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

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?

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Wherever you areONE OK ROCK99rank/position

Wherever you are

A ballad filled with gentle affection and vows.

The desire to always be by someone’s side and make them smile, along with the resolve to pledge eternal love, resonates deeply.

Though simply arranged around piano and acoustic guitar, Taka’s emotive vocals leave a strong impression.

Featured on the album “Niche Syndrome,” the song was used in 2015 as NTT Docomo’s commercial theme for the “Family” campaign, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s also highly popular as a wedding staple, taking first place in the ISUM Bridal Music Awards in both 2017 and 2018.

This is a perfect song to perform on stages at school cultural and campus festivals—events that can’t be created without bonds among friends and teachers.

Until the gobies dash to their endzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.100rank/position

ZUTOMAYO “To the End Where the Gobies Race” MV

The music unit Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni, affectionately known as “Zutomayo,” gained popularity among high school students as a music unit that mainly operates online.

Their 2019 release, “Haze Haseru Hateru made,” despite its pun-like title at first glance, features an exceptionally cool sound that’s highly appealing.

The touches of rap-like melody here and there feel refreshingly new.

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Saitō Ayumu

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