Ranking of Popular Children's Songs [2026]

366 daysHY36rank/position

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)

A signature “tearjerker” song known for its overwhelmingly relatable lyrics and heartrending vocals.

Though released in 2008, it became the motif for a TV drama in 2024 and a film in 2025, and vocalist Izumi Nakasone has collaborated with various artists—proof that the song has been loved for a long time.

It’s also famous as a “high-scoring” karaoke pick; I can actually score over 90 on it, so I highly recommend it.

While it’s on the longer side, the structure is easy to grasp, with clear peak moments that make expressive singing more attainable.

For the long tones, watch the pitch bar and sustain firmly to the end, and be mindful of switching between chest voice and falsetto.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism37rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Just a school event, and yet more than a school event.

This moving number by Official HIGE DANDism resonates powerfully in the heart, as if embracing that burning passion.

The beautiful piano melodies and the vibrant horn arrangements blend magnificently, gently enveloping both the victories and setbacks you seize together with your friends.

Released as a single in July 2019, it was chosen as the Asahi Broadcasting Corporation’s summer National High School Baseball Championship support song and the theme for “Nettō Kōshien.” It was later included on the acclaimed album Traveler.

It’s a perfect song for students who want to color a page of their youth vividly—whether performing as a band on the culture festival stage or singing in chorus with the whole class.

Exploding Brain Girlrereriri38rank/position

Brain Fluid Explosion Girl – rerulili feat. Hatsune Miku & GUMI

Known as one of rerulili’s signature songs, this track was released on Niconico in October 2012 and quickly became a massive hit.

It’s characterized by a barrage of rapid-fire words and lyrics that feel like they slam the information-saturated atmosphere of modern times straight at you.

The high-energy, aggressive arrangement delivers a powerful impact that seems to flood the listener’s thoughts.

Later included on the album of the same name, “Nou Shou Sakuretsu Girl,” it sparked a major movement, spawning a novel, a comic, and even a live-action film in 2015.

It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser—nail it at karaoke and you’re guaranteed to bring the house down.

Tears in HeavenEric Clapton39rank/position

Eric Clapton – Tears In Heaven (Official Video)

Eric Clapton, a living rock legend revered as the “God of the Guitar.” Released in 1992, this song drew worldwide acclaim as the theme for the film Rush.

It’s a ballad infused with deep sorrow and a prayer for healing, set within a gentle arrangement centered on acoustic guitar.

The work won three awards at the 35th Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

The version included on that year’s live album Unplugged is also widely known, and the album became a massive hit, selling over 26 million copies worldwide.

Its quietly comforting, beautiful melody is perfect for moments when you want to spend time in a calm, reflective mood.

All of the YouthFujifaburikku40rank/position

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

Fujifabric’s “Wakamono no Subete” is filled with the bittersweet, fleeting feelings that come at summer’s end.

Used as the opening theme for NTV’s “On-moe!” in January 2008, this song was released in 2007 and still enjoys enduring popularity.

The lyrical melody crafted by Masahiko Shimura beautifully portrays the lingering attachment to passing time and the struggle to move forward.

Its romantic resonance, like a snapshot of twilight loneliness, will seep deeply into your heart.

If you play it together at the finale of a school or cultural festival, at the close of youth spent with friends, tears of emotion are sure to flow.

It’s a perfect tearjerker to color those irreplaceable memories.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE41rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “Darling” gently nestles up to the pains of youth.

Released digitally in January 2025, the song was written as the theme for NHK General’s “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival.” It’s filled with a warm message that affirms, just as they are, hearts worn down by trying to meet someone’s expectations and the suffering of comparing ourselves to others.

A version featuring a choir of around 1,000 voices is also included, making it a perfect track both for quietly listening alone on a lonely night and for singing together with someone to set your heart free.

Marigoldaimyon42rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It’s a bittersweet yet warm love song that tugs at the heart, with scenes of a summer gone by and unwavering feelings for someone special.

The protagonist’s earnest emotions—the joy of love, the anxieties it brings, and the wish for an eternal bond—come through alongside vivid floral imagery.

This track is the fifth single by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter known for a captivating, androgynous voice, released in August 2018.

Despite having no tie-ins with films or TV shows, it became a huge hit in the late Heisei era and has remained a beloved classic.

With its appealing, soothing acoustic guitar sound, it’s perfect for those moments when you want to look back on past love and sink into nostalgia.

Be sure to take it along for a drive and let the memories blossom into conversation!