[Middle School Students] Popular Japanese Songs / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]

idolYOASOBI71rank/position

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video

YOASOBI’s songs are known for their conceptual themes based on novels and their profound messages.

This piece was released on June 21, 2023 as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oshi no Ko,” and its lyrics that shake listeners’ hearts are especially striking.

It vividly portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they confess the conflicts of being an idol, self-sacrifice, and inner vulnerability.

The unique sound, which fuses hip-hop and gothic rock, is also captivating.

While facing one’s true self, the song questions the meaning of being loved and loving someone—a deeply thought-provoking track.

It’s a resonant masterpiece that’s perfect as a school festival dance number and sure to touch the hearts of those who listen.

flameLiSA72rank/position

LiSA “Homura” -MUSIC CLIP-

Homura, which was chosen as the theme song for the hugely popular anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, is now one of LiSA’s signature songs.

Gurenge, also used in Demon Slayer, has a fast tempo and is quite difficult, but compared to that, Homura is much easier to sing.

It has a relaxed tempo and many of the notes are on the lower side, so it won’t strain your throat.

The chorus does go a bit higher in places, but if you can’t reach those notes in chest voice, it’s perfectly fine to switch to falsetto there!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Christmas songback number73rank/position

back number – Christmas Song (full)

Back Number’s “Christmas Song” is a track that portrays a bittersweet longing for love.

It’s also known as the theme song for the TV drama “5→9: From Five to Nine,” and its lavish strings and straightforward lyrics resonate with many hearts.

Though it’s listened to year-round, this song is an essential melody during the Christmas season.

Perhaps even a middle school girl with an unrequited crush is listening to it with a fluttering heart.

The musical magic woven by Back Number continues to captivate people across generations.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO74rank/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.

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI75rank/position

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

As the end of the club activities you devoted yourself to during your student life draws near, you’re likely to be filled with deep emotion.

When you listen to “Sazanka,” it should give you the courage to look back on the days of friendship and growth and step forward into a new beginning.

The warm melody and lyrics of this song will surely bring back the joy you felt while immersing yourself in your club and the memories of the challenges you faced.

Fukase’s gentle voice delivers the feelings woven into the lyrics straight to your heart and will stand by graduates in this moment.

It’s a highly recommended song for etching into your heart both the loneliness felt at retirement and the time spent with your teammates.

Fanfaresumika76rank/position

sumika / Fanfare [Music Video]

This is an uplifting song that combines a sense of exhilarating momentum with a positive message.

It carries feelings that anyone can relate to, embodied in the protagonist who takes a step from a dark room toward a dazzling light.

Released in August 2018, the track drew major attention as the opening theme for the animated film “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.” sumika’s uniquely refreshing sound matches the film’s worldview beautifully, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s a perfect song for those who, despite their worries and anxieties, want to take a step forward, or for anyone seeking a push before a new challenge.

dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE77rank/position

2023 Parachute Balloon ♪ Dance Hall

An uplifting anthem whose light rhythm and bouncy melody remind you of the joy of living! Comparing the world to a dance hall, this Mrs.

GREEN APPLE track sends a positive message to enjoy life more.

Released on the July 2022 album “Unity,” it was also selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi 8.” It appears in the film “The White Lounge in CINEMA,” where its on-screen performance helped boost the song’s success.

Its dance-inducing vibe and happy mood make it perfect as background music for races or marches in sports day scenes.

Brimming with positive energy, this song is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.