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

HarukaYOASOBI8rank/position

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

A moving work from YOASOBI—known for their gentle, warm vocals and story-rich songs—that poignantly depicts parting from a loved one.

From the unique perspective of a moon prince who has become a mug and watches over a girl through half her life, the song tenderly weaves themes of family and friendship bonds, the joy of growth, and the sorrow of farewell.

Released in December 2020, the piece was featured as the image song for “Art Aquarium Exhibition 2021: Hakata—Festival of Goldfish” and in a Takara Tomy commercial.

Its warm narrative carried by a simple melody will be there to comfort you when you want to look back on memories with your companions, or when you need courage before saying goodbye to someone important.

OrangeSPYAIR9rank/position

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

While carrying the sorrow of parting, yet moving forward with the hope of meeting again—let us introduce a SPYAIR song that captures exactly that feeling.

Released in February 2024, this track was written as the theme song for the anime film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.

Its lyrics paint a bittersweet scene reminiscent of a sunset sky, filled with gratitude for the days spent with friends and a positive message that believes in future reunions.

With total streams surpassing 100 million, it’s a song that has captured the hearts of many listeners.

SPYAIR is a band that has collaborated with the Haikyu!! series for many years, and this work could be called the culmination of that partnership.

It’s perfect for those who feel anxious about taking separate paths after graduation, yet want to say with a smile, “Let’s meet again.” Its powerful yet warm rock sound will give you the courage to take a new step forward!

Only for you, clear skiesYorushika10rank/position

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

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.

Shape of YouEd Sheeran11rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)

Ed Sheeran’s smash hit “Shape of You” took the world by storm.

Since it was released in 2017, even junior high school students are likely familiar with it.

It won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance, and as you can tell from its YouTube views, it was a massive commercial success.

Its laid-back melody suits both parties and drives, which may have helped it become such a hit.

It’s also a staple song for learning English, so be sure to check it out!

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN12rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature song “Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing).

Watching this music video reminds me of how I used to look up at the sky over and over with the telescope we had at home, almost every night.

Even though it’s a song from the very beginning of the 21st century, it’s a timeless classic!

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya13rank/position

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

This song, the title track of Tatsuya Kitani’s EP “Ao no Sumika,” released in July 2023, was chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death.” The lyrics, which layer the radiance of youth with the sense of loss that comes with adulthood, really hit home.

The chime tones that ring out amid the driving rock sound evoke a certain nostalgia, don’t they? Its refreshing yet emotional vibe makes it a perfect BGM choice for work or study when you want to get fired up.

horizonback number14rank/position

back number – Horizon

A gem of a ballad delivered by back number, a band that captures listeners’ hearts with poignant lyrics.

Beginning with a gentle piano melody, this song weaves a story about the pain of dreams and hopes suddenly collapsing, and the will to look forward and begin anew.

Many will find their own experiences reflected in the raw, urgent feelings—like a cry for one’s existence—born from unnoticed loneliness.

Created for high school students whose Inter-High was canceled, the song was released on YouTube in August 2020.

It’s a classic that quietly stays by your side when summer fun has passed and a faint loneliness sets in.