RAG MusicJunior
A wonderful classic

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

There are some songs that were once popular and are still listened to today.

Aren’t you curious about which artists are popular among junior high school students?

This time, we’ve created a ranking of Japanese artists popular with junior high schoolers, so please give them a listen.

It’s a must-hear for teachers and parents too!

Playlist

Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-Pop Artists Among Junior High School Students [2026]
show_chartTitlePlaylistReview
1Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLEplay_arrow
Mrs. GREEN APPLE Aonatsu theme song sports day BGM
2peace signYonezu Kenshi
peace signYonezu Kenshiplay_arrow
Yonezu Kenshi’s My Hero Academia opening song gives a push to those doing their best
3HarukaYOASOBI
HarukaYOASOBIplay_arrow
A life story watched over by a mug
4FateOfisharu Higedan Dism
FateOfisharu Higedan Dismplay_arrow
Cheering on middle school students who are working hard at their studies as their destiny
5A Little Love SongMONGOL800
A Little Love SongMONGOL800play_arrow
A masterpiece with heavy bass that can score high points
6horizonback number
horizonback numberplay_arrow
A poignant song for rebirth that resonates with the heart
7Only for you, clear skiesYorushika
Only for you, clear skiesYorushikaplay_arrow
A song that depicts summer memories and the bittersweetness of youth
8together; along with; bothWANIMA
together; along with; bothWANIMAplay_arrow
WANIMA's exhilarating, fast-paced rock.
9If you laugh at the skywacci
If you laugh at the skywacciplay_arrow
Wacci’s moving song, a track that gives you strength to pursue your dreams
10MiracleGReeeeN
MiracleGReeeeNplay_arrow
Get fired up with the ROOKIES drama theme song
11CorrectRADWIMPS
CorrectRADWIMPSplay_arrow
The importance of finding your own answer
12RPGSEKAI NO OWARI
RPGSEKAI NO OWARIplay_arrow
SEKAI NO OWARI “RPG” is perfect for a sports day closing ceremony
13DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE
DREAMIN’ONDa-iCEplay_arrow
A song that pursues courage and dreams
14Bridge of Gloryyuzu
Bridge of Gloryyuzuplay_arrow
Yuzu’s classic song that praises hard work
15OrangeSPYAIR
OrangeSPYAIRplay_arrow
A theme song that sings of youth and a passion for volleyball
16Marigoldaimyon
Marigoldaimyonplay_arrow
Aimyon’s signature song “Marigold”
17Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki
Goodbye ElegySuda Masakiplay_arrow
Masaki Suda’s nostalgic melodies—songs that are easy to sing
18It’s nothing.Kamishiraishi Mone
It's nothing.Kamishiraishi Moneplay_arrow
The heart-stirring theme song of “Your Name.”
19KanadeSukima Suichi
KanadeSukima Suichiplay_arrow
A song that portrays farewell and bonds with a precious person
20Silent majorityKeyakizaka46
Silent majorityKeyakizaka46play_arrow
Keyakizaka46's dark-tinged hit songs
21Kitearashi
Kitearashiplay_arrow
The five members of Arashi, Olympic theme song ‘Kite’ moves audiences
22Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monsterplay_arrow
A powerful song that supports people pursuing their dreams
23We AreONE OK ROCK
We AreONE OK ROCKplay_arrow
A hopeful song that moves the hearts of young people
24One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYSplay_arrow
Cheering song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
25migratory bird[Alexandros]
migratory bird[Alexandros]play_arrow
A cheer song that takes flight toward your dreams
26Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSAplay_arrow
A popular rock-style song with a hopeful message
27Dinner Songtuki.
Dinner Songtuki.play_arrow
A song that gently expresses the struggle between love and parting
28We againSG
We againSGplay_arrow
A cheering song that overcomes parting and hopes for a reunion
29Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya
Blue HabitatKitanitatsuyaplay_arrow
Tatsuya Kitani’s youth rock, Aoi no Sumika (Blue Home)
30Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai
Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it's embarrassing?Ryokushokushakaiplay_arrow
An anthem for youth, bursting with a sense of speed!
31YELLikimonogakari
YELLikimonogakariplay_arrow
The iconic song “YELL” that gives courage and hope at graduation ceremonies
32User ManualNishino Kana
