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

Fanfaresumika57rank/position

sumika / Fanfare [Music Video]

The refreshing sound gets my spirits soaring! This is a song by sumika, a rock band from Kanagawa Prefecture, released in August 2018 as a double A-side single.

It was newly written as the opening theme for the animated feature film “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.” Its straightforward message—urging us to keep moving toward hope and light—resonates deeply.

The pop-rock sound woven from the brisk acoustic guitar strumming and sparkling piano is a perfect match for a sunny playing field.

Brimming with positive energy, this track is ideal for moments of new beginnings and serves as a rousing anthem that will make player entrances truly exhilarating!

First NightYorushika58rank/position

Yorushika – First Night (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Yorushika is a duo known for their relaxed musicality and profound themes and lyrics.

If you’re a young person these days, you’ve probably heard their songs at least once.

Among Yorushika’s works, the track I especially recommend is First Night.

The song has a quintessentially Yorushika feel—ennui-laden and dreamlike.

While it leans a bit toward the higher register, the vocal line doesn’t span a wide range, so even those who aren’t confident singers should find it easy to sing.

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silhouetteKANA-BOON59rank/position

KANA-BOON “Silhouette” Music Video

How about a masterpiece whose driving guitar riffs and powerful band sound strike straight to the heart? It’s a single released in November 2014 by KANA-BOON, a rock band formed in Osaka.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Naruto Shippuden, it sparked major buzz both in Japan and abroad.

This work conveys a resolve to move forward while recognizing that past experiences and encounters shape who we are today, holding what’s precious close to our hearts.

Vocalist Maguro Taniguchi’s emotional voice powerfully encourages students who put in daily effort toward their big moment.

It’s the perfect cheer song for heated events like relays and pep rallies!

flying boatKing Gnu60rank/position

King Gnu – Hikōtei (Seaplane)

If you’re looking for a rock track with a hefty beat and grand sound that lifts your spirits and gives you a strong push forward, this is the song for you.

One of King Gnu’s signature tunes, it blows away the hesitation that comes from worrying too much about society’s norms and what’s “right,” and gives you the courage to freely chase your dreams.

Released as a single in August 2019, it’s also included on the January 2020 album CEREMONY.

It also made waves for being written specifically for an ANA (All Nippon Airways) TV commercial.

Packed with a fiery message to live with your soul trembling, this song is guaranteed to spark motivation from deep within when you’re feeling worn out from studying or club activities.

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK61rank/position

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"

A heart-pounding rock tune that gives you a push on the back—“trust your instincts and carve out your future!” Released by ONE OK ROCK in February 2010, this song prioritizes instinct over logic, powerfully voicing a message from youth determined to move forward despite a mix of confidence and anxiety.

It was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Arabiki-dan” and reached No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The surprise performance at their Tokyo Dome show in April 2023 sent many fans into a frenzy.

With its energetic, unforgettable melody, it gives you the courage to believe in yourself and sprint toward your dreams—a go-to number to fire up any school festival live.

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā62rank/position

Effeminate / Golden Bomber – Music Video

Familiar from TV and the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, this song captures the feelings of a heartbroken man with an upbeat melody.

Its message—filled with lingering attachment to an ex, regret, and the wish to be together again—has resonated with many.

Released in October 2009, the track has spawned yearly “buzzword” versions that reflect the spirit of the times.

In fiscal 2013, it won the JASRAC Gold Award, a remarkable feat for an indie release.

It was also used in a House Foods “Mega Shaki” commercial, gaining popularity across a wide audience.

Perfect for amping up sports festivals and dance events, it’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike can enjoy dancing to.

AgainWANIMA63rank/position

WANIMA “Again” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A rock tune by WANIMA that sings of a strong will to move forward again while overcoming setbacks and failures.

It captures the realization that past experiences shape who we are now, and the determination to take a new step with the courage to stand up again and again.

Released in March 2019 on their 4th single “Good Job!!,” the song also drew attention as the theme for the TBS drama “Maison de Police.” It’s a motivational anthem that gently supports not only athletes but everyone striving toward their dreams and goals.