Ranking of Popular Children's Songs [2026]

KanadeSukima Suichi22rank/position

“Kanade” Eimei High School Choir Club

A beloved classic by Sukima Switch, distinguished by its beautiful piano tones and emotional vocals that gently embrace meetings and farewells.

Released in March 2004, this song has graced numerous tie-in works, including the film “Rough,” the Fuji TV drama “Sotsu Uta,” and commercials for Tokio Marine & Nichido Life Insurance.

Depicting the feeling that everyday life looks completely different after meeting someone special, this piece—when sung at graduations or choral festivals—will make the presence of the friends beside you feel even more precious and help create a wonderful stage.

WishRyo Suzuki23rank/position

Ryo Suzuki Debut Single “Wish” Music Video #RyoSuzuki #Wish

This is her solo debut single, released in December 2025.

Centered on the message that the protagonist chasing their dream is none other than themselves, it’s a motivational song that portrays moving forward despite doubt and anxiety.

Takuya Watanabe, who wrote, composed, and arranged the track, commented that he aimed to infuse Suzuki’s sweet, glamorous voice with a strong will and a radiant future.

The emotional swell that opens up toward the chorus feels wonderfully cathartic.

It’s a perfect song for anyone embarking on a new challenge or looking for a gentle push in everyday life.

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci24rank/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.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE25rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

Released as a single on January 9, 2019, this is a hymn to life written as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It’s a grand ballad themed around self-affirmation that embraces realities like setbacks and efforts that don’t always pay off.

The song is generally high and might be challenging for many singers, but once you master falsetto, you’ll be fine.

As you sing it more often, your falsetto will grow stronger, so I encourage you to try it repeatedly.

The image is to sing your heart out as if you’re “delivering this song” in a wide-open space—your voice will soar more freely, which I highly recommend.

If you use your breath well and sing with sustained lines, it matches the song’s atmosphere and feels good for listeners too.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Happinessback number26rank/position

Shiawase

A back number ballad that tightens your chest with overwhelming poignancy.

It delicately depicts the pain of unrequited love, where the closeness of being right next to someone only makes them feel farther away.

Knowing there’s someone else in their heart, you still force a smile—some listeners may find themselves in tears at that image.

Included on the single “Hanabira,” released in April 2011, and later featured on the October album “Superstar,” this song offers gentle, beautiful tones to those burdened with feelings they can’t express or hearts troubled by unattainable love.

Why not listen to it on a night when you just want to cry your heart out?

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number27rank/position

back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (full)

This song is by back number, a rock band known for releasing many classic bittersweet love songs.

It was released in 2019 as their 20th single and served as the theme song for the drama A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love.

While the title might make you think it’s a celebratory track, it’s actually a poignant number depicting a man spending his birthday alone, nursing an unrequited love.

It tenderly conveys the aching feeling of waiting to hear “happy birthday” from the person he likes.

Rather than a song to give to someone else, it feels like a track that gently stays by the side of your lovesick self.

Bunny GirlAKASAKI28rank/position

[AKASAKI] Bunny Girl (Lyric Video)

A song released in October 2024 by singer-songwriter AKASAKI, who was 18 at the time of its debut.

Its addictive melody blends the nostalgic feel of Showa-era pop with contemporary beats—you’ll find yourself humming along after just one listen.

The lyrics portray a protagonist who, while draped in the atmosphere of the night and seducing their partner, feels on the verge of losing their true self deep inside.

The gap between their earnest desire to be loved and their bold demeanor is truly heart-tugging.

With its rhythmic, catchy groove, it’s the perfect pick when you want to make a cool impression at karaoke.