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

DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE29rank/position

Da-iCE / <TV Anime “ONE PIECE” Theme Song> “DREAMIN’ ON” Music Video

This song expresses the courage and strong will to pursue one’s dreams.

Released in August 2020, it was selected as the 23rd opening theme for the popular anime ONE PIECE.

As the first installment of Da-iCE’s six-month consecutive release plan, it was created with a focus on the theme of “vision.” The lyrics, written by Sota Hanamura, are notable for their powerful message.

The song celebrates the spirit of adventure in taking on unknown worlds with your friends and the importance of staying true to yourself.

Conveying the value of moving forward without being defeated by adversity, this track is sure to encourage everyone taking on events at sports days and athletic festivals together with their teammates!

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi30rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is an evocative duet that overlays memories of the past with present emotions shared with a dear friend.

Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda blend their voices to portray the innocence of a youth that remains unforgettable even in adulthood, as well as the way relationships change amid days of missing each other.

Included on the October 2017 album “BOOTLEG,” the song carries a wish to remain unchanged even while being swept up in daily life.

It’s truly a perfect track for school and cultural festivals, where friendship and bonds are key themes.

Marigoldaimyon31rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyon is popular across all generations.

“Marigold” is also a hit that people in their 50s often sing at karaoke.

I have students of various ages, and many of them sing her other songs too! It seems Aimyon really resonates with everyone, regardless of gender or age.

Also, “Marigold” sits in a comfortable range of F#3 to B4, so it’s an easy song to sing with a melody that’s simple for anyone to pick up.

If you think you’re tone-deaf, you might get nervous when holding the mic, but try not to tense up—sway gently side to side and sing lightly.

It helps you relax, and I recommend it! This can be especially good in karaoke settings with younger people around.

If you say, “Everyone, sing along with me,” you’ll feel even more at ease, so just be natural and enjoy singing!

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to clear up (weather)Yorushika32rank/position

Yorushika – Haru (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

It is a story of hope painted with a translucent singing voice and a beautiful melody.

Through rain and sunshine, it expresses the joys and sorrows of life, and its powerful message—drawing strength from nature to keep moving forward—resonates deeply.

With n-buna’s delicate arrangement and suis’s fragile vocals in perfect harmony, the song is a remarkable piece.

Released in January 2024, it was chosen as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and was also featured in a web commercial for Suntory’s gin SUI.

It is the perfect song for moments when you want to share the precious feeling of believing in the light ahead while sensing the changing seasons and life’s impermanence.

MiracleGReeeeN33rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

It’s a love song that treats meeting someone special as a wonderful event and sings straight from the heart about the precious days of walking together.

It’s a single released in May 2008 by GReeeeN, a vocal group that performs without showing their faces.

Chosen as the theme song for the hit TV drama “ROOKIES,” it went on to earn a Guinness World Record as the best-selling download single in Japan, standing as a brilliant milestone in music history.

Its up-tempo, emotionally rich melody further elevates its direct message of love and gratitude.

Brimming with forward-looking, hopeful energy, it’s perfect for kicking off a school or cultural festival with flair! Sing it with your friends, and it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS34rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

This is a RADWIMPS song created for director Makoto Shinkai’s animated film, singing of a fateful love that transcends time.

It’s a pop tune that conveys strength amid poignancy, marked by energetic guitar sounds and a driving, up-tempo rhythm.

Included on the album “Your Name.” released in August 2016, the track drew major attention alongside the film’s mega-hit success, and it’s also beloved as a staple at school festivals where everyone can get excited together.

If you simplify the guitar and drum rhythm parts, it can be enjoyed in performance regardless of skill level.

To Those Who Know the Blue of the Skyaimyon35rank/position

Aimyon – A Person Who Knows the Blue of the Sky [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A bittersweet youth love song filled with yearning.

Inspired by a film, Aimyon paints a track that conveys the ache of unrequited love alongside a faint glimmer of hope.

Released as a single in October 2019, it drew attention as the theme song for an animated movie of the same name.

The lyrics evoke a nostalgic look back at a love that has passed, gently wrapping you in feelings of heartache that everyone has experienced.

It’s perfect for high school students who want to listen while thinking of someone they like.

It’s great for quietly listening alone, and also for sharing with friends to reminisce about your youth.