[High School Students] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]

Dried flowersYuuri85rank/position

Yuuri – Dry Flower / THE FIRST TAKE

Released in 2020, Yuuri’s “Dry Flower” spread mainly through social media and became a long-running hit.

The song is a breakup ballad told from a woman’s perspective, and many listeners have probably shed tears because of it.

Yuuri’s vocals heighten the sense of heartbreak and really tug at your heartstrings.

It might be a bit challenging to sing perfectly at karaoke, but try adjusting the key and give it a go.

Since it’s from a woman’s point of view, it’s great for women to sing as well.

It’s a song that everyone will naturally find themselves humming.

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utatane

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AgainWANIMA86rank/position

WANIMA “Again” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A rock tune by WANIMA that sings of a strong will to move forward again while overcoming setbacks and failures.

It captures the realization that past experiences shape who we are now, and the determination to take a new step with the courage to stand up again and again.

Released in March 2019 on their 4th single “Good Job!!,” the song also drew attention as the theme for the TBS drama “Maison de Police.” It’s a motivational anthem that gently supports not only athletes but everyone striving toward their dreams and goals.

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi87rank/position

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

A song by DAOKO, a female singer active as a rap singer and hip-hop MC, and Kenshi Yonezu, the singer-songwriter who composed the track.

Chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?,” its melody, which carries a hint of traditional Japanese flair, and its transparent arrangement evoke images of summer scenery.

The scenes expressed through each of their voices seem to suggest the faint, personal summer stories that exist for as many people as there are listeners.

It’s a masterpiece with an exquisite, beautiful worldview that transcends the boundaries of anime songs—perfect for the summers of one’s youth.

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Hoshino Takashi

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CHEER UPTwice88rank/position

TWICE “CHEER UP” M/V

TWICE, the most popular female K-pop artist group, boasts top-tier talent in singing, dancing, and visuals.

CHEER UP is the lead single from their second mini-album, PAGE TWO, released in 2016.

The song cutely expresses the irritation and frustration that come from romantic dilemmas, and its hit success helped TWICE become widely recognized.

With its overall poppy vibe—featuring cute vocals throughout—the track would likely hype up events like obstacle races, where flustered moments come across as humorous.

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly89rank/position

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

A classic go-to song for weddings and birthdays, “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo”! Released in 2008, it’s one of Superfly’s signature tracks and was used as the theme song for the drama “Edison no Haha” (Edison’s Mother).

The lyrics, which convey “gratitude” and “love,” have moved many people.

If you’re giving a bouquet to your beloved on their birthday, why not use this song as the BGM to create a touching moment? It’s also a great choice as background music for a heartfelt letter or a message video.

Happy tears are guaranteed!

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sasashina

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Walking with youNovelbright90rank/position

Novelbright – Walking with you [Official Music Video]

This is a coming-of-age number whose straightforward feelings and moving melody resonate in the heart.

Its powerful message—singing of the resolve and hope to walk through life with the one you love—inevitably stirs your emotions.

Released in October 2018 as the lead track of the album “SKYWALK,” it also drew attention as an insert song for AbemaTV’s “Koisuru Weekend Homestay 2020 Spring.” Novelbright’s sound, blending strength with wistfulness, is beautifully expressed through Takenaka’s soaring vocals.

If you sing it at a school festival, you’ll be able to fully showcase both your vocal ability and expressiveness!

Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK91rank/position

ONE OK ROCK: Wasted Nights [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

This song by ONE OK ROCK, a rock band hugely popular not only in Japan but around the world, was used as the theme song for the film “Kingdom,” so many of you may already be familiar with it.

The composition is so grand that it could be mistaken for a Western band’s song, and that alone is moving.

The lyrics, which sing about a stance of continuous challenge, overlap with the parts of ourselves who have kept putting in effort, and the more you’ve tried, the more this song will resonate in your heart.

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Hane Keisuke

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