High School Students’ Favorite Band Songs Ranking [2026]

From Me to Youflumpool15rank/position

flumpool “Kimi ni Todoke” Music Video

A classic flumpool song that captures the sweet and bittersweet feelings of youthful love.

Released in September 2010, it was chosen as the theme song for the popular film “Kimi ni Todoke,” starring Mikako Tabe.

It resonates with the desire to convey your feelings straightforwardly to someone important.

The chorus line “Todoke” (“Reach”) is especially memorable and guaranteed to fire up any karaoke session! It’s the perfect track for a high school boy who wants to confess his feelings to his crush.

flumpool’s songs are also hugely popular with women, so if you can sing it coolly, your charm factor is sure to go up.

Highly recommended for adults who want to reminisce about their youthful romances, too!

loveback number16rank/position

back number – Love (Short ver.)

A gem from back number that captures bittersweet, tenderly aching emotions swaying in the limited time before graduation.

The lyrics, which freeze a youthful moment—like following your crush with your eyes from a classroom window—are sure to make anyone overlay their own memories.

Released in March 2012, this song overflows with warmth that gently nudges men who are thinking of confessing on White Day but can’t quite find the courage.

On a night when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special, be sure to listen closely.

migratory bird[Alexandros]17rank/position

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

A signature number by [Alexandros], with a driving melody and piercing high-register vocals that stir the listener’s heart.

It was included on a single released in March 2015 and is also known as the theme song for the film “Ake Garasu (Akegarasu).” The lyrics, which depict striving single-mindedly toward dreams and goals like a bird spreading its wings and soaring into the sky, really resonate.

When your mock exam results aren’t great or you feel anxious because you can’t see what lies ahead, the song’s positive energy will give you a push forward.

It’s a track I want exam takers to keep as a good-luck charm—something to listen to when you want to believe in yourself and sprint all the way to the finish.

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI18rank/position

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

A ballad that portrays the loneliness and anxiety felt in the pursuit of a dream, as well as the warmth of someone watching over you.

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Sazanka” is a single released in February 2018 and became widely known as the NHK theme song for coverage of the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics.

Rather than simply urging listeners to “do your best,” the song is filled with a gentle kindness that seems to affirm every attempt to overcome setbacks and pain.

Anyone chasing a dream may wonder, “Is this really the right path for me?” In those moments, this song will quietly stand by you, saying, “I know how hard you’ve been trying.”

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO19rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

A rock number that cheers on our everyday efforts through its weekend heroes.

It was included on the 2017 album “SHISHAMO 4” and became widely known as the CM song for NTT Docomo’s “Docomo Student Discount.” That same year, the band performed it on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen for their first-ever appearance, generating major buzz.

The song frankly depicts the strength to keep running forward even when things are so tough you want to cry, along with gratitude for those who support you.

Inspired by watching a Kawasaki Frontale match, it’s also loved as a fight song—perfect for anyone looking to get fired up at sports events or live shows.

It stands as one of the band’s signature classics.

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE20rank/position

Usable for sports day! Mrs. GREEN APPLE “StaRt” easy dance choreography ♪ #SportsDay #PEdance #MrsGreenApple

This is a song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that captured many hearts with its exhilarating pop-rock sound and uplifting message.

It was included on their major-label debut mini-album “Variety,” released in July 2015, and was also featured in a Kao Merit commercial in 2017.

Riding an up-tempo rhythm, the song celebrates the small joys hidden in everyday life and the courage to take on new challenges.

Brimming with youthful performance and a pleasant, positive energy, it’s a perfect track for school festivals or sports day dance routines.

to clear up (weather)Yorushika21rank/position

Yorushika – Haru (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

It is a story of hope painted with a translucent singing voice and a beautiful melody.

Through rain and sunshine, it expresses the joys and sorrows of life, and its powerful message—drawing strength from nature to keep moving forward—resonates deeply.

With n-buna’s delicate arrangement and suis’s fragile vocals in perfect harmony, the song is a remarkable piece.

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

It is the perfect song for moments when you want to share the precious feeling of believing in the light ahead while sensing the changing seasons and life’s impermanence.