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Band rankings popular among junior high school students [2026]
This time, we’re bringing you a ranking of bands popular among junior high school students.
It’s an age when your interest in music really starts to grow.
“Let’s start a band for the school festival!”
You might even find yourself saying that to your friends.
If you’re a guy, you probably know the feeling of daydreaming about looking cool on stage.
The bands we’re about to introduce might be packed with those very dreams.
Most Popular Bands Among Junior High School Students [2026] (1–10)
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE1rank/position
It’s a refreshing rock number packed with the brilliance and wistfulness of summer.
While it portrays anxieties about friendships and romance, the song overflows with a positive belief in human connections.
Released in August 2018 as the theme song for the film “A Blue Summer: 30 Days of You,” Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s seventh single surpassed 500 million streams in January 2024.
It was also performed at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in December 2024, generating major buzz.
Filled with summer-specific imagery and a desire to cherish every moment of youth, it’s guaranteed to unite and electrify the entire venue if performed at a school festival.
It’s not me unless it’s meGesu no Kiwami Otome.2rank/position
A four-piece rock band that builds songs based on progressive rock and hip-hop through each member’s outstanding musicianship, Gesu no Kiwami Otome’s second single showcases plenty to enjoy: a two-phase intro and jaw-dropping performances woven into an otherwise accessible track.
Each part is technically demanding, so band practice is essential to play it together, but its catchy, upbeat vibe makes it a great pick for school and cultural festivals.
Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number3rank/position
A three-piece rock band, back number, known for their popularity with bittersweet lyrics and a melancholic tone.
It’s an exhilarating rock number that captures the relatable emotions of unrequited love.
The guitar mainly features chord strumming patterns, but there are plenty of spotlight moments—like delay-driven phrases and a solo—that are simple yet showy, making it fun to play.
The rhythm section is generally straightforward, but the rhythm becomes irregular in the B section, so be careful not to fall out of sync with the other parts.
None of the parts are particularly difficult, but precisely because of that, mistakes stand out, so it’s important to play each phrase cleanly and with intention.
CorrectRADWIMPS4rank/position
An emotional number by RADWIMPS that sings about the questions you’re likely to face in your school life ahead and the importance of finding your own answers.
It was created to be performed with one thousand 18-year-olds for the NHK program “RADWIMPS 18-sai Matsuri,” broadcast in October 2018.
The lyrics, which explore the true meaning of life—things not found in school textbooks—will surely resonate deeply with junior high school students starting a new chapter.
In addition to being included on the album “ANTI ANTI GENERATION,” it was released as a CD single in February 2024.
The beautiful interplay of piano and chorus is sure to gently give you courage on the morning of the entrance ceremony, when anxiety and anticipation are intertwined.
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism5rank/position
This is a moving song that portrays dreams, passion, setbacks, and growth.
While it symbolizes the fierce battles of high school baseball players, it is also embraced as an anthem that cheers on anyone facing life’s challenges.
Released in July 2019, it was selected as the “2019 ABC Summer High School Baseball Support Song / ‘Netto Koshien’ Theme Song,” capturing the hearts of many.
Official HIGE DANDism’s clear, luminous vocals and relatable lyrics are captivating.
It’s perfect for junior high school students approaching graduation.
If you’re feeling anxious about a new environment or sad about parting with friends, this song will surely give you courage.
A Little Love SongMONGOL8006rank/position
This song has the power to make you rediscover the small joys of everyday life and the connections with the people you cherish.
Included on the album “MESSAGE,” it’s featured on MONGOL800’s landmark release, which sold over 2.8 million copies despite being an indie work.
Since its release in September 2001, it has been beloved as a karaoke standard and remained on the Oricon karaoke charts for an extended period.
It was also used as the theme song for the film “Little Love Song,” perfectly matching the story that portrays the growth and romance of young people.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone who wants to express their feelings honestly to someone important, or to recall the pure emotions of their youth.
Only for you, clear skiesYorushika7rank/position
This piece is included on the second mini-album released in May 2018, “Losers Don’t Need an Encore.” It’s a nostalgic portrayal that recalls summer scenes spent with someone special, and it tightens your chest as you listen.
It depicts a protagonist who, while growing up, feels the anxiety of falling behind and carries feelings they can’t put into words—something that will surely resonate with junior high school students in the midst of their youth.
Despite the heartrending lyrics, the refreshing tone and melody offer a sense of relief, making it an emotional number.
together; along with; bothWANIMA8rank/position
On the morning of the entrance ceremony, when expectations and anxieties are all mixed together, you feel like listening to music that can ease your nerves, right? In moments like that, this song by WANIMA—featuring exhilarating, fast-paced rock—is a perfect fit.
It’s included on the single “JUICE UP!!,” released in August 2016, and is widely known as the song used in Nivea Kao’s 8×4 commercial.
During production, the Kumamoto earthquakes struck in April 2016, and the story of the band members pouring their deep feelings for their hometown into the song is well known.
No matter how painful the past or how uncertain tomorrow may be, its powerful lyrics encourage you to move forward as yourself—sure to give junior high school students a strong push.
Give it a listen as a track to color the coming days of youth, from meeting new friends to joining clubs.
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN9rank/position
UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is a rock band known for their overwhelming vocals and high-level musicianship.
Their 2015 release Sugar Song and Bitter Step is a danceable track packed with colorful charm.
The moment you hear the light, upbeat guitar in the intro, you can’t help but want to start stepping.
The refreshing melody line that unfolds with a rhythmic tempo also resonates with the heart.
It’s an uptempo tune that works both with technical choreography and beginner-friendly arrangements—perfect for livening up culture festivals and school festivals!
The BeginningONE OK ROCK10rank/position
This song delivers a deeply moving experience, with powerhouse vocals and a band sound so compelling it gives you goosebumps.
It captures the determination of those taking a new step forward and carries a message that pushes you from behind, radiating a power that resonates more with every listen.
Released in August 2012, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin, and through its synergy with the movie, it captured the hearts of a wide audience, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
Perfect as BGM for time trials or relay events, this track offers a refreshing sense of speed and the courage to take on challenges—be sure to experience it.