Top Japanese Songs / J-POP Rankings by Generation: Teens

MiracleGReeeeN8rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

Released in May 2008, this song drew attention as the theme for the TV drama “ROOKIES.” Centered on the themes of the “miracle” of meeting a loved one and the “path” they have walked together, it conveys hope for the future and gratitude in straightforward words.

It was also chosen as the entrance march for the 81st National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 2009, gaining popularity as a cheer song that colors passionate moments of youth.

Its warm yet powerful melody will gently give you a push as you strive toward your goals.

horizonback number9rank/position

back number – Horizon

It’s a captivating song with a warm, resonant melody and powerful lyrics.

It portrays the journey from the moment when dreams and hopes collapse, through self-discovery and growth, to finding the light once again.

It was surprise-released on YouTube in August 2020 and officially distributed in August 2021.

Born from thoughts for the students who worked hard toward the Inter-High School Championships that were canceled due to COVID-19, the song spent nine consecutive weeks at the top of streaming charts and became a source of comfort for many.

It’s a track we especially want those facing setbacks or hardships—particularly the younger generation—to hear.

Bunny GirlAKASAKI10rank/position

[AKASAKI] Bunny Girl (Lyric Video)

AKASAKI, who went viral on TikTok and gained nationwide popularity, is likely a very familiar artist to many teens, being of the same generation.

Their fourth single, released in October 2024 while still in high school, is a stylish work that blends the vibe of Showa-era pop with a modern sound.

The song centers on the fragile emotions that sway at the beginning of a romance.

By taking on the role of a “bunny girl” as night falls, it deftly portrays the hesitation and inner conflict of revealing one’s true self to another.

The track made a major impact beyond being just a social media hit, reaching No.

6 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

It gently accompanies the complex emotions of love, so give it a listen on nights when you want to be alone with your thoughts.

Only for you, clear skiesYorushika11rank/position

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

This is one of Yorushika’s signature songs, released in 2018.

It’s a bittersweet pop track themed around summer, youth, love, and parting.

The overall vocal range is relatively narrow at D4–D#5, so it’s highly recommended for singers who find higher notes easier than lower ones.

In the verses (A and B sections), it’s more spoken than sung, and the spacing between phrases is a key point.

The solid band arrangement makes it easy to lock into the groove, so you’ll likely feel your energy rise in the chorus.

Listen closely to the drums and be careful not to rush the tempo.

In the last chorus, the key changes and the pitch goes even higher, so try to sing with extra drive and momentum.

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Kubota Mami

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dancerVaundy12rank/position

[75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen Performance Song] Odoriko / Vaundy: Music Video

A celebrated hit by Vaundy that also made waves when the music video featuring actress Nana Komatsu surpassed 10 million views in about a month after its release.

His multifaceted talent shines through, from writing and composing to video production.

The track boasts a simple yet unforgettable rhythm and bassline, and once you hear it, you’ll be hooked by its groovy sound.

The lyrics depict lingering feelings for a past love and a poignant wish to start over, with a phrase reminiscent of a phone’s ringing tone evoking the ache of unreturned sentiments.

Released in November 2021 and included on the acclaimed album “replica,” this medium-tempo number offers a slightly bitter, stylish vibe that you’ll want to listen to during your commute or while relaxing in a café.

StargazeSixTONES13rank/position

SixTONES – Stargaze [YouTube ver.]

This is a song by SixTONES that drew attention even before its release because it was written specifically for them by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS.

Released in 2025, the group’s 10th anniversary year, the track was chosen as the support song for Nippon TV’s 45th National High School Quiz Championship.

Its poetic lyrics and dramatic sound come together to make you feel as if you’re watching a scene from a coming-of-age film.

You can almost see friends joining hands and facing hardships head-on with hope in their hearts.

This piece gives a powerful push to anyone striving toward a goal, so it’s also recommended listening before an important exam or game.

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki14rank/position

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

When it comes to the most popular actor among Gen Z, wouldn’t Masaki Suda be the top pick? He’s also thriving as an artist and has dropped several hit tunes.

Among his many standout songs, the one I especially recommend for teenage boys is Sayonara Elegy.

This track features a style that combines folk and rock, reminiscent of Kazuyoshi Saito.

While it has intensity, the overall melody stays within a narrow vocal range.

There are few long notes and no sudden jumps in pitch, making it a perfect choice for teenage boys whose voices may still be unstable.

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Ryo

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