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

wishsumika36rank/position

sumika / Wish [Music Video]

Among the many bands out there, I’d recommend sumika to anyone who wants to enjoy beautiful melodies and warm-hearted songs.

With approachable vocals and solid performances, they’re a band that feels reassuring, and since they’re often chosen for commercial tie-ins and the like, they’re very easy to listen to.

Their live shows look fun too!

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Murakami Shinpei

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osmanthus (fragrant orange osmanthus; sweet olive)natori37rank/position

Natori – Fragrant Olive

Singer-songwriter Natori, whose debut digital single “Overdose” sparked a major response and put them in the spotlight as a new-generation artist.

The single “Kinmokusei,” released on August 25, 2023, features an impressive ensemble of delicately layered acoustic guitars.

Thanks to its low key, it’s easy to sing, but because the melody flows quickly and moves in fine detail, be sure to practice thoroughly before performing it at karaoke.

With its stylish, jazzy arrangement, it’s a number that’s sure to draw attention if you can pull it off.

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Hoshino Takashi

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How many times have I seen the blue sky?Nogizaka 4638rank/position

Nogizaka46 'How Many Times Has That Blue Sky Appeared?' Short Ver.

Nogizaka46 is an idol group that was created as the official rival to AKB48 and is now so popular that it surpasses AKB.

Nandome no Aozora ka is a ballad, and it also drew attention because Erika Ikuta served as the center.

Ain’t Nobody KnowHoshino Gen39rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Ain’t Nobody Know [Official Video]

Speaking of Gen Hoshino, he became popular even among high school boys with songs like “Koi,” famous for the Koi Dance, and “Idea.” His 2019 release “Ain’t Nobody Know” is a track whose charm lies in a stylishness that’s a bit different from his previous image.

It’s a simple yet engaging hit that you can listen to all the way through without getting bored.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Karakuri Pierrot40mP40rank/position

[Hatsune Miku (40mP)] Karakuri Pierrot [Original]

If you’re looking for a Vocaloid unrequited-love song, “Karakuri Pierrot” is highly recommended.

Its lyrics capture the pain of falling for someone and the frustration of wanting to confess but being unable to, so anyone with a crush is sure to relate.

It’s also a karaoke classic, so try singing it to blow off some steam!

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Saitō Ayumu

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Pride RevolutionCHiCO with HoneyWorks41rank/position

Pride Revolution / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Since it was used as an opening theme for the anime Gintama, I think many people know it.

It leaves a very catchy impression.

The music video is animated, so be sure to check that out as well.

Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts42rank/position

Creepy Nuts “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” × TV Anime “MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES” Collaboration Music Video #BBBB Dance

Created by Creepy Nuts as the opening theme for season 2 of the anime “Mashle: Magic and Muscles,” which follows a protagonist who can’t use magic and aims for the top with pure muscle in a world where magic is the norm, this track was released in January 2024.

The jersey-club-inspired production by DJ Matsunaga and spell-like lyrics by R-Shitei fuse to create an addictive sound that sticks in your head after just one listen.

The lyrics intertwine Mash’s conviction to fight with raw strength and R-Shitei’s own experiences and philosophy, expressing a strength that transcends common sense and a rapper’s pride.

With the “BBBB Dance” trending globally on TikTok and the song topping Billboard Japan’s 2024 year-end Hot 100, it’s a perfect track to hype up a karaoke session with friends.