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Recreation popularity rankings for junior high school students

We’re introducing popular recreational activities for junior high schoolers in a ranking format!

When someone asks, “What kinds of activities do junior high school students enjoy?” do you have something that comes to mind right away?

Many people probably find themselves thinking, “Hmm… I’m not sure.”

Even for junior high schoolers themselves, when a large group gets together, it can be hard to know which activities to choose.

In times like that, be sure to check out this article and use it as a reference.

If you’re planning recreation for an event aimed at junior high school students, this will definitely come in handy!

Recreation Popularity Rankings for Middle Schoolers (11–20)

Without Katakana15rank/position

Simple and fun! A class-energizing activity: “Katakana-less”
Without Katakana

In everyday life, we often use words written in katakana.

Here, we’d like to introduce “Katakana-ashi,” a game where you explain a given topic without using katakana.

For example, you show a ball used in P.E.

and ask, “What is this?” The answer will likely be “ball.” Next, have them describe the ball without using any katakana.

Children will likely search for answers by thinking of various words in their heads.

Try switching the roles of questioner and answerer and give it a go.

Air-reading game16rank/position

An absolute crowd-pleasing vibe-reading game! Perfect for changing up your team’s atmosphere! [Play Warm-Up 25] #TsukoTraining #Icebreaker #WarmingUp #FunGames
Air-reading game

Read the room so you don’t overlap with your friends! Here’s an idea for a game about reading the room.

It’s a unique game that builds the ability to act while watching the timing and what’s happening around you.

Everyone sits in a circle, and with a simple rule: you stand up one by one while saying numbers in order.

If your timing to stand overlaps with a friend, you’re out.

If everyone manages to stand without overlapping, then do the same to sit back down in order.

Through the game, you’ll likely develop a sense for reading the room and making split-second decisions.

The atmosphere can feel tense at the start, but when timings accidentally overlap, you won’t be able to help but burst into laughter!

Quiz: Let’s Hit the Sweet Spot SHOW!17rank/position

[Board Game] I’m the Average Guy! A game where the middle is justice [Quiz: Aim for the Sweet Spot!]
Quiz: Let's Hit the Sweet Spot SHOW!

Why not try “Quiz Ii Sen Ikimasho!”—a game everyone can get excited about together? Players are asked quiz questions that are answered with numbers, and each participant writes down whatever answer they think is right.

The person who chooses the median wins—a simple yet profound game.

Even if you don’t know the exact figure, your ability to anticipate your friends’ answers will be put to the test.

With just a whiteboard and some markers, you can even create your own original questions.

It’s great fun with classmates or club members, and you can play online too, so it works in a variety of situations.

Try getting everyone hyped during breaks or after school!

Gesture Game18rank/position

[Out of Character] Playing a gesture game with middle school girls was way too funny lol
Gesture Game

Charades is a perfect activity for a farewell party.

Because it requires nonverbal communication, it can deepen the bond and teamwork among classmates.

It’s like a magical time where hearts connect through gestures, even without words.

For example, if the prompt is “cat,” you can get down on all fours and act it out, making it fun and active.

Every smile that appears with a correct guess will become a happy memory for everyone involved.

I highly recommend it—please try it at your next farewell party.

You’ll all enjoy a fun time together.

Improvised parody song game19rank/position

Huge excitement with that classic Gaki no Tsukai game!
Improvised parody song game

The “improvised parody song game” familiar from Gaki no Tsukai.

You pick a theme like a dish name and turn it into a parody song on the spot—that’s the rule.

It’s an easy game if you have time to think, but doing it improvised can be a bit tricky.

Some people come up with really funny parody lyrics, so the place erupts in laughter.

Lyrics hijacking game20rank/position

We had way too much fun doing a lyric-hijacking game with just junior high school girls lol
Lyrics hijacking game

This “lyrics hijacking” game became instantly popular after YouTubers started making videos about it.

If you’re a middle schooler, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of it.

One person sings a song, and then others jump in with a different song that contains the same lyrics that just appeared.

It sounds a bit complicated when explained in text, but once you see it in action, you’ll get the rules right away! People who know lots of songs have the advantage, and whether you remember the lyrics accurately can be the key to winning.

It’s guaranteed to get everyone hyped with nostalgic tracks and song choices that reflect each person’s tastes!

Recreation Popularity Rankings for Middle Schoolers (21–30)

Games of all ages and places21rank/position

Kokin Tōzai [Official] ~How to Play~
Games of all ages and places

A timeless clapping game with an infinite number of possible questions.

Players pick a theme and answer in rhythm while clapping.

For example, with a theme like “names of animals,” you could probably keep going for a long time.

But if the theme is niche or has few possible answers, it becomes difficult quickly.

Repeating an answer that’s already been said is also a mistake.