High School Students’ Favorite Bands Ranking [2026]

The BeginningONE OK ROCK8rank/position

ONE OK ROCK – The Beginning [Official Music Video]

This song delivers a deeply moving experience, with powerhouse vocals and a band sound so compelling it gives you goosebumps.

It captures the determination of those taking a new step forward and carries a message that pushes you from behind, radiating a power that resonates more with every listen.

Released in August 2012, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin, and through its synergy with the movie, it captured the hearts of a wide audience, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

Perfect as BGM for time trials or relay events, this track offers a refreshing sense of speed and the courage to take on challenges—be sure to experience it.

A Little Love SongMONGOL8009rank/position

A Little Love Song

A beloved classic that stands as a monument to youth punk! Riding on a driving, fast-paced beat, it sings of love for the important people close to us and an unchanging, eternal bond.

Its straightforward message fires up your heart every time you listen and gives you the energy to keep your hands moving at work! Featured on MONGOL800’s album “MESSAGE,” released in September 2001, this song sold over 2.8 million copies despite being an indie release, and it was used as the motif for the film “Little Love Song” and as the ending theme for the anime “Teasing Master Takagi-san.” It’s a guaranteed pick-me-up when you want to boost your mood and focus, or when you need that last push—highly recommended!

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI10rank/position

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

A ballad that portrays the loneliness and anxiety felt in the pursuit of a dream, as well as the warmth of someone watching over you.

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Sazanka” is a single released in February 2018 and became widely known as the NHK theme song for coverage of the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics.

Rather than simply urging listeners to “do your best,” the song is filled with a gentle kindness that seems to affirm every attempt to overcome setbacks and pain.

Anyone chasing a dream may wonder, “Is this really the right path for me?” In those moments, this song will quietly stand by you, saying, “I know how hard you’ve been trying.”

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO11rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

A rock number that cheers on our everyday efforts through its weekend heroes.

It was included on the 2017 album “SHISHAMO 4” and became widely known as the CM song for NTT Docomo’s “Docomo Student Discount.” That same year, the band performed it on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen for their first-ever appearance, generating major buzz.

The song frankly depicts the strength to keep running forward even when things are so tough you want to cry, along with gratitude for those who support you.

Inspired by watching a Kawasaki Frontale match, it’s also loved as a fight song—perfect for anyone looking to get fired up at sports events or live shows.

It stands as one of the band’s signature classics.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN12rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Released in March 2001, this BUMP OF CHICKEN song was also used as an insert track for the drama “Tentaikansoku” (Stargazing).

The image of the protagonist gazing up at the starry sky while reflecting on their future and relationships is striking.

The lyrics capture the drive to chase dreams and the struggle with reality, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those facing worries and uncertainties in their youth.

Listen to it while looking up at the night sky, and you’re sure to find courage.

to clear up (weather)Yorushika13rank/position

Yorushika – Haru (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

It is a story of hope painted with a translucent singing voice and a beautiful melody.

Through rain and sunshine, it expresses the joys and sorrows of life, and its powerful message—drawing strength from nature to keep moving forward—resonates deeply.

With n-buna’s delicate arrangement and suis’s fragile vocals in perfect harmony, the song is a remarkable piece.

Released in January 2024, it was chosen as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and was also featured in a web commercial for Suntory’s gin SUI.

It is the perfect song for moments when you want to share the precious feeling of believing in the light ahead while sensing the changing seasons and life’s impermanence.

OrangeSPYAIR14rank/position

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

It became a massive hit as the theme song for the 2024 film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.

The same track was also chosen as the theme song for TBS Television and BS-TBS’s Volleyball Nations League 2024, powerfully expressing the passion of young people who devote their youth to volleyball, and marking a revival of the long-standing collaboration between SPYAIR and Haikyu!!.

It’s a rock ballad characteristic of SPYAIR, with easy-to-catch pitches that help you score steadily in karaoke.

The melody is basically structured so you can sing each phrase carefully.

It builds toward the latter half, and the vocal melody changes slightly in the final chorus, so it’s a good idea to review that part thoroughly.

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Kubota Mami

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