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

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN43rank/position

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

A classic GReeeeN song to listen to when you hit a wall with daily studies or club activities and feel like giving up.

Released in January 2007, it was their memorable debut single and was featured widely in the media, including as the opening theme for CDTV.

The lyrics convey a message of believing in yourself and moving forward no matter the difficulties, offering comfort and courage to listeners.

It’s loved by top athletes as well—pitcher Yu Darvish has said it supported him.

In 2017, it was used in a SUBARU commercial, drawing renewed attention a decade after its release.

When you feel uncertain about the path you’ve chosen, this is a cheer song that gently nudges you forward.

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki44rank/position

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

Masaki Suda, who shines with his multifaceted talents as an actor and singer.

His song “Sayonara Elegy” also drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Todome no Kiss,” starring Kento Yamazaki.

His husky voice adds depth to each phrase and highlights how easy it is to sing.

The song has little variation in vocal range and is arranged simply, making it a recommended choice even for those who aren’t confident in their singing.

With a somewhat nostalgic melody line, it’s likely easy for people of any generation to sing.

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utatane

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prideGReeeeN45rank/position

GReeeeN × Hayato Sakamoto “pride”

GReeeeN is known for their style packed with passionate messages.

They wrote “pride” as the theme song for Koshien-related programs on the Asahi Broadcasting network.

The song carries the message: “For the sake of who you’ll be tomorrow, give your best today.” The lyrics are crafted to resonate with anyone who’s dedicated to something, not just baseball.

Also, don’t miss the music video created in collaboration with Hayato Sakamoto of the Yomiuri Giants, where he talks about his disciplined approach.

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yamamoto

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Spot the differenceSuda Masaki46rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

You’ll be struck by the resolute, penetrating vocal tone.

This song by the popular actor Masaki Suda was released as a digital single in 2019, with lyrics and composition by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.

The lyrics, which depict fate—meeting that special someone—are moving and really hit home.

Many people probably wish someone would feel this way about them.

As you listen closely, you’re drawn into its profound world; it’s a beautiful love ballad.

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Araki Jakkan

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YELLikimonogakari47rank/position

[Chorus] YELL (Mixed Choir in Three Parts)

Ikimono-gakari’s “YELL” is a song well-suited for choir performances at graduation ceremonies.

Its warm melody and lyrics that give courage to step into a new future will become an irreplaceable memory for junior high school students.

Embracing the time spent together, this song gently sets the scene for the moment of a new beginning.

Since its release in 2009, this piece has continued to be sung at many graduation ceremonies, encouraging all who listen and empowering them to take a positive step forward.

Ghost in the FlowersYorushika48rank/position

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Yorushika’s digital single “Hana ni Bourei,” released in 2020, served as the theme song for the animated film “A Whisker Away.” For adults, it carries a certain nostalgia—perfectly fitting the phrase “faint summer memories” that can bring back those middle school days.

The lyrics include expressions that feel like reminiscing about the past, which further heightens the sense of poignancy.

For those who are currently in middle school, it might be a song that stirs up not so much nostalgia as a bittersweet ache.

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utatane

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Kitearashi49rank/position

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

Arashi is a five-member idol group with a huge national following, whose members are also active across a wide range of fields individually.

Their 58th single, “Kite,” which was used as the theme song for NHK’s broadcasts of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, also drew attention for being written by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.

Its lyrics, depicting youthful days of growth buoyed by warm cheers, may well serve as an anthem for students who are currently dedicated to their club activities.

It’s a moving number whose powerful message is sure to become a light illuminating the future.

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Hoshino Takashi

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