User ManualNishino Kanaplay_arrow
Expressing a girl's feelings with plenty of humor...
33Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts
Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nutsplay_arrow
An anthem to a rule-breaking way of life powered by muscle
34Curtain callYuuri
Curtain callYuuriplay_arrow
An uplifting support song of positive hope and strong will
35New Treasure IslandSakanakushon
New Treasure IslandSakanakushonplay_arrow
A Song of Children's Adventures and Courage for the Future
36astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKENplay_arrow
Stargazing: a classic song that sets your thoughts adrift in the night sky
37bondhaji→
bondhaji→play_arrow
A heartwarming song that expresses bonds between people
38The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell
The Story You Don't Knowsupercellplay_arrow
An inspiring summer song by Supercell
39fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshiplay_arrow
Collaboration song by Kenshi Yonezu and DAOKO, a movie theme
40Fanfaresumika
Fanfaresumikaplay_arrow
An upbeat, exhilarating cheer song
41Charlesbarūn
Charlesbarūnplay_arrow
A Vocaloid song themed around lost love and parting
42Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiroplay_arrow
A classic song that portrays the bonds and warmth of friendship
43chantAdo
chantAdoplay_arrow
Ado’s new song, USJ Halloween theme song
44Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa
Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaaplay_arrow
A passionate anthem for those who chase their dreams: the power of courage
45JUMPIkuta Rira
JUMPIkuta Riraplay_arrow
An anthem cheering on those who face adversity
46Teenager ForeverKing Gnu
Teenager ForeverKing Gnuplay_arrow
The sports festival is a precious page in the memories of youth.
47Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMOplay_arrow
A cheering song born from the passion of Kawasaki Frontale
48companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi
companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishiplay_arrow
Deepen the bonds of the sports day with Ketsumeishi's “Nakama”
49Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster's Flower Song)Vaundyplay_arrow
A moving song by Vaundy that colors the emotions of graduation
50Make you happyNiziU
Make you happyNiziUplay_arrow
A NiziU dance song characterized by jump rope
51We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā
We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutāplay_arrow
An anthem of support that gives you the courage to keep moving forward without giving up
52SUNHoshino Gen
SUNHoshino Genplay_arrow
Gen Hoshino’s first TV drama theme song
53The world is falling in loveCHiCO with HoneyWorks
The world is falling in loveCHiCO with HoneyWorksplay_arrow
A love song portraying the feelings of a middle school crush, a CHiCO track
54proofflumpool
proofflumpoolplay_arrow
Be moved and find courage with flumpool’s “Proof”
55365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
365 Days' Paper AirplaneAKB48play_arrow
A classic song that sings of club-retirement and youthful memories
56I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsuplay_arrow
A moving graduation song for the day of departure
57Team friendsChiba Yūki
Team friendsChiba Yūkiplay_arrow
Introduction to Trap Music for Middle School Students
58I can’t stand that cute girl.narumiya
I can’t stand that cute girl.narumiyaplay_arrow
An unrequited love song depicting Narumiya’s feelings of love
59Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento
Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kentoplay_arrow
Kochi Kento’s cheer song, “Giri Giri Dance”
60Everyone is a heroAI
Everyone is a heroAIplay_arrow
A song that gives you the courage to face forward and take on challenges
61rainbowAqua Timez
rainbowAqua Timezplay_arrow
Aqua Timez’s cheer song “Niji”
62Live in the present.Saucy Dog
Live in the present.Saucy Dogplay_arrow
Saucy Dog’s High School Soccer Cheering Song
63Bye, my friendbokula.
Bye, my friendbokula.play_arrow
A coming-of-age song by the Hiroshima band bokula.
64Connect!Misaka Saki
Connect!Misaka Sakiplay_arrow
An uplifting anthem whose Misa Saki’s clear, expansive vocals reach the heart
65sparkleFuji Kaze
sparkleFuji Kazeplay_arrow
