High School Students’ Favorite Bands Ranking [2026]

MONSTER DANCEKEYTALK36rank/position

KEYTALK/「MONSTER DANCE」MUSIC VIDEO

A four-on-the-floor dance rock track is a surefire choice to hype up the crowd! This song is by the four-piece rock band KEYTALK, released as their third single in 2014.

It’s an upbeat, high-energy tune with a hint of Japanese flavor that’ll raise the excitement whether you like it or not as you listen.

Since handclaps pop up throughout the song, be sure to hype the audience so they’ll join in when you play it live.

There’s a section where the tempo changes, so practice thoroughly to keep the rhythm tight and consistent.

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Araki Jakkan

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Odoru-LoopFurederikku37rank/position

Frederic “Oddloop” Music Video | Frederic “oddloop”

A dance-rock tune marked by a playful, rolling guitar riff.

It’s a signature song by Frederic, a rock band from Hyogo, included on their major-label debut mini-album “oddloop,” released in 2014.

The irresistibly catchy melody and lyrics are part of its charm.

Because the song flows forward smoothly, the drums in particular should keep a solid groove without dragging.

Let’s turn the venue into a dance floor!

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Araki Jakkan

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The Zero Sense10-FEET38rank/position

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

A powerful rock number that passionately belts out the spirit of basketball and the thrill of challenge! The lyrics, brimming with the fervor of chasing your dreams and the resolve to face adversity, feel as if they’re giving you a push from behind.

10-FEET’s sound, packed with overwhelming power and taut intensity, grips the listener’s heart and never lets go.

Featured on the album “COLLINS” and released in December 2022 as the ending theme for the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” this track is perfect not only for basketball and sports fans, but also for those moments when you want to strive toward your dreams or fire yourself up before an important showdown.

companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi39rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Nakama” Full Ver.

Ketsumeishi’s “Nakama” is the perfect song that makes you want to link arms and sing together at the closing ceremony of a sports day.

The friends who fought alongside you are comrades-in-arms at the event, but they’re also the companions you spend your days with.

It’s a song that feels like it can help you build a relationship where you praise each other and say “good job” with genuine appreciation.

The bonds among the children, strengthened through the sports day, may deepen even further.

Be sure to give this song with its comfortable tempo and unpretentious lyrics a listen.

It’ll make for a wonderful sports day!

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mayumi

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Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa40rank/position

Road of Major / Kokoro-e

This is a song by Road of Major that powerfully paints the “picture of the heart” hidden in one’s chest.

Its passionate message—“No matter how many times you stumble, seize the future you dreamed of with your own hands!”—resonates with listeners.

Released in November 2004, this was their major-label debut single and served as the opening theme for the first season of the NHK Educational anime Major.

It can be called a rousing anthem that gives courage to high school baseball players chasing the white ball, and to everyone striving toward a big goal.

End the worldHarukamirai41rank/position

Harukamirai – End the World (Official Video)

A four-piece rock band that made their major debut in 2019, Harukamirai’s third single.

With a solid, no-frills sound built on simple instrumentation, an easy-to-groove rhythm, and straightforward vocals, it’s an accessible track that’s perfect for a school festival stage.

There are many unison parts, making it a song everyone can sing together and get pumped up with, so adding it to your setlist can help create dynamic contrast in your live show.

Since there are no difficult phrases like guitar solos, it’s also an easy number for beginner bands to cover—ideal if the school festival stage will be your first live performance.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā42rank/position

Effeminate / Golden Bomber – Music Video

Familiar from TV and the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, this song captures the feelings of a heartbroken man with an upbeat melody.

Its message—filled with lingering attachment to an ex, regret, and the wish to be together again—has resonated with many.

Released in October 2009, the track has spawned yearly “buzzword” versions that reflect the spirit of the times.

In fiscal 2013, it won the JASRAC Gold Award, a remarkable feat for an indie release.

It was also used in a House Foods “Mega Shaki” commercial, gaining popularity across a wide audience.

Perfect for amping up sports festivals and dance events, it’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike can enjoy dancing to.