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

Live in the present.Saucy Dog85rank/position

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI86rank/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.

The world is falling in loveCHiCO with HoneyWorks87rank/position

The World Is Falling in Love / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Middle schoolers right in the thick of adolescence… Many of you are probably starting to get interested in romance.

Why not lift your spirits with a sweet and tangy love song? This track by the music unit CHiCO with HoneyWorks was released as their first single in 2014.

It became a hot topic when it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Blue Spring Ride (Ao Haru Ride).

It’s such a lovely song that you can’t help but think, “Falling in love is wonderful.” Be sure to listen for yourself and feel its charm.

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Araki Jakkan

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Teenager ForeverKing Gnu88rank/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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JUMPIkuta Rira89rank/position

Rira Ikuta “JUMP” Official Music Video

This is a track brimming with a sense of speed and a powerful message.

As an anthem for those facing hardships, it gently gives listeners a supportive push.

Ikuta Lila’s clear vocals convey the importance of keeping your head up and continuing to challenge yourself without giving up.

Released in November 2022, the song was chosen as the official theme for Fuji TV’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 coverage and is also included on the album “Sketch.” It will surely be a strong ally for junior high school students confronting new environments and relationships.

This is a motivational song we want to deliver to everyone who strives to overcome fear and anxiety and take a step toward their dreams.

DynamiteBTS90rank/position

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Dynamite’ Official MV (Choreography ver.)

BTS’s “Dynamite” captivates music fans around the world.

The song blends hip-hop with flowing English lyrics, giving it a light, funky feel.

It’s become a hot topic not only on TV and in the streets but also on social media, and it has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.

It’s so catchy that even if you don’t understand the words, your body picks up the rhythm, and it might just brighten your morning walk to school.

Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism91rank/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.