Fujii Kaze’s digital-only single, a track with outstanding rhythm
66Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu
Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzuplay_arrow
A dance song popular among junior high school students is trending on TikTok.
67Zankyo SankaAimer
Zankyo SankaAimerplay_arrow
A powerful message about overcoming the past and moving toward the future
68DynamiteBTS
DynamiteBTSplay_arrow
BTS’s “Dynamite” is, in the world…
69Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDENplay_arrow
A classic song by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN
70CHE.R.RYYUI
CHE.R.RYYUIplay_arrow
A heartwarming classic by YUI that portrays a springtime love
71Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//
Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//play_arrow
Exam cheer song, a track that gives you the courage to move forward
72You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}
You know what,are-kun &『yuika'}play_arrow
A duet song depicting the budding feelings of spring love
73Overdosenatori
Overdosenatoriplay_arrow
A song trending on social media depicts inner conflict.
74As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE
As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUEplay_arrow
“Nando Demo” that gives courage and hope
75Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsuplay_arrow
An anthem by Macaroni Empitsu that portrays the fleeting nature of youth
76Yi-Er Fan ClubMikito P
Yi-Er Fan ClubMikito Pplay_arrow
Mikito-P’s smash-hit Chinese-learning song
77HEROAmuro Namie
HEROAmuro Namieplay_arrow
Namie Amuro’s hit song “Hero” is moving.
78SunMy Hair is Bad
SunMy Hair is Badplay_arrow
An inspiring song themed around high school baseball
79FLASHPerfume
FLASHPerfumeplay_arrow
A refreshing dance tune that captures the brilliance of the moment
80Brother BeatSnow Man
Brother BeatSnow Manplay_arrow
Brother Beat by Snow Man, for a school festival
81Biting the second handzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
Biting the second handzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.play_arrow
Midnight rock, an energetic shout
82Soul RevolutionSuperfly
Soul RevolutionSuperflyplay_arrow
A brave rock song I want to listen to at a sports festival
83rainbow-coloredayaka
rainbow-coloredayakaplay_arrow
Characterized by a solid, powerful singing voice with a gospel flavor…
84Walking with youNovelbright
Walking with youNovelbrightplay_arrow
Novelbright’s youth song
85Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu
Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuuplay_arrow
Takahashi Yu's uplifting, heartwarming songs
86We are!kitadani hiroshi
We are!kitadani hiroshiplay_arrow
We Are is an inspiring song full of adventure
87paprikaFoorin
paprikaFoorin
Kenshi Yonezu’s “Paprika” is a delightful classic.
88The Zero Sense10-FEET
The Zero Sense10-FEETplay_arrow
Rock that sings of passion for basketball
89The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAPplay_arrow
An inspiring classic by SMAP
90Tightly.mosao.
Tightly.mosao.play_arrow
A gentle acoustic guitar and a bittersweet song...
91Donut holehachi
Donut holehachiplay_arrow
A rock song full of a sense of speed
92March 9Remioromen
March 9Remioromenplay_arrow
A heartwarming graduation song that colors farewells and new encounters
93R.Y.U.S.E.ISandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
R.Y.U.S.E.ISandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibuplay_arrow
3rd Generation JSB’s Dream and Bonds-Themed EDM
94Cinderella GirlKing&Prince
Cinderella GirlKing&Princeplay_arrow
A fairy-tale-themed love song with a strong, meaningful message
95To the futureKiroro
To the futureKiroroplay_arrow
Tears at the farewell for our senior
96Fly Highmilet
Fly Highmiletplay_arrow
milet "Fly High" suitable for a sports day
97SenbonzakuraKurousa-P
SenbonzakuraKurousa-Pplay_arrow
Kurousa-P’s signature song, a Japanese-style Vocaloid rock track
98Bunny GirlAKASAKI
Bunny GirlAKASAKIplay_arrow
AKASAKI’s songs have a narrow vocal range and anyone can sing them.
99Don’t give upZARD
Don't give upZARDplay_arrow
“Makenaide” is popular across generations as a cheer/encouragement song.
100Gate of GloryHirai Dai
Gate of GloryHirai Daiplay_arrow
Cheering on effort and courage with the sports day fight song “The Door of Glory”