Ranking of Popular Japanese Pop (J-POP) Artists Among Elementary School Students [2026]

Christmas songback number36rank/position

back number – “Christmas Song” Music Video

Even elementary schoolers want to sing sweet Christmas love songs! For those mature-at-heart kids, we recommend back number’s “Christmas Song.” Released in 2015, this track was used as the theme song for the drama “5→9: The Monk Who Fell in Love with Me.” It portrays someone spending Christmas with unrequited feelings, and how those emotions overflow more and more.

For kids who have a crush on a classmate, this grown-up love song might just tug at their hearts.

Try singing it while thinking of the boy or girl you like!

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SAKI

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We againSG37rank/position

We Again (Wind Ensemble ver.) – SG (Official Behind-the-Scenes Music Video)

This work by SG has gained support as an encouraging song that resonates deeply during graduations and farewells.

Its gentle melody, which accompanies young people as they overcome partings and take new steps forward, and its lyrics filled with hope for reunion are especially appealing.

Released in April 2021, it has become a popular track with a cumulative 150 million streams.

Starting in November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, and a concert band version by the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble has been making waves.

It’s a heartwarming song for farewells, graduation ceremonies, and moments when you long to see someone special again.

It’s a recommended track for times when you want to cherish your memories while looking ahead and doing your best.

Everyone is a heroAI38rank/position

“Everyone Is a Hero” Full ver. AI [Official]

The song “Minna ga Minna Eiyū,” well known from au’s “Santaro Series” commercials, is an arrangement of the classic folk dance tune “Oklahoma Mixer,” so even the first time you hear it, it doesn’t feel entirely new.

When times are tough and you’re struggling—no matter what—tomorrow will come.

So eat, sleep, and let’s try again.

Rather than giving you a push from behind, it wraps you up warmly—a true feel-good song.

When you’re down or want to give it your all, listen to this track!

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sasashina

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Just, clear skies for youYorushika39rank/position

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

Yorushika’s music carries a charm that resonates tenderly yet powerfully.

In particular, “Just a Sunny Day for You” swells with feelings during a fresh yet wistful moment, like a snapshot of youth.

Amid the band’s brilliant performance, melodies that link pure emotions blend together, offering a pleasant musical experience.

Its bright, expansive melodies are easy to sing even in high-tone karaoke parts, making it a song I can confidently recommend to any elementary school student, no matter their worries.

Like summer sunlight, it will illuminate your heart.

SenbonzakuraWagakki Band40rank/position

Wagakki Band / Senbonzakura

This song is a cover by Wagakki Band—formed in response to the call to “make traditional performing arts more pop and spread them worldwide”—of a Vocaloid track by Kurousa-P.

Wagakki Band’s style, which fuses traditional Japanese instruments with contemporary music, perfectly matches the original song’s world, which incorporated the atmosphere of the Meiji Restoration and Taisho romanticism while satirizing the modern era.

The term “Senbonzakura” originally praised the cherry blossoms of Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, and by extension came to describe the peak bloom at famous cherry blossom viewing spots.

Inspired by cherry trees that are not only beautiful but also bloom with powerful vigor, the piece imparts an energizing sense of noble, life-affirming strength.

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kappamaki

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paprikaFoorin41rank/position

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

Paprika, which was also the NHK 2020 support song, is a popular track written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu! The choreography that matches the lyrics is expressive and very childlike.

It’s also great for events where lots of people dance together at once, like school sports days.

A dance video featuring the members of Foorin is available on YouTube, so everyone can watch and practice together!

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Tani Satoko

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PERFECT HUMANRADIO FISH42rank/position

[PERFECT HUMAN] RADIO FISH 'Easy Dance' 'Comedy/Parody Style' A dance anyone can do! Simple arranged dance!

A party tune in an EDM style distinguished by its energetic beat.

The high-level dance skills and showmanship of the RADIO FISH performers are fully showcased, perfectly matching the rhythmic music.

Released in December 2015, the piece won the Wired Topic Award at the 49th Japan Cable Awards the following year.

It also appeared in the 67th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, becoming a social phenomenon.

The subtly self-deprecating humor woven into the chorus and the powerful dance performance create an appealing contrast.

Even now, it enjoys enduring popularity as a classic track to energize dance time at school sports days and athletic festivals.