Popular Youth Songs Ranking [2026]

one’s true feelingssumika57rank/position

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

A cheering song that stays close to the days of youth and gently wraps the bonds among friends! This is a track by sumika, released in January 2021 as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

With a refreshing touch, it portrays young people who, even while carrying setbacks and regrets, encourage one another and strive forward together.

Included on the album “AMUSIC” and featured in a TV commercial for Aisin Corporation, this song warmly supports not only students devoted to sports, but everyone who throws themselves wholeheartedly into something—be it a school festival, a club activity, or any passionate pursuit.

GraduationOzaki Yutaka58rank/position

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful voice.

Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of confinement in school life and distrust of adults—this piece carries a universal message about the yearning for freedom that everyone experiences during their school years.

Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.

20 on the Oricon chart, it debuted as the lead single from the album “Kaikisen” (Tropic of Cancer).

Later, in 2016, it was featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short movie by a casual apparel chain, continuing to resonate across generations.

It’s a song to listen to when you find yourself wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.

Blue SpringRADWIMPS59rank/position

Radwimps – Aoi Haru (Blue Spring)

This song was included on RADWIMPS’s first album, released in 2003 before their major-label debut, and at the time the members were still in high school.

The lyrics, written from a high schooler’s perspective, are relatable and genuine—especially for students, who may find them particularly resonant.

The song opens with lyrics in English, but once it moves into the first verse, Japanese lyrics appear, so be sure to listen closely while following along with the lyric booklet.

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Hane Keisuke

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peace signYonezu Kenshi60rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

Crank up the energy with this powerful guitar rock tune! Written by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, it was released as a single in June 2017.

Chosen as the opening theme for Season 2, Cour 1 of the anime My Hero Academia, it quickly became a sensation.

The lyrics carry a message about overcoming your own weaknesses and charging toward the future, giving a strong push to anyone striving forward.

Blending a sense of speed with emotional vocals, this track is a perfect BGM choice for school sports days and athletic festivals where students give it their all—guaranteed to heat up any competition!

Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei61rank/position

Galileo Galilei - Aoi Shiori (Blue Bookmark)

This work blends the nostalgic timbre of the kalimba with a refined band sound, creating a wistful yet translucent atmosphere.

Released by the rock band Galileo Galilei in June 2011, it is still beloved by many.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, which became a social phenomenon, it harmonizes perfectly with the series’ world and adds depth to its story.

The lyrics portray memories of days gone by and the bonds with cherished friends, evoking nostalgic scenes like turning the pages of a photo album.

Beloved daysyangusukinii62rank/position

Young Skinny – Oh, Beloved Days [Official Music Video]

It’s a song by Young Skinny themed around youth and friendship.

Its charm lies in the poetic depiction of growth, change, and how we face the past from a young person’s perspective.

Feelings you couldn’t understand before become clear to you now—haven’t we all had that experience? It’s included on their major-label first EP, “If We Could Find Happiness in Anything,” released in September 2023.

Listen to it with your friends, and it’s sure to deepen your bonds.

It’s also a perfect track for anyone looking to fire up the excitement at a sports day or school athletics festival.

Best friendKiroro63rank/position

Best Friend – Kiroro (Full)

Released in 2001 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan,” it was later used in 2016 as the ending theme for the feature-length animated film “The Good Dinosaur.” A well-known anecdote is that vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro wrote the song for pianist Ayano Kinjo, who always encouraged her, making it a staple piece that expresses friendship.

Since spring is a season of new beginnings, it might be nice to look back on the memories you’ve built with friends—just like in this song—and convey your gratitude straightforwardly.

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kappamaki

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