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

Love and romanceNovelbright92rank/position

Novelbright – Love and Romance [Official Music Video]

Novelbright’s heartwarming love song is attracting attention.

With lyrics overflowing with feelings for a lover and a refreshing melody, it’s a captivating track that resonates with listeners.

Released digitally in April 2022, it was later included on the album “Assort.” Centered on pop rock, the song is notable for its clear, expansive vocals.

It carefully depicts the deep affection one feels for a partner in everyday life and the inner changes brought about by their presence.

It’s a song that lifts your spirits—even on a dreary Monday, just thinking of your loved one makes your heart leap—and fills you with a positive outlook.

It’s moving in the way it celebrates the feeling of being in love.

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION93rank/position

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)

A searing, emotional masterpiece that grabs high schoolers’ hearts and never lets go! Its grand melody and exhilarating, driving guitar sound will fill the entire school festival venue with excitement.

The lyrics portray real, down-to-earth youth who question their own purpose, face failure, and keep moving forward—sure to stir your soul.

Released by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION in August 2004, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist.

It’s a classic that begs to be performed live, uniting the whole crowd in a frenzy.

Highly recommended even for those just starting out with band performances!

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN94rank/position

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

A classic GReeeeN song to listen to when you hit a wall with daily studies or club activities and feel like giving up.

Released in January 2007, it was their memorable debut single and was featured widely in the media, including as the opening theme for CDTV.

The lyrics convey a message of believing in yourself and moving forward no matter the difficulties, offering comfort and courage to listeners.

It’s loved by top athletes as well—pitcher Yu Darvish has said it supported him.

In 2017, it was used in a SUBARU commercial, drawing renewed attention a decade after its release.

When you feel uncertain about the path you’ve chosen, this is a cheer song that gently nudges you forward.

ultramarineYOASOBI95rank/position

YOASOBI “Gunjou” Official Music Video

Inspired by the manga Blue Period, this piece portrays a fervent passion for immersing yourself in what you love.

It’s a track released digitally in September 2020 by YOASOBI, a unit that turns novels into music, and it’s also known as the song from the Bourbon Alfort Mini Chocolate commercial.

The song is included on their first EP, THE BOOK, released in 2021, and ikura’s clear vocals together with the exhilarating sound really resonate.

The chorus features a group-singing part, so even if you’re not confident singing alone, you can have a blast with friends! Even in sections with sustained high notes, it’s nothing to fear when everyone raises their voices together.

How about enjoying it at karaoke after club activities or after school, feeling the bond with your friends as you sing?

KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi96rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who also has a persona as a Vocaloid producer and continues to expand the musical possibilities of the J-pop scene.

The track released in November 2022, used as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, drew major attention for featuring Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu on arrangement.

With its drum’n’bass-driven, intense beat and whirlwind progression, the sound feels like a roller coaster that sweeps listeners along, deeply linking with the work’s frenzied worldview.

The lyrics, infused with the protagonist’s somewhat nihilistic and self-destructive desire for happiness and good fortune, strike a powerful impulse into the listener’s heart.

It’s an aggressive, cool rock tune that blasts away the boredom of everyday life and lifts your mood to the max.

Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi97rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Horse and Deer

A heartwarming song by Kenshi Yonezu that gives a boost to the spirit of doing your best at sports days and athletic festivals.

It’s included on the acclaimed album STRAY SHEEP, released in August 2020.

The lyrics, which use the metaphor of a horse and a deer to portray the importance of holding on to sincere feelings even when you’re awkward, leave a strong impression.

Created amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the piece reflects Yonezu’s search for his role in a chaotic situation.

Singing of a resilient heart that strives to rise even when it’s on the verge of breaking, this song will gently encourage everyone working hard in practice and on the big day.

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS98rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

As you graduate, it’s important to sing about friendship, hope, and anticipation, but isn’t it even more important to express gratitude—to say thank you—to the people who have supported you up to now? This 2013 release by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS is a song that straightforwardly conveys such thanks.

When performed as a choral piece, it becomes even more powerful and memorable, so why not have all the third-year students sing it together, filled with gratitude for all the people who have been there for you?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem