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

Connect -season 03-ClariS

ClariS “Connect -season 03-” Music Video [TV Anime “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” Opening Theme]

That legendary song, long celebrated as a classic of anime music, has been performed by ClariS in their new three-member formation.

It’s a self-cover of the track originally released in 2011 as the opening theme for the TV anime Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

The three-part harmonies preserve the original’s clarity while adding richer color and depth.

The lyrics, which sing of promises, hope, and resolve, perfectly match the timing of the unit’s fresh start.

I highly recommend it not only to those who were once moved by this song, but also to anyone who hasn’t heard it yet.

Happy Yummy Lucky YummyGANG PARADE

GANG PARADE「Happy Yummy Lucky Yummy」Music Video

A song released by GANG PARADE as the opening theme for the anime “Debu to Love to Ayamachi to!” The lyrics were written by Yumeno Yua, capturing the positivity and cuteness of the anime’s protagonist, Yumeko.

The track’s catchy melody and the dramatic mid-song shift keep listeners engaged, and the more you listen, the more addictive it becomes.

Give it a listen when you want to feel positive or need an energy boost.

AmadeusGalileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei – Amadeus (Official Music Video)

Released in October 2025, this work was written as the opening theme for the NHK E-TV anime Blue Orchestra Season 2.

Set to a grand ensemble that fuses frenzied strings with a full band sound, it portrays the emotions of adolescence—jealousy of talent, inner conflict, and more.

Its dramatic sonic landscape naturally stirs your feelings as you listen.

It’s a bold rock tune with music itself as its theme.

Protect the Lightsupittsu

Spitz / Protect the Light

Released in October 2025 as a digital single—the first in about two and a half years—it serves as the opening theme for the TV anime SPY×FAMILY Season 3.

Masamune Kusano commented, “While it’s a work whose comical and cute depictions are fun, I wanted the song to face the sorrow that flows at the root of the story rather than run from it,” and true to his words, the sound beautifully captures a world where poignancy and hope intersect.

The rich arrangement, co-produced with Seiji Kameda, is also a highlight, with horn sections and organ adding vivid color.

It gently gives a push to the courage to protect what matters most.

Loo% Who%Rin to shite Shigure

Ling tosite sigure “Loo% Who%” Music Video (TV anime “Gnosia” ending theme)

A one-of-a-kind three-piece rock band, Ling tosite sigure, released the EP “Lost God of SASORI” in October 2025.

This track was newly written as the ending theme for the TV anime Gnosia and is included on that EP.

The lyrics, depicting wavering trust and suspicion—and an impulse toward death—within a looping flow of time, align perfectly with the work’s labyrinthine world.

Meanwhile, the tense sound, woven from odd meters and fierce key changes, creates a unique afterglow that feels like an ending yet hints at a beginning.

With whiplash-inducing guitar riffs and technically dazzling drums, it’s an edgy rock piece that’s utterly overwhelming.

It tickles.CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Ticklish. / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

Released in October as CHiCO with HoneyWorks’ 19th single, this track serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Kimi to Koete Koi ni Naru.” Its lyrics, which candidly express the desire to reach out and the fluttering feelings that defy words, leave a strong impression.

The lines depicting a love that overflows beyond logic bring back the moment you first fell for someone.

It’s a highly recommended song for anyone who wants to rekindle those sweet and bittersweet memories of youth.

PlatformUru

[Official] Uru “Platform” TV anime “Eikyuu no Yuugure” OP theme

Singer-songwriter Uru, who has captivated many listeners with her mysterious presence.

Written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Eikyuu no Yuugure,” this piece features a light, pop-tinged ensemble that feels wonderfully comfortable.

The lyrics—conveying a message to someone dear that the essence of “love” never changes, no matter the form—are also compelling.

Set for digital release in October 2025, it’s an upbeat track whose refreshing melody gives you a gentle push forward.