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

KanadeSukima Suichi85rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

A signature, hugely popular ballad by Sukima Switch.

Released in June 2004, this song has been featured widely in the media, including as an insert song for the film “Rough” and as the theme for the third night of the drama series “Sotsu Uta.” Centered on themes of parting, growth, and bonds, it gently sings of feelings for a lover far away.

It’s a tender ballad that you can sing with heart, and its broad popularity makes it especially approachable to perform.

Highly recommended for those who’ve experienced a breakup with someone they love or who want to convey their feelings to someone important.

It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu86rank/position

Macaroni Empitsu “It’s Nothing,” MV

This song, which poignantly portrays the quiet everyday life shared with a lover, is a perfect fit for a high school boy.

It’s included on Macaroni Enpitsu’s album “Expectations for a Happy Ending,” released in January 2022, and was also chosen as the theme song for the film “At Dawn, Young People.” The lyrics, which convey a heart that cherishes the small joys of each day, seem to speak for boys who can’t honestly express their feelings to the person they like.

If you sing it at karaoke, you’re sure to capture girls’ hearts.

With over 300 million streams, it’s a hit that will definitely draw attention from those around you.

Blueberry Nightsmakaroni enpitsu87rank/position

Macaroni Empitsu 'Blueberry Nights' MV

Blueberry Nights is a song by the four-piece rock band Macaroni Enpitsu that packs pop sensibilities with a tinge of heartbreak.

It captures the kind of spiraling thoughts and emotional loops common in love—especially unrequited love.

Rather than the fluttery excitement of a crush, the lyrics read more like a song about lingering attachment—a slightly dark unrequited love song that conveys a desire to start over and a sense of regret.

It really evokes that feeling of remembering something in the middle of the night and getting stuck in a loop of thoughts—yeah, we’ve all been there.

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utatane

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Lemon piemakaroni enpitsu88rank/position

Macaroni Empitsu “Lemon Pie” MV

With a tempo of 102, Macaroni Enpitsu’s “Lemon Pie” is characterized by being easy to catch the rhythm—not too fast and not too slow.

The overall vocal range of the song is D3 to A#3, which is relatively narrow for a male song.

The verses (A-melo to B-melo) are sung in a conversational style, so you don’t need to worry too much about precise pitch.

The beginning of the second verse is rap-like, and as long as your words lock into the rhythm there, it shouldn’t be a problem either.

If you keep humming the chorus over and over, you’ll likely find it very singable.

For the chorus, try practicing with humming.

The key is to hum lightly without engaging your throat too much.

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Kubota Mami

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evergreenŌhashi Chippoke89rank/position

Ohashi Chippoke “Evergreen” Music Video

Singer-songwriter Chippoke Ohashi, who drew attention at the teen-only rock festival “Mikakunin Festival.” The track Evergreen, included on his 4th album you, became a sensation on TikTok after being picked up by influencers.

While its rapidly moving melody and intricate pitch shifts make it challenging, its range isn’t especially wide, so once you get the hang of it, it should be relatively easy to sing.

It’s a refreshing pop tune with a lively beat that will energize any karaoke session.

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Hoshino Takashi

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lampSakiyama Soshi90rank/position

Soushi Sakiyama / Akari [Official Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Soushi Sakiyama gained attention after winning the Grand Prix in the “High School Folk Song GP” segment of AbemaTV’s variety show “Variety Kaitaku Variety Himura ga Yuku.” His 10th major digital single, “Akari,” was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death.

Its message—that precious things can be found within the ordinary—may prompt those who feel unlucky to look around and notice what surrounds them.

It’s a soothing number, marked by a gentle vocal delivery and a richly layered ensemble.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi91rank/position

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer (2008 Ver.) [Music Video]

Kazuyoshi Saito’s song is a gently tender and captivating ballad.

Released in December 1997, it has become a popular track covered by many artists.

The lyrics portray a protagonist who, usually too shy to say words of love, conveys them honestly through song.

If you also find it hard to express your feelings to someone you like, singing this song might just make you look cool.

There are cover versions by various artists, including Bank Band, so it could be fun to find an arrangement that suits you.