[High School Students] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2026]

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS11rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

This RADWIMPS song sings of a love that transcends time and space.

It became a massive hit as the theme song for the animated film “Your Name.” Released in August 2016, the track features a driving melody and lyrics that truly resonate.

The chorus is especially easy to remember, and belting it out with power is sure to move hearts.

There are multiple versions, including a “movie ver.” produced as part of the film’s score and an “original ver.” included on RADWIMPS’ album “Ningen Kaika” (Human Bloom).

It’s a perfect pick for high school guys looking to fire up the room at karaoke—and a great choice for a karaoke date with your favorite girl.

On nights when cherry blossoms fallaimyon12rank/position

Aimyon – On the Night the Cherry Blossoms Fall [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

While inheriting the sound that could be called the golden age of Heisei-era J-POP, Aimyon continues to release songs with a timeless, universal appeal.

“Sakura ga Furu Yoru wa” was released in 2021 as the theme song for “Koi to Ookami ni wa Damasarenai,” and it’s a masterpiece brimming with Aimyon’s signature style—comforting yet somehow bittersweet, with melodies and lyrics that resonate deeply.

Overall, although the pitch sits relatively high, the range is narrow and the melodic leaps are modest, so those with lower voices should be able to sing it well by adjusting the key.

For the chorus’s falsetto lines, try to project from your diaphragm to avoid your voice breaking.

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KOH-1

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Christmas songback number13rank/position

back number – “Christmas Song” Music Video

Just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean everyone feels happy.

If you’ve “recently had your heart broken and are feeling down,” this might hit especially hard when you sing it.

It’s a song by the rock band back number—also known for “Happy End” and “Takane no Hanako-san”—released in 2015 as their 14th single.

Perhaps thanks to the down-to-earth sound and vocals, the message in the lyrics feels like it slips straight into your heart.

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Araki Jakkan

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lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE14rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A song that delicately captures the brilliance and bittersweetness of youth has arrived from Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

With refreshing guitar sounds and a crystalline vocal performance, this piece expresses the transience and beauty of life, gently embracing the feelings of young people who seek stability yet strive to move forward.

Chosen as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s anime “Oblivion Battery,” which began airing in April 2024, it went on to win the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards.

This marks the first-ever back-to-back Grand Prize win by a band in the award’s history.

Embracing past pains and failures and transforming them into strength for the future, this work offers the courage to take the next step—and will gently nudge you forward as you embark on a new beginning.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number15rank/position

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

This classic song by back number captures the bittersweet unrequited love that everyone has experienced.

In front of the person he likes, he’s nothing more than “a friend of a friend.” Even so, you can’t help but relate to the protagonist who just wants to see her smile and say “good morning.” Released in June 2013, the song was featured in a Kirin Beer commercial in 2019 and performed at the 73rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2022, showing how it’s been loved for years.

It’s perfect for a shy high school boy who gets nervous in front of his crush.

Sing it at karaoke, and your honest feelings are sure to reach the one you like.