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

horizonback number15rank/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.

Planet LoopNayutan Seijin16rank/position

[Reversed & Back View ver.] Planet Loop - I Tried Dancing [Yuno] dance/practice use

An irresistibly catchy and cute tune, ‘Planet Loop.’ It’s a track by NayutalieN, a Vocaloid producer also known for providing songs like ‘Meteo’ and ‘Gingira Galaxy.’ With a poppy, refreshing melody that makes your body start moving just by listening, and gentle choreography that kids and adults alike can dance to, it’s a recommended pick for anyone looking for an easy dance number.

There are plenty of dance cover videos, so you can practice thoroughly while watching.

It’s also hugely popular among the Vocaloid generation!

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sasashina

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RomanticismMrs. GREEN APPLE17rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Romanticism

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is a rock band known for their piercing pop sensibilities and melodies brimming with euphoria.

This single, released in April 2019, was written specifically for a Shiseido SEA BREEZE commercial.

Crafted by Motoki Ohmori, the song depicts human love and the vitality of life on a grand scale, captivating listeners’ hearts.

Its colorful, bouncy sound and dynamic energy make it perfect for high schoolers who want to fire up a school festival live show.

It’s a highly recommended up-tempo tune that embraces the bittersweet exhilaration of youth and lets the entire venue come together and have fun.

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism18rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Official HIGE DANDism is a band that has gained popularity for their piercingly high-toned vocals and classic, mainstream pop sound.

This song they perform is an energetic number where piano and brass tones layer together and gradually build in intensity.

It stands by the conflicts and anxieties you face before a big challenge, singing as if to powerfully push you forward.

Released as a single in July 2019 and included on the masterpiece album “Traveler,” it was also selected that year as the “ABC Summer High School Baseball Support Song” and the theme for the TV program “Netto Koshien.” It’s perfect as opening BGM for cultural and school festivals, or for brass band performances.

A highly recommended track that fires up the heart and colors a page of youth.

If you laugh at the skywacci19rank/position

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

wacci is a rock band that delivers music that fits seamlessly into everyday life.

Their song “Sora ni Waraeba,” included on the 2018 album Gunjō Refrain, empowers people striving toward their dreams and goals.

The lyrics unfold like a portrait of days spent working hard with classmates toward a school sports festival.

Even when things get tough, you can picture everyone overcoming it together.

With a warm band arrangement incorporating beautiful strings, it’s a moving song that resonates with the heart.

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mutō

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spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE20rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy (Chorus ver.) by Waseda Jitsugyo School Music Club, Chorus Section

This song feels like a page from youth, delicately weaving together a range of emotions—sadness, wistfulness, joy, and more.

Infused with the genuine feelings the members of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE had when they graduated high school, it was released in February 2018 and featured in a Suntory “Craft Boss” commercial.

Portraying the complex emotions of parting and growing up—experiences everyone goes through—alongside a beautiful melody, it’s a perfect pick for middle schoolers.

Especially during graduation season, when joy and loneliness intermingle, it will bring a warm light to those who struggle to fully express their true, honest feelings.

ANTENNAMrs. GREEN APPLE21rank/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.