[Elementary School Students] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]

Cross the sea of tearsSnow Man71rank/position

Snow Man “Cross the Sea of Tears” YouTube Ver.

Even elementary school students have plenty of worries.

Because they’re not yet used to dealing with people, some children may carry those worries without relief and end up feeling more stressed.

Many children also have dreams, and there are times when they need the strength to work toward them.

For those kids, I recommend listening to Snow Man’s “Namida no Umi o Koete Ike.” No matter how hard things get, if you keep running—even if you stumble along the way—a bright future is surely waiting.

It’s a song overflowing with positivity.

EdisonSuiyōbi no Campanella72rank/position

Wednesday Campanella 'Edison' (Wednesday’s Campanella ver.)

With its exuberant, fun rhythm and catchy melody, this Wednesday Campanella track was released in February 2022.

Brimming with passion for creativity and the joy of self-actualization, the piece carries a message about reexamining oneself through self-expression.

Its unique lyrics portray a protagonist torn between the dream of being an inventor and the reality of being a musician, resonating deeply with listeners.

Included on the album “Neon,” the song took social media by storm with a viewer-participation dance challenge and won the Music category of the 2022 TikTok Buzzword Awards.

Its simple melodic line and rhythmic beat make it an easy pick for karaoke and school events, and highly recommended.

Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi73rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Horse and Deer

It’s a very powerful song that unfolds slowly and deliberately, yet draws closer bit by bit.

While you might expect a gently surging tone from that mood, it incorporates key changes and shifts in time, resulting in a lively, highly engaging track.

With thought-provoking lyrics and sound used to great effect that irresistibly captures the ear, it’s a quintessential Kenshi Yonezu song.

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satou-san

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swallowYOASOBI74rank/position

[Aoki Iro] “Swallow” Dance Music Video Full ver. YOASOBI with Midories | SDGs | NHK

We live in a world that calls for diversity, and this YOASOBI track teaches us the essence of it.

Even though everyone thinks differently and lives in different environments, we all share the desire to live happily.

It expresses the theme of living together with a driving sound.

Released in October 2021 and used as the theme song for NHK’s children’s program “Hirogare! Irotoridori,” the song is also included on the album THE BOOK 2.

It’s a refreshing pop tune that brightens entrance ceremonies and gives first graders—whose hearts are full of both excitement and anxiety—the courage to head to school with energy.

Rat-tat-tatSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu75rank/position

‘Rat-tat-tat’ Official Music Video / Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE

Rat-tat-tat” by J SOUL BROTHERS III from EXILE TRIBE drew attention as the song for the “Zombie de Dance” segment at USJ’s Halloween event.

Released in 2019, the track is memorable for its distinctive choreography in the chorus, where you raise both hands and swing them side to side.

LDH group songs can seem difficult to dance to, but don’t worry—an official kid-friendly easy version is available! There are even parts in the lyrics that tell you whether to move your hands up or down, so you can just follow along.

Let’s hype up your sports day with a cool dance!

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SAKI

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Baby youyuka76rank/position

Yuka “Baby you” Music Video (Yuka Ver.)

Yuka’s song “Baby you” is a sparkly pop tune that makes your heart dance no matter the moment—perfect for upper elementary school kids to enjoy.

Its bright, shuffle-beat rhythm is so lively it makes you want to move your body.

With this track, karaoke with friends and family turns into an even happier time.

The easy-to-understand lyrics guarantee a fun sing-along, and adjusting the key on the karaoke machine makes it more comfortable to sing, so even beginners can relax.

Its catchy melody sticks in your head after just one listen and is loved by people of all ages.

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko77rank/position

A Cruel Angel's Thesis – Yoko Takahashi (Full)

It’s a hit song so well-known as the opening theme of the TV anime “Neon Genesis Evangelion” that there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know it.

Even many who haven’t seen the anime know the song, and it makes you aware of the courage and resolve to face reality.