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

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism15rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Official HIGE DANDism’s “Shukumei” is a song that cheers on high school students as they face the challenges before them.

In the summer of 2019, this track supported the passionate battles of baseball team members, and it will surely serve as an encouraging anthem for all high schoolers preparing for entrance exams or devoted to their clubs.

Satoshi Fujihara’s clear, soaring vocals provide a refreshing mental break when listened to while studying, and the lyrics are filled with messages that celebrate your efforts so far and push you to stay positive.

In times of trial, lend your ears to this song and draw the courage to keep believing in yourself.

If you laugh at the skywacci16rank/position

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

This song is filled with the sparkle of youth and hope for the future.

Its warm melody and delicate vocals gently embrace the listener’s heart.

It celebrates the journey of hard work and the importance of friendship, giving you the courage to face any challenge.

Released as a digital-only single in July 2018, it became a hot topic on social media, especially among junior high and high school students, resonating with many.

It’s recommended both as a song to accompany the high school graduation season and for anyone seeking encouragement in their daily life.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number17rank/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.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE18rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

A song produced as the official cheer anthem for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Rather than irresponsibly telling people who are striving to “hang in there,” it carries a message that every single day is a miracle, including the experiences of broken dreams and discouragement.

It sensitively portrays the feelings of acknowledging differences between oneself and others and the resolve to move forward despite anxiety, leaving listeners with a refreshing, positive outlook—an ode to life.

In 2022, an orchestral arrangement was featured as the song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Calorie Mate commercial, drawing renewed attention as a track that supports exam takers.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those marking the milestone of graduation or standing on the brink of a new challenge.

From Me to Youflumpool19rank/position

flumpool “Kimi ni Todoke” Music Video

A classic flumpool song that captures the sweet and bittersweet feelings of youthful love.

Released in September 2010, it was chosen as the theme song for the popular film “Kimi ni Todoke,” starring Mikako Tabe.

It resonates with the desire to convey your feelings straightforwardly to someone important.

The chorus line “Todoke” (“Reach”) is especially memorable and guaranteed to fire up any karaoke session! It’s the perfect track for a high school boy who wants to confess his feelings to his crush.

flumpool’s songs are also hugely popular with women, so if you can sing it coolly, your charm factor is sure to go up.

Highly recommended for adults who want to reminisce about their youthful romances, too!

loveback number20rank/position

back number – Love (Short ver.)

A gem from back number that captures bittersweet, tenderly aching emotions swaying in the limited time before graduation.

The lyrics, which freeze a youthful moment—like following your crush with your eyes from a classroom window—are sure to make anyone overlay their own memories.

Released in March 2012, this song overflows with warmth that gently nudges men who are thinking of confessing on White Day but can’t quite find the courage.

On a night when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special, be sure to listen closely.

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya21rank/position

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

This song paints memories of youth that are as refreshing and bittersweet as a summer sky.

Tatsuya Kitani released it in July 2023.

It was chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen and received a Special Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.

The cool, refreshing melody and lyrics that weave together the pure relationships unique to adolescence, along with regret and a sense of loss, vividly awaken memories everyone has experienced.

It’s a perfect song to sing in an air-conditioned karaoke room on a hot summer day while reminiscing about the past.