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

EGOISTimase

【imase】EGOIST（MV）

Packed with imase’s charms, “EGOIST” is set for release in January 2025 and has been selected as the ending theme for cour 2 of the TV anime Trillion Game.

“Let’s do what we believe is right, let’s move forward with ambition…” The lyrics convey a striking sense of willpower.

Paired with a glamorous, funk-based sound, it captures listeners’ hearts.

When you want to charge toward the future, this song will give you strength.

Unable to become an adultkujira

Unable to become an adult

This song is striking for its vocals that gently weave a delicate, fleeting sense of longing, paired with a melody that softly wraps around the listener.

It warmly depicts a young person facing forward despite anxieties and confusion about growing up, and the loneliness and ordinariness they carry.

With Kujira’s signature subtle expressiveness, it tenderly renders true-to-life emotions.

The track was written as the theme song for the film “Senpai wa Otokonoko: Ame nochi Hare,” set for release in February 2025.

Kujira also handled both the opening and ending themes for the TV anime series “Senpai wa Otokonoko,” further enriching the world of the work.

It’s a song that gently speaks to those feeling uncertainty or doubt, offering solace while affirming the importance of living true to oneself.

In that casemakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu "Saraba" Music Video

It’s a striking song where wistfulness and passion blend together.

Created by Macaroni Enpitsu, it was released in January 2025 and chosen as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime “Ao no Hako.” The youthful lyrics, vividly expressing powerful feelings about love, resonate deeply.

Its emotional guitar sound is another highlight, gripping your heart.

I think it’s a song that empathizes with those struggling in love and gives them the courage to move forward.

PlazmaYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Plazma

It’s a song that conveys a sense of exhilaration and strength.

Released digitally in January 2025, it was selected as the theme song for the theatrical anime Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-.

It’s a work where Kenshi Yonezu’s characteristically delicate sensibilities blend beautifully with the world of the Mobile Suit Gundam series.

Featuring poetic lyrics built around the motif of “what if,” it carries messages of challenge and hope.

When you need the courage to face difficulties, listening to it will surely give you a push forward.

Ame-no-Murakumo no Tsurugi – SKYBREAKER –Nishikawa Takanori

Takanori Nishikawa – Ama-no-Murakumo Sword -SKYBREAKER- | Official Music Video (Opening Theme for “Thunderbolt Fantasy: Sword Travels in the East 4”)

The music that colors this sweeping tale is brought back to life by Takanori Nishikawa’s vocals.

It’s a perfect fit for the world of wuxia fantasy, with powerful singing and a dynamic sound that grabs you from the start.

Released digitally in December 2024 as the opening theme for Thunderbolt Fantasy: Sword Travels in the East 4, the song also features Nishikawa as a character voice in the series, reflecting his deep connection to the work.

Expressing the grand world and the characters’ inner conflicts through music, this track is highly recommended listening before you watch the drama or film.

VSBLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT 'VS' Music Video [TV Tokyo Anime 'Gintama' Porori Arc Opening Theme]

This is a passionate song by BLUE ENCOUNT, known for its energetic rock sound.

The lyrics capture the struggle against oneself and the strength to confront the gap between dreams and reality.

Released in November 2017, it was also chosen as the opening theme for the popular anime Gintama: Porori-hen.

With lyrics centered on inner transformation and growth, its powerful message is sure to resonate with many listeners.

It’s a perfect track for high school students who are ready to break out of their shells and move forward.

Why not sing it with your friends and shout it out loud at your school’s cultural or campus festival?

Shouted SerenadeLiSA

LiSA『Shouted Serenade』MUSiC CLiP

At the start of a new high school life, LiSA delivers a powerful message song.

Selected as the opening theme for the TV anime The Irregular at Magic High School Season 3, this track resonates with a strong, heartfelt message.

It portrays the harshness of reality and the strong will to confront it, emphasizing the importance of never giving up and holding on to hope even in difficult situations.

Its aggressive, energetic sound is seriously cool, too.

Released in April 2024, the song aligns with the anime’s worldview and inspires a sense of resilience and hope for life.