Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among Junior High School Students [2026]

Dear, boyHump Back43rank/position

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

A major-label debut single from Hump Back whose exhilarating rock sound sets your heart on fire.

Written by vocalist Momoko Hayashi with her high school bandmates in mind, this song is a cheer anthem that stands by the anxieties and setbacks of chasing dreams and gives you the courage to face forward again.

Released in June 2018, it was featured in numerous tie-ins, including the Shinken Zemi High School Course TV commercial and as the theme song for Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting’s “102nd National High School Baseball Championship Kumamoto Tournament.” Its straightforward, powerful message and driving melody are a perfect match for a heated relay race.

It’s sure to give a strong push to the runners passing the baton, so consider choosing it as BGM to fire up your sports day.

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism44rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

A four-piece piano rock band that has taken Japan’s music scene by storm with their sharp pop sensibility and performance chops, Official HIGE DANDism’s second single.

Although it was released in 2019, its explosive popularity makes it a song that practically everyone in Japan has heard.

It opens with an unforgettable guitar arpeggio, followed by a pop, catchy melody that really hits home.

Since it’s an extremely famous track, it’s a number that any band with a keyboard player should definitely try.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI45rank/position

Highest Point / SEKAI NO OWARI [Sports Day Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

With its original approach of turning weakness into an ally to reach greater heights, this song becomes a compelling anthem of encouragement.

It carries a positive message: by accepting and overcoming your weaknesses, you can achieve significant growth.

Coupled with SEKAI NO OWARI’s gentle yet powerful vocals and expansive arrangement, it resonates deeply with listeners.

Produced in September 2023 as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime ONE PIECE, it is also included on the album Nautilus.

It’s a track that will strongly support participants during moments of challenge at school events like sports days and athletic festivals.

As a cheer song for anyone striving toward lofty goals, it’s a work you’ll definitely want to hear.

WanteD! WanteD!Mrs. GREEN APPLE46rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – WanteD! WanteD!

A song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that pairs an energetic pop-rock sound with a powerful message.

Since its release in 2017, its fresh melodies and lyrics have resonated with many listeners.

It’s said to be a fan favorite at live shows.

The vivid portrayal of youthful joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness is striking—especially the image of moving forward while confronting one’s own weaknesses.

It’s a track that offers a warm boost, standing by the worries of youth.

You can’t help but feel excited if it plays during an entrance scene! This song also conjures images of growth through a sports day—so let’s give it our all and enjoy it to the fullest!

SignalWANIMA47rank/position

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

WANIMA is a rock band that sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.

All of their songs are bursting with energy, making them perfect as background music for sports days and athletic festivals.

Among them, the one I especially recommend as an entrance song is “Signal”! This track is a message song born from an NHK music program and is included on the masterpiece “Everybody!!,” released in January 2018.

It also gained attention as the song for Lotte’s “Sou” commercial.

Its powerful message—“You don’t have to be perfect; it’s okay to take on challenges just as you are”—and its liberating rock sound give a strong push to athletes as they head into competition.

The exhilarating melody, which blows away everyday frustrations, instantly raises the excitement on the field and fosters a sense of unity with the crowd.

Ghost in the FlowersYorushika48rank/position

Yorushika – Ghost in a Flower (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Yorushika’s digital single “Hana ni Bourei,” released in 2020, served as the theme song for the animated film “A Whisker Away.” For adults, it carries a certain nostalgia—perfectly fitting the phrase “faint summer memories” that can bring back those middle school days.

The lyrics include expressions that feel like reminiscing about the past, which further heightens the sense of poignancy.

For those who are currently in middle school, it might be a song that stirs up not so much nostalgia as a bittersweet ache.

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utatane

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March 9Remioromen49rank/position

Remioromen – March 9

A song marked by lyrics full of kindness and a memorable melody.

Created to celebrate a member’s friend’s wedding, it gently portrays moments that evoke the changing seasons and feelings of gratitude toward loved ones.

The transition from a calm tone to a soaring chorus showcases Remioromen’s signature delicacy of expression.

Released in March 2004, the song drew wide attention as an insert track in the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” It’s a moving piece often performed at important gatherings—such as choirs and graduation ceremonies—where people come together.