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

InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE8rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Inferno

This song is the opening theme for the anime Fire Force.

But even putting that topic aside, it’s an outstanding rock track.

The driving, high-speed beat and the sultry, seductive vocals—every element is perfectly suited for getting hooked on a rock band.

It’s an undisputed classic.

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Murakami Shinpei

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deep redMy Hair is Bad9rank/position

My Hair is Bad – Deep Crimson (Official Music Video)

When it comes to writing songs about unrequited love or romance, My Hair is second to none.

They’re incredibly good at speaking for the feelings of teens and people in their twenties.

Their view of love may feel a bit extreme, but since they’re a band popular among teenagers, their songs are great picks for unrequited love.

The clinginess might just get addictive.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number10rank/position

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

This classic song by back number captures the bittersweet unrequited love that everyone has experienced.

In front of the person he likes, he’s nothing more than “a friend of a friend.” Even so, you can’t help but relate to the protagonist who just wants to see her smile and say “good morning.” Released in June 2013, the song was featured in a Kirin Beer commercial in 2019 and performed at the 73rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2022, showing how it’s been loved for years.

It’s perfect for a shy high school boy who gets nervous in front of his crush.

Sing it at karaoke, and your honest feelings are sure to reach the one you like.

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS11rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

This RADWIMPS song sings of a love that transcends time and space.

It became a massive hit as the theme song for the animated film “Your Name.” Released in August 2016, the track features a driving melody and lyrics that truly resonate.

The chorus is especially easy to remember, and belting it out with power is sure to move hearts.

There are multiple versions, including a “movie ver.” produced as part of the film’s score and an “original ver.” included on RADWIMPS’ album “Ningen Kaika” (Human Bloom).

It’s a perfect pick for high school guys looking to fire up the room at karaoke—and a great choice for a karaoke date with your favorite girl.

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon12rank/position

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A coming-of-age love song told from a male perspective.

Aimyon’s lyrics are filled with a boy’s pure wish to get even a little closer to the person he likes.

The feeling of “me,” a rock lover, wanting “you,” who doesn’t listen to rock, to understand my world really hits home.

Released in September 2017, it became a huge hit on the radio, and its streaming plays have surpassed 100 million.

It’s a song we’d love high school boys with unrequited crushes to hear.

If you listen while thinking about the person you like, it will resonate even more deeply.

LemonYonezu Kenshi13rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

This song powerfully sings of a bittersweet love.

Released in February 2018 as the theme for TBS’s Friday drama “Unnatural,” it received the fastest-ever certification of one million downloads from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

The lyrics, which honor a deep love for someone lost and the light that person brought to one’s life, strike a chord.

Kenshi Yonezu’s wistful melody stirs the listener’s emotions.

For male high school students looking to showcase their appeal at karaoke, this is a must-add to your repertoire.

Woven with poignant yet beautiful phrases, this richly narrative piece will leave you looking cooler and impress you as a more sensitive man.

Marigoldaimyon14rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

If there are any of you who haven’t listened to this song yet, I really hope you will.

It’s a hit number by Aimyon, a musician who seems poised to represent the Reiwa era.

And even if you’ve never really given it a proper listen, I think it’s a good idea to revisit it and pay attention to the lyrics and melody.

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Murakami Shinpei

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