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]
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE		A refreshing rock band youth song that depicts summer
2	peace signYonezu Kenshi		Challenge and growth, moving forward by overcoming failure
3	HarukaYOASOBI		A life story watched over by a mug
4	FateOfisharu Higedan Dism		Cheering on middle school students who are working hard at their studies as their destiny
5	A Little Love SongMONGOL800		The classic song “Chiisa…” is still loved by many people today.
6	horizonback number		A poignant song for rebirth that resonates with the heart
7	Only for you, clear skiesYorushika		A song that depicts summer memories and the bittersweetness of youth
8	together; along with; bothWANIMA		WANIMA's exhilarating, fast-paced rock.
9	If you laugh at the skywacci		Wacci’s moving song, a track that gives you strength to pursue your dreams
10	MiracleGReeeeN		Get fired up with the ROOKIES drama theme song
11	RPGSEKAI NO OWARI		SEKAI NO OWARI “RPG” is perfect for a sports day closing ceremony
12	CorrectRADWIMPS		The importance of finding your own answer
13	DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE		A song that pursues courage and dreams
14	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		An encouraging classic by Yuzu that resonates with the hearts of those who strive.
15	OrangeSPYAIR		A theme song that sings of youth and a passion for volleyball
16	Marigoldaimyon		Aimyon’s signature song “Marigold”
17	Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki		Masaki Suda’s nostalgic melodies—songs that are easy to sing
18	It’s nothing.Kamishiraishi Mone		The heart-stirring theme song of “Your Name.”
19	Silent majorityKeyakizaka46		Keyakizaka46's dark-tinged hit songs
20	KanadeSukima Suichi		A song that portrays farewell and bonds with a precious person
21	Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster		A powerful song that supports people pursuing their dreams
22	We AreONE OK ROCK		A hopeful song that moves the hearts of young people
23	Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA		A popular rock-style song with a hopeful message
24	migratory bird[Alexandros]		A cheer song that takes flight toward your dreams
25	Dinner Songtuki.		A song that gently expresses the struggle between love and parting
26	We againSG		A cheering song that overcomes parting and hopes for a reunion
27	Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai		An anthem for youth, bursting with a sense of speed!
28	Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya		Tatsuya Kitani’s youth rock, Aoi no Sumika (Blue Home)
29	Kitearashi		The five members of Arashi, Olympic theme song ‘Kite’ moves audiences
30	YELLikimonogakari		The iconic song “YELL” that gives courage and hope at graduation ceremonies
31	User ManualNishino Kana		Expressing a girl's feelings with plenty of humor...
32	Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts		An anthem to a rule-breaking way of life powered by muscle
33	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		Stargazing: a classic song that sets your thoughts adrift in the night sky
34	New Treasure IslandSakanakushon		A Song of Children's Adventures and Courage for the Future
35	Curtain callYuuri		An uplifting support song of positive hope and strong will
36	bondhaji→		A heartwarming song that expresses bonds between people
37	The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell		An inspiring summer song by Supercell
38	fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi		Collaboration song by Kenshi Yonezu and DAOKO, a movie theme
39	Fanfaresumika		An upbeat, exhilarating cheer song
40	Charlesbarūn		A Vocaloid song themed around lost love and parting
41	Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro		A classic song that portrays the bonds and warmth of friendship
42	chantAdo		Ado’s new song, USJ Halloween theme song
43	Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa		A passionate anthem for those who chase their dreams: the power of courage
44	JUMPIkuta Rira		An anthem cheering on those who face adversity
45	companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi		Deepen the bonds of the sports day with Ketsumeishi's “Nakama”
46	Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO		A cheering song born from the passion of Kawasaki Frontale
47	Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy		A moving song by Vaundy that colors the emotions of graduation
48	SUNHoshino Gen		Gen Hoshino, for his 8th single, the release is 20…
49	The world is falling in loveCHiCO with HoneyWorks		A love song portraying the feelings of a middle school crush, a CHiCO track
50	proofflumpool		Be moved and find courage with flumpool’s “Proof”
51	We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā		An anthem of support that gives you the courage to keep moving forward without giving up
52	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		A classic song that sings of club-retirement and youthful memories
