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

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI22rank/position

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

A ballad that portrays the loneliness and anxiety felt in the pursuit of a dream, as well as the warmth of someone watching over you.

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Sazanka” is a single released in February 2018 and became widely known as the NHK theme song for coverage of the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics.

Rather than simply urging listeners to “do your best,” the song is filled with a gentle kindness that seems to affirm every attempt to overcome setbacks and pain.

Anyone chasing a dream may wonder, “Is this really the right path for me?” In those moments, this song will quietly stand by you, saying, “I know how hard you’ve been trying.”

migratory bird[Alexandros]23rank/position

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

A signature number by [Alexandros], with a driving melody and piercing high-register vocals that stir the listener’s heart.

It was included on a single released in March 2015 and is also known as the theme song for the film “Ake Garasu (Akegarasu).” The lyrics, which depict striving single-mindedly toward dreams and goals like a bird spreading its wings and soaring into the sky, really resonate.

When your mock exam results aren’t great or you feel anxious because you can’t see what lies ahead, the song’s positive energy will give you a push forward.

It’s a track I want exam takers to keep as a good-luck charm—something to listen to when you want to believe in yourself and sprint all the way to the finish.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO24rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

A rock number that cheers on our everyday efforts through its weekend heroes.

It was included on the 2017 album “SHISHAMO 4” and became widely known as the CM song for NTT Docomo’s “Docomo Student Discount.” That same year, the band performed it on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen for their first-ever appearance, generating major buzz.

The song frankly depicts the strength to keep running forward even when things are so tough you want to cry, along with gratitude for those who support you.

Inspired by watching a Kawasaki Frontale match, it’s also loved as a fight song—perfect for anyone looking to get fired up at sports events or live shows.

It stands as one of the band’s signature classics.

peace signYonezu Kenshi25rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

Crank up the energy with this powerful guitar rock tune! Written by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, it was released as a single in June 2017.

Chosen as the opening theme for Season 2, Cour 1 of the anime My Hero Academia, it quickly became a sensation.

The lyrics carry a message about overcoming your own weaknesses and charging toward the future, giving a strong push to anyone striving forward.

Blending a sense of speed with emotional vocals, this track is a perfect BGM choice for school sports days and athletic festivals where students give it their all—guaranteed to heat up any competition!

ANTENNAMrs. GREEN APPLE26rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「ANTENNA」Official Music Video

An energetic band sound that cranks up the excitement of a sports day to the max.

The melody woven by vocalist Motoki Omori will move your heart.

Portraying the will to press forward while carrying anxiety, this song by the hugely popular Mrs.

GREEN APPLE was also selected as the support song for Japan’s national team in Fuji TV’s “FIVB Paris Olympic Qualifiers / World Cup Volleyball 2023.” It’s the perfect BGM for those moments when you give your all in pursuit of victory.

A masterpiece with an overwhelming sense of scale, worthy of the passion of sports.

Spot the differenceSuda Masaki27rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

A captivating song featuring the vocals of Masaki Suda—who is active as both an actor and singer—written and composed by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.

Released in May 2019, this track was also used as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” starring Tori Matsuzaka.

It gently sings about the search for “mistakes” and “answers” in life, and the importance of what we learn from them.

The lyrics convey the joy of spending time with someone you love and the significance of human connections, making it a great choice to listen to as a memorable song for a date.

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE28rank/position

Usable for sports day! Mrs. GREEN APPLE “StaRt” easy dance choreography ♪ #SportsDay #PEdance #MrsGreenApple

This is a song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that captured many hearts with its exhilarating pop-rock sound and uplifting message.

It was included on their major-label debut mini-album “Variety,” released in July 2015, and was also featured in a Kao Merit commercial in 2017.

Riding an up-tempo rhythm, the song celebrates the small joys hidden in everyday life and the courage to take on new challenges.

Brimming with youthful performance and a pleasant, positive energy, it’s a perfect track for school festivals or sports day dance routines.