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

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki92rank/position

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

Masaki Suda, who shines with his multifaceted talents as an actor and singer.

His song “Sayonara Elegy” also drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Todome no Kiss,” starring Kento Yamazaki.

His husky voice adds depth to each phrase and highlights how easy it is to sing.

The song has little variation in vocal range and is arranged simply, making it a recommended choice even for those who aren’t confident in their singing.

With a somewhat nostalgic melody line, it’s likely easy for people of any generation to sing.

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utatane

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Dear, boyHump Back93rank/position

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

A major-label debut single from Hump Back whose exhilarating rock sound sets your heart on fire.

Written by vocalist Momoko Hayashi with her high school bandmates in mind, this song is a cheer anthem that stands by the anxieties and setbacks of chasing dreams and gives you the courage to face forward again.

Released in June 2018, it was featured in numerous tie-ins, including the Shinken Zemi High School Course TV commercial and as the theme song for Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting’s “102nd National High School Baseball Championship Kumamoto Tournament.” Its straightforward, powerful message and driving melody are a perfect match for a heated relay race.

It’s sure to give a strong push to the runners passing the baton, so consider choosing it as BGM to fire up your sports day.

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION94rank/position

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)

A searing, emotional masterpiece that grabs high schoolers’ hearts and never lets go! Its grand melody and exhilarating, driving guitar sound will fill the entire school festival venue with excitement.

The lyrics portray real, down-to-earth youth who question their own purpose, face failure, and keep moving forward—sure to stir your soul.

Released by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION in August 2004, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist.

It’s a classic that begs to be performed live, uniting the whole crowd in a frenzy.

Highly recommended even for those just starting out with band performances!

Racing into the NightYOASOBI95rank/position

YOASOBI “Racing into the Night” Official Music Video

YOASOBI’s “Yoru ni Kakeru” is also extremely popular as background music for dance.

Released as a single in December 2019, it dominated virtually every chart in 2020 and has become such a classic that it seems like there’s no one who hasn’t heard it.

YouTube is full of kids’ dance videos to the song, which shows just how popular it is.

There are routines at various levels from elementary to high school, so be sure to try a dance performance at your school’s sports day or festival!

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Hamada Takuya

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road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN96rank/position

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

A classic GReeeeN song to listen to when you hit a wall with daily studies or club activities and feel like giving up.

Released in January 2007, it was their memorable debut single and was featured widely in the media, including as the opening theme for CDTV.

The lyrics convey a message of believing in yourself and moving forward no matter the difficulties, offering comfort and courage to listeners.

It’s loved by top athletes as well—pitcher Yu Darvish has said it supported him.

In 2017, it was used in a SUBARU commercial, drawing renewed attention a decade after its release.

When you feel uncertain about the path you’ve chosen, this is a cheer song that gently nudges you forward.

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS97rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

Here’s a song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS released in 2013.

The band is known for featuring celebrities who fit the image of each song on their cover art instead of themselves, and for this track, Sanma Akashiya appears on the jacket as a teacher.

Since it was used as the theme song for the 85th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament (Senbatsu) and for “Akamru! Scoop Koshien,” it’s a perfect choice to sing at school.

Choral pieces are great, of course, but familiar, accessible songs like this can really liven things up, too.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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chantAdo98rank/position

"Spell" by Ado

Ado’s “Show” is a collaboration track with Universal Studios Japan, released on September 6, 2023, and it serves to amp up the Halloween event “Halloween Horror Nights.” Riding an exotic beat, Ado’s powerful vocals explode, and this song—celebrating the importance of living freely—garnered high acclaim, including winning the RecoChoku Award for Monthly Best Song.

Guaranteed to hype up any Halloween-season event, this track is packed with Ado’s charm.

Be sure to listen to “Show” and enjoy the full-on Ado world when you take part in the festivities!