hearts on the verge of breaking and helps them face forward.

Its gentle melody lightens the mood, and the message woven into the lyrics sparks the motivation to keep going.

Official HIGE DANDism’s delicate yet powerful musicality is sure to support your study time.

As a companion to your studies, give this song a listen and see how it can enrich your daily efforts.

A Little Love SongMONGOL8005rank/position

MONGOL800 / A Small Love Song

The classic song “Chiisana Koi no Uta” is still loved by many people today.

Although it’s an older track released in 2001, it’s a curious song that continues to be highly popular among younger generations.

I think many current junior high school students also know this song.

The opening part sits very low in the register, so many people may feel it’s difficult.

However, that low delivery is primarily a vocal choice to make it sound good; if you’re aiming for a high score in karaoke, songs like this one with lots of low notes can actually be easier to sing.

Find the key that suits you and give it a try.

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Ryo

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horizonback number6rank/position

back number – Horizon

A gem of a ballad delivered by back number, a band that captures listeners’ hearts with poignant lyrics.

Beginning with a gentle piano melody, this song weaves a story about the pain of dreams and hopes suddenly collapsing, and the will to look forward and begin anew.

Many will find their own experiences reflected in the raw, urgent feelings—like a cry for one’s existence—born from unnoticed loneliness.

Created for high school students whose Inter-High was canceled, the song was released on YouTube in August 2020.

It’s a classic that quietly stays by your side when summer fun has passed and a faint loneliness sets in.

Only for you, clear skiesYorushika7rank/position

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

This piece is included on the second mini-album released in May 2018, “Losers Don’t Need an Encore.” It’s a nostalgic portrayal that recalls summer scenes spent with someone special, and it tightens your chest as you listen.

It depicts a protagonist who, while growing up, feels the anxiety of falling behind and carries feelings they can’t put into words—something that will surely resonate with junior high school students in the midst of their youth.

Despite the heartrending lyrics, the refreshing tone and melody offer a sense of relief, making it an emotional number.