53	Teenager ForeverKing Gnu		The sports festival is a precious page in the memories of youth.
54	I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu		A moving graduation song for the day of departure
55	Team friendsChiba Yūki		Introduction to Trap Music for Middle School Students
56	I can’t stand that cute girl.narumiya		An unrequited love song depicting Narumiya’s feelings of love
57	Everyone is a heroAI		A song that gives you the courage to face forward and take on challenges
58	Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento		Kochi Kento’s cheer song, “Giri Giri Dance”
59	rainbowAqua Timez		Aqua Timez’s cheer song “Niji”
60	Live in the present.Saucy Dog		Saucy Dog’s High School Soccer Cheering Song
61	Bye, my friendbokula.		A coming-of-age song by the Hiroshima band bokula.
62	Connect!Misaka Saki		The support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Championship will be sung by Saki Misaka for the first time.
63	Zankyo SankaAimer		A powerful message about overcoming the past and moving toward the future
64	sparkleFuji Kaze		Fujii Kaze’s digital-only single, a track with outstanding rhythm
65	DynamiteBTS		BTS’s “Dynamite” is, in the world…
66	Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN		A classic song by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN
67	CHE.R.RYYUI		A heartwarming classic by YUI that portrays a springtime love
68	Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//		Exam cheer song, a track that gives you the courage to move forward
69	You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}		A duet song depicting the budding feelings of spring love
70	Overdosenatori		A song trending on social media depicts inner conflict.
71	As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE		“Nando Demo” that gives courage and hope
72	Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu		A song that portrays the brilliance of youth and the importance of friendship
73	HEROAmuro Namie		Namie Amuro’s hit song “Hero” is moving.
74	Yi-Er Fan ClubMikito P		Mikito-P’s smash-hit Chinese-learning song
75	SunMy Hair is Bad		An inspiring song themed around high school baseball
76	FLASHPerfume		A refreshing dance tune that captures the brilliance of the moment
77	Brother BeatSnow Man		Brother Beat by Snow Man, for a school festival
78	Biting the second handzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.		Midnight rock, an energetic shout
79	rainbow-coloredayaka		Characterized by a solid, powerful singing voice with a gospel flavor…
80	Walking with youNovelbright		Novelbright’s youth song
81	Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu		Takahashi Yu's uplifting, heartwarming songs
82	Soul RevolutionSuperfly		A brave rock song I want to listen to at a sports festival
83	We are!kitadani hiroshi		We Are is an inspiring song full of adventure
84	paprikaFoorin		Kenshi Yonezu’s “Paprika” is a delightful classic.
85	The Zero Sense10-FEET		An inspiring song that sings of passion for basketball and dreams
86	Make you happyNiziU		The debut song of the hugely popular group NiziU, “...
87	The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP		An inspiring classic by SMAP
88	Tightly.mosao.		A gentle acoustic guitar and a bittersweet song...
89	Donut holehachi		A rock song full of a sense of speed
90	Cinderella GirlKing&Prince		A fairy-tale-themed love song with a strong, meaningful message
91	Fly Highmilet		milet "Fly High" suitable for a sports day
92	SenbonzakuraKurousa-P		Kurousa-P’s signature song, a Japanese-style Vocaloid rock track
93	It’s okay.BLUE ENCOUNT		An anthem of youth, the heart-stirring BLUE ENCOUNT
94	To the futureKiroro		Tears at the farewell for our senior
95	Don’t give upZARD		“Makenaide” is popular across generations as a cheer/encouragement song.
96	March 9Remioromen		A heartwarming graduation song that colors farewells and new encounters
97	Footsteps ~Be StrongMr.Children		An inspirational song used as a TV drama’s theme is a self-produced track.
98	Lavisurii		Ravi is a hype Vocaloid song
99	R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu		The third-generation JSB’s captivating songs, with the Running Man being especially memorable
100	Gate of GloryHirai Dai		Cheering on effort and courage with the sports day fight song “The Door of Glory”