Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among People in Their 20s [2026]

Thank youikimonogakari43rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

A signature ballad by Ikimonogakari, beloved as a classic song for expressing heartfelt thanks to those who’ve supported you.

It was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, starring Nao Matsushita as the heroine, and released as a single in May 2010.

Its warm message—portraying the love nurtured in everyday life and the resolve to walk hand in hand with someone precious into the future—resonates deeply with listeners.

Feelings that are clumsy and hard to put into words can be conveyed honestly when carried by the song’s gentle yet powerful melody.

So widely embraced that it’s even included in high school music textbooks, this masterpiece is perfect for expressing gratitude to teachers and friends at graduation ceremonies, or to family at thank-you gatherings.

Heroineback number44rank/position

back number – Heroine (full)

A hit song by back number that portrays a bittersweet unrequited love against a wintry backdrop.

Through the image of snow falling and gently piling up, the narrator’s feelings and affection for their loved one are expressed.

Used as the theme song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercials and Kirin’s “Tanrei Green Label” commercials, the song sold approximately 29,000 copies in its first week, surpassing the previous release and setting a new personal best.

If you sing it at karaoke with someone you’re interested in, your feelings—likened to the beauty of snow—might come across.

Why not let the gentle melody softly carry your heart to them?

HANABIMr.Children45rank/position

Mr.Children 「HANABI」 MUSIC VIDEO

On the way home from a fun outing or trip, you often feel like listening to something emotional, don’t you? For those moments, I recommend HANABI.

Released in 2008 by the beloved rock band Mr.Children, it was used as the theme song for the drama series Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving.

It’s a dramatic number built on a beautiful melodic line.

Kazutoshi Sakurai’s vocals have a power that stirs human emotions.

Listening to this song will make you feel like you can keep trying without giving up on anything.

It’s also a great pick for solo drives when you want a change of pace.

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mutō

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HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number46rank/position

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

It’s a heartrending unrequited-love song, though that might be hard to guess from the title.

It’s a track by the three-piece band back number, also known for songs like “Hanataba” and “Takane no Hanako-san.” It was released in 2019 as their 20th single.

The song drew attention when it was chosen as the theme for the drama “Hajimete Koi o Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi.” It has been embraced by younger listeners who relate to the feelings expressed in the lyrics.

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Araki Jakkan

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March 9Remioromen47rank/position

Remioromen – March 9

When graduation season arrives, the familiar melody flowing through the streets—Remioromen’s “March 9th”—is a classic engraved in many people’s hearts.

Released on March 9, 2004, this song conveys friendship and hope for new beginnings, and gained even wider support through its use in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” As a song that colors the day of departure, it enriches irreplaceable memories.

How about listening again to Remioromen’s warm message that accompanies each person’s graduation? It will surely bring back memories of that day when you stood shoulder to shoulder and sang.

cherry blossomKetsumeishi48rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Sakura”

When graduation season arrives, there are many songs that evoke deeply moving memories.

Among them, “Sakura” is a particularly special track for people in their twenties.

Released by Ketsumeishi, this song is considered a timeless classic that colors the scenes of graduation ceremonies.

Its gentle melody and lyrics that depict fluttering cherry blossoms resonate with the heart at the milestone of graduation.

The intro, in particular, seems to symbolize both the joy and the sadness of graduating, stirring the listener’s emotions.

Since the group began their musical activities in 1993, the song has continued to be loved for a long time as an anthem that gives young people a push forward.

Still ranking high in karaoke today, this track can be seen as a message of encouragement to everyone facing graduation.

balladKetsumeishi49rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

Speaking of Ketsumeishi, they’re strongly associated with hip-hop, but this song is what you could call a quintessential ballad.

It’s about an unrequited love and is utterly heartrending.

If you sing it softly and tenderly, it’s a song that will captivate women listeners.

If possible, I’d love for you to watch the music video too, which features a story that matches the song.