Recommended Japanese pop songs for middle schoolers to sing at karaoke

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

A coming-of-age song that delivers the importance of embracing your true self on a refreshing melody.

The protagonist portrayed by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE carries a earnest resolve to keep looking forward while battling self-denial.

Gratitude and hope toward someone who accepts their true self gently envelop the listener, together with a melody that resonates in the heart.

Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18-sai-sai,” it was performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation.

It’s a track recommended for moments when you want to face yourself with a gentle gaze, or when you want to share your feelings with someone important.

Run, SAKAMOTOVaundy

Run, SAKAMOTO / Vaundy: SAKAMOTO DAYS with Vaundy

This is a masterful work by Vaundy, written specifically as the opening theme for a popular anime! The energetic melody generated by its heavy bassline and sharp guitar sound will set your heart racing.

Recorded in London, UK, this piece brings new musical challenges to life through collaboration with overseas staff.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “SAKAMOTO DAYS,” airing from January 2025, it brilliantly captures the protagonist’s overwhelming strength and determination to protect his family.

It’s the perfect anthem not only for anime fans, but also for anyone who needs courage and a boost in their daily life!

In that caseMacaroni Enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu "Saraba" Music Video

It’s a love song that beautifully captures fresh memories of youth and the aching pain of unrequited love.

Created by Macaroni Enpitsu, the piece portrays unreturned feelings and longing for someone from a warm, gentle perspective.

Its sweet, wistful vocals and melodious sound tenderly embrace the complexities of being in love.

Released in January 2025, it serves as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Ao no Hako.

Seamlessly harmonizing with the anime’s worldview, it succeeds in expressing the vivid emotions of youth through music.

This heartwarming track resonates deeply not only with those currently in love but also with anyone who recalls a past romance.

PlasmaKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Plazma

The world of Kenshi Yonezu woven from imaginative melodies and innovative electronic sounds.

Set against the backdrop of space, this work—depicting life’s choices and fateful encounters—was released in January 2025 as the theme song for the animated film “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-.” It carries Yonezu’s signature delicate sensibility and straightforward passion, familiar from albums like “diorama” and “BOOTLEG.” Alongside its high-energy musicality, the lyrics powerfully convey the courage to step into new worlds and the drive to face the unknown, leaving a deep impression.

It’s a song I especially recommend to younger listeners who are determined to forge their own path.

PARTYKumi Koda

Kumi Koda / “PARTY” Music Video (short ver.)

A new track from the February 2018 album “AND,” it’s an upbeat party tune.

Its uptempo, catchy melody will get everyone hyped at karaoke.

It sounds cool whether it’s sung by girls or boys.

Future IslandMori Calliope

[Performance Video] Future Island ~Future Island~ / Mori Calliope (Official Theme Song for ONE PIECE Volume 106)

The official theme song for volume 106 of the manga ONE PIECE is “Future Island.” The singer is Mori Calliope, a Hololive VTuber who is popular in the English-speaking world.

While the track has an EDM-style sound and leans somewhat toward Western music, it’s by no means difficult to sing.

Since the performer isn’t primarily a professional singer, the rhythm and melody are arranged in a way that’s easy for Japanese listeners to grasp, so even those who aren’t confident singers should be able to handle it without trouble.

If you’re thinking of covering this song, try adding just a barely noticeable touch of Auto-Tune—doing so will make the track shine dramatically, so consider giving it a shot.

Fly awayPEDRO

PEDRO / Fly Away [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

This is a song by PEDRO, the solo project that Ayuni D started in 2018, paused once, and later resumed.

I’ve heard she writes the songs herself, and the tempo is just right for karaoke, with a calm melody.

It seems like something you can sing while taking your time to control your breathing.

Her singing style is a bit lisped, but if you try too hard to replicate that, it might make it difficult to stay on pitch.

Aim for Ayuni’s clear, translucent tone when you sing.