[2026] A roundup of popular anime songs recommended for high school students

Wandering StarRUKI

[Theme Song of the Film “AS ONE”] ‘Meguriboshi’ - RUKI (Film releases on 8/22/’25)

RUKI from JO1 released his second solo single in August 2025, a track distinguished by its grand, rock-infused sound.

The song serves as the theme for the feature-length animated film “As One,” in which he voices the protagonist.

Blending seamlessly with the film’s world, it delivers a moving experience, portraying the bond between two people drawn to each other across time and space, carried by a powerful melody.

Perhaps because RUKI wrote both the lyrics and music himself, a deep affection for the story seems to resonate in every note.

Its dramatic progression, aligned with the story’s sweeping scale, powerfully stirs the listener’s heart!

FinistèreSuzuki Konomi

Finistère

This is a song by Konomi Suzuki that was chosen as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Summer Pockets.

Her powerful vocals, imbued with the resolve to face the future and tinged with the bittersweet scenes of summer’s end, resonate deeply with listeners.

While embracing fading memories, it portrays the protagonist’s firm determination to turn the summer before them into a new beginning.

It’s a summer song that can support you when you want to take a new step forward.

KusushikiMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Kusushiki” Official Music Video

An ambitious work that paints a mystical, mysterious worldview.

Released in April 2025 as a song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, it was chosen as the opening theme for the second cour of season 2 of the Nippon TV anime “The Apothecary Diaries.” The track blends an oriental atmosphere with band-driven sound, resulting in a compelling piece whose rapid, ever-shifting development leaves a strong impression.

The theme of the song is “a love that remains unchanged beyond this life and into the next.” Its lyrics, which depict the wonder of will imbued in words and the complexity of human emotions, align beautifully with the anime’s world.

PaleduskHUGs

Paledusk / HUGs (Official Music Video)

A soul-stirring track from the metalcore band Paledusk.

Imbued with a fierce resolve to overcome life’s absurdities and despair and turn them into strength, this piece was created as the opening theme for the TV anime Gachiakuta and will begin streaming in July 2025.

Its sound—where ferocious shouts intertwine with beautiful clean passages—perfectly embodies the protagonist searching for light in a chaotic world.

If you’re up against a towering wall, this music might just give you the courage to push through.

I want to become a ghost.Yuika

I Want to Become a Ghost / “Yuika” [MV]

Sung over a breezy sound, it’s a devoted—if a little heavy—love that wishes to become the ghost of the one they adore.

Yuika, whose realistic emotional expression resonates with many, delivers complex feelings of love with a clear, translucent voice.

Lyrics that express the ache of wanting to be close but unable to touch through unique metaphors are sure to make many listeners’ hearts skip a beat.

Released in July 2025, this track was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Wataru-kun no XX ga Hōkai Sunzen.” If straight love songs leave you wanting more, this might fit perfectly with that frustrating, bittersweet feeling.

The Impossible Evolution TheoryNanawo Akari

Muri Muri Evolution Theory / Nanawo Akari

“I want to change, but I’m scared!” This is a powerful anthem to play when you’re torn by those conflicting feelings.

Nanawo Akari’s track, released as a single in July 2025, was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “There’s No Way I Can Be Your Girlfriend, No Way, No Way! (Wait—Maybe It Wasn’t Impossible!?)”.

The exhilarating fusion of electropop and rock will get your energy soaring! If you want to start something but can’t find the courage, this song will give you a bold push, telling you, “It’s not impossible!”

Last lookSuda Keina

Keina Suda – Last Look (Music Video)

If you don’t break the cage called “common sense,” you’ll never meet your true self.

This is a fast-paced rock number that sings of the omnipotent rush that arrives at the end of such inner conflict.

The track was released in July 2025 as the opening theme for the second rerun of the TV anime Assassination Classroom.

The explosive energy that wells up from within and surges through the song seems to liberate the listener’s heart as well.

It’s sure to resonate with anyone who wants to surpass who they are now and take a bold new step forward.