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

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN36rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Live Music Video

This track features an energetic rock sound and lyrics that skillfully weave a contrast between sugar and bitter, leaving a strong impression.

Released by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN in May 2015, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Blood Blockade Battlefront.

It achieved the band’s highest position of No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and sparked a major response, with over 500,000 downloads.

It’s a highly recommended song not only for anime fans but also for teenage male rock listeners.

Sing it with friends at karaoke, and you’re sure to capture a sweet-and-bitter page of youth.

Overdosenatori37rank/position

Natori – Overdose

Singer-songwriter Natori, who rose to prominence mainly on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

This track, released in September 2022, became a viral hit online.

Its urban vibe evokes city pop, complemented by Natori’s distinctive whispery vocals.

The lyrics, portraying the struggle and dependency within a romantic relationship, are likely to resonate strongly with teenage boys.

The balance between the catchy chorus and the delicate vocal nuances is superb, making it an easy song to sing at karaoke.

Master the catchy melody and give it a try at karaoke—you’re sure to receive warm applause from those around you.

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento38rank/position

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

Released in 2024, this song became a social phenomenon: the “Giri-Giri Dance” went viral on social media, and it even broke into the top 20 on the Billboard Japan charts.

Kocchino Kento’s sensibility shines through in lyrics born from his own struggles with mental health—spoken head-on yet wrapped in just the right touch of humor and a pop sound that keeps things from getting too dark.

The message embedded in the lyrics—“If you feel at your limit, it’s okay to ask for help”—feels like an anthem for all of us living in the present day.

For karaoke, there are a few slightly fast-paced parts, but with a bit of practice you’ll get the hang of it quickly, and since it’s a song everyone knows, it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going.

If you sing it while copying the dance with your friends, it’s even more fun!

JourneyFuji Kaze39rank/position

Fujii Kaze – Tabiji (Official Video)

Fujii Kaze is an artist known for his unique style of blending R&B into J-pop.

For teenage boys as well, singing as effortlessly as he does is something to aspire to, isn’t it? Among his songs, one that’s especially easy to sing is Tabiji.

Compared to his other tracks, it uses fewer techniques common in R&B—such as vocal runs—and the vocal range is relatively narrow, making it a particularly singable piece for teenage male singers.

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Ryo

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Love WindIkuta Rira40rank/position

Lila Ikuta “Koikaze” Official Music Video

This song gently wraps around a heart that’s become timid about love, like a spring breeze.

It carefully depicts the protagonist, who carries past wounds, meeting someone who looks at them with unwavering eyes and slowly trying to move forward.

The moment when the wish for love to be simpler intersects with the courage to take a step anyway is achingly poignant, and as you listen, it resonates with your own feelings of love.

Lila Ikuta’s clear, translucent voice delicately conveys these wavering emotions and truly strikes a chord.

Released in April 2025, it was chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.

New Zealand Edition.” This marks the third time Lila Ikuta has provided a theme song for the series, following “Romance no Yakusoku” and “Sparkle.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you don’t quite have the courage to start a new romance, or when you’re feeling your heart race over a new encounter.

To you who didn’t choose meKoresawa41rank/position

Koresawa “To You Who Didn’t Choose Me” [Music Video]

It’s an energetic, fast-paced band sound.

It’s a breakup song, but it’s not heavy—lyrics that teenage girls can relate to! It’s the kind of track that friends listening along can relate to as well.

The overall range is G#3 to D#5, so it’s comfortably singable.

Singing with a teary tone like Koresawa can capture the vibe, but it might make you sound nasal and harder to sing, so it’s best to use the voice that feels most natural for you.

From the A melody to the B melody, there isn’t much pitch movement and the rhythm is relatively simple, making it approachable even for beginners.

At the start, use a bit more breath and release your voice gently to keep it stable.

Also, the key point for the high notes is switching from chest voice to head voice.

Maintain steady breath support so you can transition smoothly.

Try singing lightly so your throat doesn’t tense up!

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Kubota Mami

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Silent majorityKeyakizaka4642rank/position

Keyakizaka46 'Silent Majority'

This song carries a powerful message about the importance of resisting peer pressure and living by your own will.

It’s Keyakizaka46’s memorable debut single, released in April 2016, and it also gained attention as the theme for the “Mechakari” commercial.

Included on their first album, “Masshiro na Mono wa Yogoshitaku Naru,” the track features low vocal lines in the A and B sections, making it comfortable to sing even for those who struggle with high notes.

The structure builds to a chorus that lets you unleash your emotions, making it incredibly satisfying to sing.

Since the melody doesn’t fluctuate dramatically in pitch, it’s perfect when you want to deliver a cool, composed performance.

Try picking it when you want to get hyped with friends or blow off some steam!