Ranking of Most Popular Bands Among University Students [2026]

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI15rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI「RPG」

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “RPG,” perfect for a closing ceremony, has a good tempo and is also recommended for the exit march.

It’s a song that will let you feel fulfilled and accomplished after taking part in the sports day with your classmates and having fun together.

In the end, the entire venue will surely become one, with everyone holding hands for a moving moment.

The powerful vocals and the band’s performance make it a song that sends encouragement to children stepping into the future.

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mayumi

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FateOfisharu Higedan Dism16rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Now a band boasting nationwide popularity, Official Hige Dandism released “Shukumei” in 2019.

It’s a song that cheers on the days spent preparing for sports day and encourages students on the big day itself.

The passionate band sound intertwined with the bright tones of a brass band resonates deeply.

Many will relate to lyrics that honestly express inner anxiety and doubt.

No matter what difficulties lie ahead, this song teaches the importance of forging ahead as yourself.

Be sure to play this number to make an already heated sports day even more exciting.

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mutō

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New Treasure IslandSakanakushon17rank/position

Shin Takarajima / Sakanaction SIT Band - Sapporo International Information High School Wind Ensemble

This lively song is brimming with the excitement of children embarking on unknown adventures.

Created by Sakanaction, it was produced in September 2015 as the theme song for the film Bakuman.

Its retro synthesizer tones and brisk beat are striking, evoking the sound of the late 1980s to early 1990s and making you feel as if you’ve time-traveled.

Giving you the courage to take a bold step toward the future, this track is perfect for a sports day entrance scene! It fills the entire venue with a bright mood and is a song that brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

Loverssumika18rank/position

sumika / Lovers【Music Video】

On a weekend morning when you can do what you love, you feel like listening to an upbeat song, right? “Lovers” is a track by the rock band sumika—known for creating music that gives people courage—released on their 2016 mini-album Answer Parade.

The song features a lively, marching band–like arrangement.

Its heartwarming lyrics, depicting a romance between a man and a woman, are sure to lift your spirits.

It’s a number I recommend to anyone who wants to start the day on a positive note.

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mutō

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My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS19rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

This is a RADWIMPS song created for director Makoto Shinkai’s animated film, singing of a fateful love that transcends time.

It’s a pop tune that conveys strength amid poignancy, marked by energetic guitar sounds and a driving, up-tempo rhythm.

Included on the album “Your Name.” released in August 2016, the track drew major attention alongside the film’s mega-hit success, and it’s also beloved as a staple at school festivals where everyone can get excited together.

If you simplify the guitar and drum rhythm parts, it can be enjoyed in performance regardless of skill level.

Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā20rank/position

Sambomaster / Starting to Shine and Run - MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a cheer song brimming with youthful passion and hope.

It portrays a protagonist who carries deep pain in their heart and feels on the verge of losing themselves, yet by accepting that suffering, the work gives them the courage to take a new step forward.

Released by Sambomaster in August 2018, the track was chosen as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan,” and, alongside the story of high school students striving to conquer the United States, left a lasting impression on many viewers.

This piece is also perfect as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals, gently supporting students who give their all and sweat it out together with their friends.

silhouetteKANA-BOON21rank/position

KANA-BOON “Silhouette” Music Video

Silhouette by KANA-BOON is a song that could be said to have defined an era in the Japanese rock scene.

It’s well-known as a theme song for the anime Naruto Shippuden.

Packed with the band’s appeal—catchiness and a simple, easy-to-listen-to structure—it’s a single that really showcases them.

Since it’s an up-tempo track, it’s recommended as background music for running events like relays.

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Hane Keisuke

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