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

Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism85rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

A song that celebrates the strength to face adversity, the bonds with comrades, and the desire to try again debuted in May 2021 as the opening theme for the TV anime Tokyo Revengers.

Created by Official HIGE DANDism, it features an innovative sound with ten key changes, expressing the protagonist’s indomitable spirit.

It peaked at No.

4 on Billboard JAPAN’s Japan Hot 100 and won the Composition Award at the Reiwa 3rd Anisong Taisho.

From August 2022, it was also used in DyDo Drinco’s DyDo Blend commercial.

Imbued with a strong will to keep moving forward despite repeated setbacks, it’s a perfect song to belt out at karaoke.

sparkleFuji Kaze86rank/position

Fujii Kaze – Kirari (Official Video)

This is Mr.

Fujii Kaze’s sixth digital-only single, released in May 2021 by HEHN RECORDS/Universal Music.

It was also used in the commercial for Honda’s fully redesigned VEZEL, so many people have likely heard it.

With its comfortable rhythm, it’s one of the tracks well-suited to mass formation performances where formations change in sync with the timing.

In addition, the song’s uniquely refreshing and near-futuristic feel seems poised to add contrast and dynamism to a sports day event.

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kojifumi

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Teenager ForeverKing Gnu87rank/position

King Gnu – Teenager Forever

For students, one of the most important events in school life is surely the sports day or athletic festival.

In other words, it’s a precious page of youth.

To add color to those memories, why not play “Teenager Forever”? It’s a song by the popular mixture band King Gnu, included on their third album “CEREMONY,” released in 2020.

Many of you may know it as it was used in a SONY commercial.

The lyrics convey a powerful message—a burning desire to keep on running forever—that’s absolutely top-notch.

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Araki Jakkan

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rainbowAqua Timez88rank/position

Aqua Timez “Niji” Music Video (Theme song for the drama Gokusen Season 3)

Aqua Timez’s “Niji” gently wraps a heart on the verge of breaking and gives it a powerful push forward.

Released in May 2008 as their sixth single, it became widely loved as the theme song for the drama Gokusen: The Third Series, starring Yukie Nakama.

The melody, which fuses sweeping strings with a powerful band sound, has a refreshing clarity that feels like your view opening up just by listening.

Its million certification for surpassing one million downloads also speaks to its long-lasting support.

When you feel lonely studying for exams or frustrated by results in your club activities, give this song a listen.

The straightforward message in the chorus will pour fresh energy into your anxious heart and help you keep going.

Curtain callYuuri89rank/position

Curtain Call by Yuuri: My Hero Academia Special Music Video / My Hero Academia Season 7 Cour 2 Opening Theme Anime MV

This is a song by Yuuri featuring an exhilarating, up-tempo rock melody and lyrics filled with hope as two people strive to understand each other.

It powerfully and directly sings of the protagonist’s strong resolve to keep pursuing the path they believe in, while showing empathy toward those they stand opposed to.

A rousing cheer song that gives you a push to chase dreams together with teammates at sports days and athletic festivals, it was released in July 2024 and chosen as the opening theme for Season 7, Cour 2 of the popular anime My Hero Academia.

It’s a track we especially recommend to everyone competing with friends, helping one another, and giving their all toward their goals.

Everyone is a heroAI90rank/position

Minnagaminna Au (Full Version)

It’s a wonderful cheer song that delivers a powerful message.

Released in February 2016, it’s known as the theme song for au’s “Santaro” commercial series.

AI’s expansive, powerful vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

The lyrics, which capture various moments of everyday life, depict people who strive to move forward even while facing setbacks and anxieties.

The message that you can meet a new version of yourself without losing to headwinds truly sinks in.

It’s a perfect song for junior high school students who are struggling in school life or want to take on a challenge.

It will surely give you courage.

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI91rank/position

Highest Point / SEKAI NO OWARI [Sports Day Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

With its original approach of turning weakness into an ally to reach greater heights, this song becomes a compelling anthem of encouragement.

It carries a positive message: by accepting and overcoming your weaknesses, you can achieve significant growth.

Coupled with SEKAI NO OWARI’s gentle yet powerful vocals and expansive arrangement, it resonates deeply with listeners.

Produced in September 2023 as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime ONE PIECE, it is also included on the album Nautilus.

It’s a track that will strongly support participants during moments of challenge at school events like sports days and athletic festivals.

As a cheer song for anyone striving toward lofty goals, it’s a work you’ll definitely want to hear.