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

The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell36rank/position

[Available until July 14, 2025] Bakemonogatari ED “The Story You Don’t Know” supercell Original Audio 4K High Quality Full AAC-LC – 320 kbps

supercell is a creator team formed around composer ryo, bringing together creators such as designers and illustrators.

Their song “Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari” is an emotional pop-rock piece whose beautiful piano and guitar accompaniment, together with vocalist nagi’s voice, evokes a beautiful yet bittersweet summer.

The emotional melody—something almost any Japanese listener would fall in love with—is so memorable that you’ll recall it after just one listen.

It’s a recommended track for those slightly wistful moments, like the end of summer!

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Yuuki

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fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi37rank/position

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

This song, which became the theme for the film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”, is a collaboration between singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu and female singer DAOKO.

DAOKO’s bewitching vocals pair perfectly with Yonezu’s somewhat wistful track.

I think this atmosphere connects closely with the film itself.

I’m sure many people took this song as a cue to check out the tracks DAOKO has released under her solo name.

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Hane Keisuke

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astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN38rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature song “Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing).

Watching this music video reminds me of how I used to look up at the sky over and over with the telescope we had at home, almost every night.

Even though it’s a song from the very beginning of the 21st century, it’s a timeless classic!

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA39rank/position

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSiC CLiP- (Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc Opening Theme)

It features a powerful rock sound and LiSA’s clear, crystalline vocals.

The lyrics portray the courage to face hardship and find hope amid battle, filled with a positive message that even elementary school students can relate to.

With a simple, easy-to-remember melody line and lyrics that express emotion straightforwardly, it’s beloved as a karaoke staple.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba from April 2019, it was also performed spectacularly at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in December 2020.

Its singable vocal range and simple melody make it perfect for music classes and school events.

It’s also recommended for when you want to get excited with friends at karaoke or sing together with everyone.

Marigoldaimyon40rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Speaking of the masterpiece that catapulted Aimyon’s popularity, it has to be “Marigold.” Released in 2018 as her fifth single, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

On streaming platforms, it also achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing 300 million plays in about two years after its release.

The lyrics, which sing of “unchanging love,” convey a strong resolve to make the couple’s bond unshakable.

Its breezy, summery sound seems perfect for a break from summer vacation homework.

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Hamada Takuya

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InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE41rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Inferno

This song, used as the opening theme for the anime Fire Force, conveys a sense of speed from the very first drum beats and a feeling that something is about to begin.

In events where momentum is crucial—like cavalry battles—it will surely boost athletes’ motivation with a “Let’s go!” spirit.

In fact, the song encapsulates both transience and passion, asking what meaning we find in a life that will one day end and how we live with that awareness.

It’s an ideal track for spending your school days—a youth that will inevitably come to an end—with burning intensity.

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kojifumi

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Charlesbarūn42rank/position

Charles / Balloon (self cover)

This song features a light, upbeat rhythm, stylish chord progressions, and a catchy melody that sticks in your head.

Released in 2016, it is Balloon (Keina Suda)’s 26th Vocaloid track, themed around lost love and parting.

Despite the bittersweet lyrics, its bright sound leaves a strong impression.

On YouTube, you can find a version sung by Keina Suda himself, while the Vocaloid version is available on Niconico.

It’s also included on the compilation album “EXIT TUNES PRESENTS Vocalostream feat.

Hatsune Miku,” so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.