Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-Pop Among High School Boys [2026]

Christmas songback number71rank/position

back number – “Christmas Song” Music Video

This is a song about a man spending Christmas Eve alone, thinking of a woman he can’t forget.

Released in 2015 by back number, a rock band with unwavering popularity for their tear-jerking love songs.

The song’s protagonist seems to have confessed his feelings and been rejected.

Even so, he can’t give up, and on the holy night he wishes for a miracle—begging for anyone to give her to him.

Christmas is the biggest event for couples, and many men are probably considering confessing their love by then.

Even if you end up getting shot down, listening to this song will make you think, “I encountered a wonderful love,” and “I can’t let it end yet.” Highly recommended!

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sasashina

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loveback number72rank/position

back number – Koi (full)

This is an unrequited love song by back number that captures a man’s bittersweet feeling of “I want to confess—I have to…” to someone he won’t be able to see much longer.

back number has many popular unrequited love songs like HAPPY BIRTHDAY and Takane no Hanako-san.

But since we’re recommending songs for high school students this time, here’s one that easily brings school to mind! They go to the same school, yet he can’t confess his feelings—he just watches from afar as his feelings grow stronger.

Many high schoolers will probably think, “That’s just like me.”

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sasashina

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horizonback number73rank/position

back number – Horizon

If you want to sing a coming-of-age song that any high school student can relate to, we recommend this moving ballad released by back number.

Distributed in August 2021, the song is a message of support for high school students whose Inter-High Championships were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It carries the feelings of Iyori Shimizu, who was a member of the track and field team during his junior high and high school years.

Its gentle, comforting melody and lyrics will resonate with your heart.

It’s a song that stands beside those carrying setbacks and a sense of loss, conveying a powerful sense of finding hope.

Why not sing it with friends at karaoke and etch a page of your youth?

From Me to Youflumpool74rank/position

flumpool “Kimi ni Todoke” Music Video

A classic flumpool song that captures the sweet and bittersweet feelings of youthful love.

Released in September 2010, it was chosen as the theme song for the popular film “Kimi ni Todoke,” starring Mikako Tabe.

It resonates with the desire to convey your feelings straightforwardly to someone important.

The chorus line “Todoke” (“Reach”) is especially memorable and guaranteed to fire up any karaoke session! It’s the perfect track for a high school boy who wants to confess his feelings to his crush.

flumpool’s songs are also hugely popular with women, so if you can sing it coolly, your charm factor is sure to go up.

Highly recommended for adults who want to reminisce about their youthful romances, too!

Unrequited lovemiwa75rank/position

miwa 'Unrequited Love'

Miwa’s eighth single, “Kataomoi,” released in 2012.

There’s something special about a school-days crush—the looming deadline of graduation, the chance you might have to keep seeing them even if a confession goes wrong.

This song gently stays by your side as your heart wavers and you feel unsure, a love song so aching it tightens your chest.

You can really feel, irresistibly, that feeling of loving someone from the bottom of your heart.

It’s a crush song that truly captures the meaning of “thinking about you asleep or awake.”

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utatane

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I adore you, you cutie!SUI76rank/position

Adorable you are so precious! /sui

This is one of sui’s signature songs, depicting the sweet-and-sour feelings of youthful love.

It portrays how feelings for the classmate in the next seat turn the everyday routine that starts with a simple “good morning” into a heart-pounding, special time.

The lyrics vividly capture the rush you feel from a smile, the way you become totally infatuated, and the tender, bittersweet ache of being in love.

Released in August 2020, the track became a major hit among young people—especially on TikTok—and racked up millions of views on YouTube.

It’s a must-listen not only for high schoolers, but also for anyone who wants to reminisce about their own sweet, bittersweet first love.

If you laugh at the skywacci77rank/position

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

This is a song by wacci, released in July 2018 as a digital-only single.

It’s an emotional track themed around youth, hard work, and friendship, and it became a hot topic on social media, especially among junior and senior high school students.

The lyrics carry an uplifting message—“Keep your head up and smile”—teaching us the courage to face hardships and the importance of our friends.

With content that evokes high school baseball, it even reached No.

1 on LINE MUSIC’s real-time ranking.

For high school guys heading to karaoke with a girl they like or their girlfriend, why not sing this song and win her heart?