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

It’s love, right?wacci92rank/position

wacci 'Koi Daro' Music Video

A signature song by wacci that gives you the courage to cherish pure feelings, regardless of status or position.

Its deep affection—wanting to accept everything about the other person—is expressed through a warm melody and lyrics that resonate.

Released in April 2022, it drew attention as an insert song for the drama “Yangotonaki Ichizoku” and won an Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.

Recommended for those who feel anxious about love or want to express their feelings to someone important.

Give it a listen, and why not take a brave step forward yourself?

We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā93rank/position

I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.

A powerful anthem that gives you a push in those youthful moments.

Released by Sambomaster in February 2010, this song carries a warm message that boosts self-affirmation and the spirit to take on challenges.

Centered on themes of “not giving up,” “moving forward,” and “possibility,” it offers a gentle embrace for everyone’s anxieties and doubts while giving the courage to take a new step.

It has been featured in a Nissan commercial and as the image song for the film Cheer☆Dance, resonating with many hearts.

It’s a classic that students training for sports festivals, as well as anyone standing at a crossroads in life, should hear.

You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}94rank/position

You know. / Are-kun & “Yuika” [MV]

A refreshing melody that evokes the feeling of spring and lyrics that capture the innocence of first love make a lasting impression! This is a duet song by Are-kun and Yuika.

Created solely through exchanges on social media, the track was born from a fateful encounter where they met in person for the first time at the recording session.

It vividly portrays the frustrating emotions of two people who have feelings for each other but can’t quite express them honestly.

Released in April 2022, the song gained attention for its youthfully nostalgic music video, in which a high school boy and girl share their feelings as cherry blossoms flutter around them.

It’s recommended not only for those experiencing unrequited love, but also for anyone looking to start a new romance with the arrival of spring.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB4895rank/position

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

The time eventually comes to retire from the club activities you devoted yourself to during your school days.

Along with a touch of sadness, AKB48’s “365 Nichi no Kamihikōki” is the perfect song to listen to as you feel a sense of accomplishment and the bonds with your teammates.

With its warm melody and resonant lyrics, it encourages you to look back on the days you’ve spent and take a courageous new step forward.

Its message, conveyed in soothing vocals as if speaking to you, will deeply resonate when you find yourself pausing between the end and beginning of youth.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to offer words of encouragement to graduates setting off toward a new future.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN96rank/position

I tried dancing 'Sugar Song and Bitter Step' in front of the Eiffel Tower

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is a rock band known for their powerful vocals and high-level musicianship.

Their 2015 release “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” is a danceable track packed with vibrant charm.

The lively guitar tones in the intro make you want to step along.

Its refreshing melody line, carried by a rhythmic tempo, will resonate with you.

Whether you go for technical choreography or arrange it for beginners, this uptempo song will liven up any school or cultural festival!

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CHE.R.RYYUI97rank/position

CHE.R.RY

Let me introduce a song that refreshingly portrays a bittersweet spring romance.

Delicately expressing the feelings of unrequited love conveyed through cell phone emails, this track by YUI gently sings about the beginning of love—something everyone has experienced at least once.

With warmth, it depicts the protagonist, who isn’t good with emojis, having their heart skip a beat at messages from their crush and fretting over the back-and-forth of replies with pure sincerity.

Released in March 2007, the song resonated with many and was later included on the album “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE.” It was also used as the ending theme for the anime “ReLIFE: Final Arc.” It’s a perfect cheer song for those experiencing their first love in a new environment, or for anyone ready to take a new step forward with the arrival of spring.

Zankyo SankaAimer98rank/position

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO（Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song）

A work whose appeal lies in the grand worldview woven by its visuals and music.

The powerful message in the lyrics—“overcoming past pain and moving toward the future”—harmonizes beautifully with the dark, epic melody.

Aimer’s distinctive vocals resonate with deep emotion and stir the heart.

It was pre-released digitally in December 2021, followed by a CD single in January 2022.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc, it drew major attention, including topping two categories on Billboard Japan after its digital release.

It’s perfect when you need the courage to pursue your ideals or to fire yourself up.

Listen to this while training, and you’ll feel the strength to push past your limits.