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

DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE8rank/position

Da-iCE / <TV Anime “ONE PIECE” Theme Song> “DREAMIN’ ON” Music Video

This song expresses the courage and strong will to pursue one’s dreams.

Released in August 2020, it was selected as the 23rd opening theme for the popular anime ONE PIECE.

As the first installment of Da-iCE’s six-month consecutive release plan, it was created with a focus on the theme of “vision.” The lyrics, written by Sota Hanamura, are notable for their powerful message.

The song celebrates the spirit of adventure in taking on unknown worlds with your friends and the importance of staying true to yourself.

Conveying the value of moving forward without being defeated by adversity, this track is sure to encourage everyone taking on events at sports days and athletic festivals together with their teammates!

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism9rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

For middle school students caught up in the demands of school life, it’s nice to have a song that helps them focus on studying.

“Shukumei” by Official HIGE DANDism is just the track that lends strength in such moments.

Chosen as the theme song for “Netto Koshien,” it encourages hearts on the verge of breaking and helps them face forward.

Its gentle melody lightens the mood, and the message woven into the lyrics sparks the motivation to keep going.

Official HIGE DANDism’s delicate yet powerful musicality is sure to support your study time.

As a companion to your studies, give this song a listen and see how it can enrich your daily efforts.

peace signYonezu Kenshi10rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

A powerful song themed around challenge and growth makes the perfect cheer anthem to support practice for sports days and athletic festivals.

Included on the album BOOTLEG, released in November 2017, and chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime My Hero Academia, this track sings about the importance of moving forward by overcoming past failures and regrets.

With its bright, energetic sound, it fills listeners with courage and hope.

It’s sure to be a song that gives a push to everyone working hard toward their sports day or athletic festival.

OrangeSPYAIR11rank/position

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

This song beautifully captures the bittersweetness and freshness of youth.

Released in February 2024 as the theme for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, it emotionally sings of the passion and dreams of young people devoted to volleyball, as well as the bonds they share with their teammates.

Accompanied by an energetic band sound, it paints memories that are sweet and sour and the courage to move forward, carrying a compelling power that resonates deeply with listeners.

The track is the title song of the EP Orange and marks SPYAIR’s fourth collaboration with the Haikyu!! series.

It is highly popular as a theme for youth dramas and as a performance piece for school festivals, and it has also drawn attention as a support song for volleyball teams.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu12rank/position

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

An enduring masterpiece by Yuzu, the folk duo that represents Japan.

It embraces all the pain and setbacks of the past, the days of effort piled up without running away, and makes you feel proud of who you are now.

That warm yet powerful message resonates deeply with anyone striving forward.

Released as a single in July 2004, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s broadcast of the Athens Olympics.

Many will remember it alongside the moving scene of the men’s gymnastics team winning gold for the first time in 28 years.

Give it a listen when your club activities aren’t yielding the results you want, or when exam pressure feels overwhelming.

You’ll find the courage to believe that none of your steps so far have been in vain—and to keep moving forward.

Silent majorityKeyakizaka4613rank/position

Keyakizaka46 'Silent Majority'

It’s a hit song by the popular idol group Keyakizaka46.

Its dark vibe—unusual for an idol song—is a big draw, and the lyrics are perfect for sensitive middle schoolers.

It works whether sung by boys or girls, so it’s a song you can approach proactively.

It’s also a good idea to learn the dance for a karaoke event.

LemonYonezu Kenshi14rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

Kenshi Yonezu’s 8th major single was released in March 2018 (with digital distribution starting earlier in February of the same year).

It was written as the theme song for the TBS TV drama “Unnatural.” To aim for a high karaoke score with this song, there are a few tricky parts in the melody, so it’s essential to check those in advance.

Once you’ve memorized the melody, there aren’t any extremely high notes, so as long as the key suits you, you should definitely be able to go for a high score! The rhythm has a slight swing to it, so be careful not to miss that—make sure you really get into the groove of the track when you sing!

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Kei Takahata

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