[Middle 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!

to clear up (weather)Yorushika30rank/position

Yorushika – Haru (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This song features a beautiful worldview woven from pop music and synthesizers, expressing the exquisite balance of nature.

Carried by a fragile, gentle voice like the spring sky, it conveys a message of strength to keep moving forward, with themes of natural scenery and change.

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

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you feel anxious about a new environment or filled with anticipation for what’s to come.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE31rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s hugely popular song “Boku no Koto,” which captures everyday scenes and feelings, is a wonderful choice for a closing ceremony.

Listening to the lyrics and melody that begin gently and quietly may bring back memories of the emotions and experiences you had throughout the sports day.

Playing it during the awards presentation could make the moment even more exciting.

Rather than focusing on winning or losing, it’s a song that conveys a sense of accomplishment for everyone’s hard work and hope for the future.

Please give it a listen.

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mayumi

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LemonYonezu Kenshi32rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

Kenshi Yonezu’s 8th major single was released in March 2018 (with digital distribution starting earlier in February of the same year).

It was written as the theme song for the TBS TV drama “Unnatural.” To aim for a high karaoke score with this song, there are a few tricky parts in the melody, so it’s essential to check those in advance.

Once you’ve memorized the melody, there aren’t any extremely high notes, so as long as the key suits you, you should definitely be able to go for a high score! The rhythm has a slight swing to it, so be careful not to miss that—make sure you really get into the groove of the track when you sing!

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Kei Takahata

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Time to Depart ~Asian Dream Song~sakushi: dorian suke kawa / sakkyoku: hisaishi jō33rank/position

[Choral] Tabi-dachi no Toki ~Asian Dream Song~ / With Lyrics [High Quality Audio]

It is a gem of a choral work imbued with a message of hope and courage.

The melody, with its nostalgic sound based on the yo-nuki (pentatonic) scale, is beautifully balanced with a modern arrangement, evoking a sense of timeless beauty.

In September 1997, Kazufumi Miyazawa performed this piece as the theme song for the Nagano Winter Paralympics, and an instrumental version is included on the album “Piano Stories II.” Frequently performed at graduation ceremonies and choral competitions, the song is ideal for class- or grade-level ensembles, with scores available for a variety of voicings, including mixed three-part and four-part chorus.

It’s nothing.Kamishiraishi Mone34rank/position

Nandemonaiya (RADWIMPS / Mone Kamishiraishi) Full ver. / Yanawaraba

This is a memorable song distinguished by a gentle, heart-touching voice.

Known as the theme song for the film Your Name., this piece is performed by Mone Kamishiraishi with her own unique interpretation.

The lyrics, which weave a story that transcends time, are further enhanced by her clear, translucent vocals.

Released in October 2016, the song captured the hearts of many alongside the film’s massive success and has become a popular choice for karaoke.

Blending moving lyrics with a pleasant melody, it’s perfect for creating memories with friends or expressing your feelings to someone special.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO35rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

A song that captures the feelings of someone who, despite weekday fatigue, keeps pushing forward for the “hero” they can meet on the weekend.

It’s a track from SHISHAMO’s album “SHISHAMO 4,” released in February 2017, and was featured in NTT Docomo’s “Docomo no Gakuwari” commercial, as well as performed at the 68th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Widely known as an anthem for young people, it is also beloved as a cheer song for Kawasaki Frontale.

Offering the courage to keep moving toward tomorrow even in tough times, this youth anthem is perfect for those who have someone they want to support and for people who want to share moving moments with hard-working friends.