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

Because I like you.Yuika78rank/position

Because I love you. (feat. Ren) / “Yuika” [Music Video]

A cute love song by Yuika that portrays the pure feelings of a high school romance.

Set to a gentle melody, the lyrics express in down-to-earth words how the singer is drawn to a crush’s small gestures and unexpected personality contrasts.

The heartfelt wishes—“Please turn around,” “Please notice me”—will remind anyone of a page from their own youth.

Released in June 2021, the track became a major sensation, especially on TikTok, topping viral charts in many countries.

It’s a perfect pick for those feeling the ache of unrequited love or looking to boost their motivation in romance.

To Those Who Know the Blue of the Skyaimyon79rank/position

Aimyon – A Person Who Knows the Blue of the Sky [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A bittersweet youth love song filled with yearning.

Inspired by a film, Aimyon paints a track that conveys the ache of unrequited love alongside a faint glimmer of hope.

Released as a single in October 2019, it drew attention as the theme song for an animated movie of the same name.

The lyrics evoke a nostalgic look back at a love that has passed, gently wrapping you in feelings of heartache that everyone has experienced.

It’s perfect for high school students who want to listen while thinking of someone they like.

It’s great for quietly listening alone, and also for sharing with friends to reminisce about your youth.

You let me do as I please, and yet…arekunn80rank/position

You’re the one who let me fall for you / Arekun [Official Music Video]

A heart-wrenching love song by Are-kun that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman suffering from complex emotions after being led on and ultimately betrayed.

The protagonist falls in love and rides an emotional roller coaster in response to the other person’s behavior, while gradually sensing the loneliness of a cooling relationship.

Released in September 2020 and included on the album “Breath,” the song gained traction primarily on social media and drew widespread empathy.

It’s a resonant track that offers comfort to anyone who’s been strung along by suggestive behavior or is struggling with their feelings for someone they care about.

You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}81rank/position

You know. / Are-kun & “Yuika” [MV]

A refreshing melody that evokes the feeling of spring and lyrics that capture the innocence of first love make a lasting impression! This is a duet song by Are-kun and Yuika.

Created solely through exchanges on social media, the track was born from a fateful encounter where they met in person for the first time at the recording session.

It vividly portrays the frustrating emotions of two people who have feelings for each other but can’t quite express them honestly.

Released in April 2022, the song gained attention for its youthfully nostalgic music video, in which a high school boy and girl share their feelings as cherry blossoms flutter around them.

It’s recommended not only for those experiencing unrequited love, but also for anyone looking to start a new romance with the arrival of spring.

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya82rank/position

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

Tatsuya Kitani is a singer-songwriter who also makes his presence felt as a bassist, supporting acts like sajou no hana and Yorushika.

The title track of his third EP, Ao no Sumika (Where Our Blue Is), was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death.

Though the song features many challenging elements—such as wide interval leaps using falsetto—mastering it is sure to draw attention.

With lyrics depicting a friendship gradually growing distant and a dramatic ensemble that stirs the heart, it’s a high-energy rock tune brimming with momentum.

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Hoshino Takashi

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I can’t forget it.Sakanakushon83rank/position

Sakanaction / Wasurerarenai no -Music Video-

The rock band Sakanaction.

Their songs are all strikingly quirky, but this track, “Wasurerarenaino,” drew attention for its 80s-style visuals and costumes.

Still, putting that aside, isn’t it simply an incredibly danceable song you can move your body to and enjoy? Sakanaction, master craftsmen of Japanese music—be sure to give them a listen.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Blue BenchSasuke84rank/position

Blue Bench / Sasuke

A signature love number by a male folk duo.

Before heading to a school reunion, the singer recalls someone he used to like and looks back on a bittersweet romance.

“Back then I just threw my feelings at her and couldn’t really respect her.

I wish I’d been a little more honest.” You can almost hear thoughts like that in the song.

It can be taken as a heartbreak song, but it also resonates with the painful feelings of unrequited love.

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