Ranking of Most Popular Bands Among University Students [2026]

Strawberry MargaritaELLEGARDEN50rank/position

ELLEGARDEN – Strawberry Margarita [MUSIC VIDEO]

Since resuming activities in 2018, the four-piece rock band ELLEGARDEN has been energetically active with their consistently powerful performances.

Their second digital-only single, “Strawberry Margarita,” chosen as the campaign song for Amazon Music’s “Have You Heard?” commercial, features exhilarating rock sounds and a cool, all-English melody that really lifts your spirits.

Each part is simple and approachable to play, but the fast tempo requires care to keep the ensemble tight.

With its straightforward, live-ready vibe, this rock tune is perfect for hyping up a school festival stage.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sorry for being cuteHONEY WORKS51rank/position

[Inverted] Sorry for Being Cute / HoneyWorks Tried Dancing [Practice Use]

HoneyWorks’ smash hit “Kawaikute Gomen,” released in November 2022, is known for its catchy melody and adorable lyrics—you’ve probably heard it on social media.

In particular, countless dance-cover videos have been posted on TikTok and YouTube, showcasing just how popular the song is.

The flirty, on-the-nose choreography matches the lyrics and is super cute—perfect for performing on a school festival stage.

It’s a top recommendation, especially for groups who want to synchronize the moves and dance together.

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Hane Keisuke

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summer festivalWhiteberry52rank/position

NatsuMatsuri

A coming-of-age love song that portrays a summer festival night spent with a sweetheart in a yukata.

Interwoven with nostalgic scenes like goldfish scooping and sparklers, it captures, in a true-to-life way, the frustration of being unable to confess one’s feelings, the pangs of regret, and the fleeting nature of young love.

Released as a single in August 2000, it became a major hit, peaking at No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Its sweet-and-sour lyrics and sound make it perfect for school cultural festivals where students are in the thick of youth.

366 daysHY53rank/position

HY 366 Days LIVE

You could say it’s a classic heartbreak song.

I think it’s a track everyone who’s experienced a breakup listens to at least once.

Many girls will relate to the painfully sad lyrics that bring you to tears.

If you belt it out at karaoke while having a good cry, it might help heal your heartbreak a little.

Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS54rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Linda Linda” [1st Single (1987/5/1)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Linda Linda

An early masterpiece by The Blue Hearts and a defining song of Japanese rock.

The chorus line practically needs no explanation at this point.

With its three-chord, simple and straightforward structure, I think the best approach is to play it emotionally with the emphasis on vibes.

The lyrics carry a powerful, universal message that resonates with anyone, so it works best when you sing boldly without embarrassment.

The chorus is made for riling up the crowd—guaranteed sing-along.

Fire everyone up with its refreshing sense of speed.

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kyc

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Go for it!!Urufuruzu55rank/position

Ulfuls – Guts da ze!!

With its powerful message and funky rhythm, this classic song amps up the excitement of any sports day scene.

Tortoise Matsumoto’s passionate vocals and the band’s danceable groove forcefully lift listeners’ spirits! Released in December 1995, the track was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s variety show “Shinpin Butai.” It boosted anticipation for the following year’s album “Banzai” and became a pivotal song that sparked Ulfuls’ breakthrough.

Straightforward with a slightly comical vibe, it’s perfect for easing pre-performance nerves.

Play it during sprints or relays, and it’ll be the ultimate cheer for the athletes—sure to make them push on with smiles!

Beloved daysyangusukinii56rank/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.