Ranking of Popular Children's Songs [2026]

together; along with; bothWANIMA15rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

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.

LemonYonezu Kenshi16rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

A bittersweet yet beautiful melody, this ballad seeps deeply into hearts burdened by the pain of loss.

Kenshi Yonezu’s experience of losing his grandfather during the production period is strongly reflected, imbuing the song with love for days that will never return and a prayer for repose.

Written as the theme song for the TBS drama “Unnatural,” it became a social phenomenon upon its release in March 2018 thanks to its singular worldview.

As of March 2025, the music video has surpassed 900 million views, earning record-breaking acclaim in Japanese music history.

It’s a perfect listen on a quiet, rainy night or when you want to sink into gentle nostalgia for someone dear.

This masterpiece softly stays close to the sorrow deep within and wraps it in kindness.

KanadeSukima Suichi17rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

A bittersweet yet warm ballad that vividly conjures the image of two people stopping in front of the ticket gate! In March, the season of farewells, it tenderly portrays my feelings as I see you off on your new journey, and it really tightens the chest.

Released by Sukima Switch as a single in March 2004, it was used as an insert song for the film “Rough” and as the theme song for the drama “Sotsu Uta.” Its message—conveying a powerful bond that remains connected through song even when we’re apart—gently supports the loneliness of parting from someone important at times like graduation.

This piece sings of the pain of farewell that everyone experiences and the hope for the future.

It’s a classic that softly pushes you forward, wiping your tears so you can take the next step.

Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE18rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

Released in August 2018, this song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE was written as the theme for the film “Ao-Natsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-Nichi” (Blue Summer: The 30 Days I Fell in Love with You).

Vocalist Motoki Omori’s soaring voice and lyrics that encourage you to feel like “we’re the main characters” make it a perfect fit for elementary school girls working hard at love or extracurriculars.

It’s also become a staple cheer song for high school baseball and is so powerful it’s even performed in the Koshien Alps stands.

Sing it with friends and you’re sure to feel energized.

It’s an incredibly emotional track that colors a sparkling page of youth.

HAPPYBUMP OF CHICKEN19rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN『HAPPY』

This is a song filled with deep affection that, behind the word “happiness,” strives to celebrate someone’s life itself, even while carrying sadness and loss.

Released as a single by BUMP OF CHICKEN in 2010, it reached No.

1 on both the Oricon weekly and monthly charts.

Beyond the brightness suggested by its title, it resonates with many as an anthem for life—wishing good health for someone dear and saying “congratulations” to every moment they’ve lived.

The dry-textured guitar sound and Motoo Fujiwara’s gentle vocals blend exquisitely, and despite its medium tempo, the buoyant melody is captivating.

It’s a song you’ll want to give to someone special on a birthday or anniversary, to celebrate every step of the journey they’ve taken so far.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN20rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

A quintessential number from BUMP OF CHICKEN that I’d like to dedicate to new adults who, even while feeling anxious about a future without clear answers, keep searching for hope.

Released as a single in 2001, it was used as an insert song in the drama Celestial Observation (Hoshizora no Koro/Tentai Kansoku).

Its driving guitar sound and lyrics about looking up at the night sky to seek what can’t be seen resonate deeply with young people standing at the doorway to adulthood.

Even when faced with hardships like an unexpected downpour, it gives you the courage to cherish the present moment and take a step forward.

No matter how rough the waves of society become from here on, listening to this song will help you remember your pure passion and keep going!

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci21rank/position

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

This is a song that captures a woman’s complex feelings: while she speaks of her current partner’s kindness, she can’t help but recall the comfort of the days spent with her ex.

It’s a track released in August 2018 by the pop band wacci, known for crafting music that sits close to everyday life, and it’s also included on the album “Gunjou Refrain.” The lyrics, written by vocalist Yohei Hashiguchi based on a female friend’s story, contrast the perfection of a new partner with lingering feelings for an ex, tightening the listener’s chest.

In June 2021, it surpassed 100 million streams, cementing its status as a long‑loved classic.

After a springtime parting, when forcing yourself to look ahead leaves your heart tired, this song might gently stay by your side.