Ranking of Most Popular Bands Among University Students [2026]

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE1rank/position

[Lilac] Mrs. GREEN APPLE 'Flag & Easy Dance' — A simple arrangement dance you can perform at sports festivals and recitals!

A heartwarming cheer song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that gently embraces the youthful days where hope and anxiety coexist.

While tenderly acknowledging the loneliness and inner struggles we carry as time passes, it conveys the message: “Cherish yourself just as you are.” Released in April 2024 as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery” (Bokyaku Battery), it won the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards.

Singing of unforgettable memories and bonds with cherished people, this song is perfect for group performances at school sports festivals and field days.

It fosters unity among students and helps create unforgettable moments.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN2rank/position

I tried dancing 'Sugar Song and Bitter Step' in front of the Eiffel Tower

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is a rock band known for their overwhelming vocals and high-level musicianship.

Their 2015 release Sugar Song and Bitter Step is a danceable track packed with colorful charm.

The moment you hear the light, upbeat guitar in the intro, you can’t help but want to start stepping.

The refreshing melody line that unfolds with a rhythmic tempo also resonates with the heart.

It’s an uptempo tune that works both with technical choreography and beginner-friendly arrangements—perfect for livening up culture festivals and school festivals!

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mutō

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together; along with; bothWANIMA3rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This song, which celebrates friendship, hope, and the strength to overcome hardship, fills listeners with energy and courage.

WANIMA’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound and positive message stand by those who continue to face challenges, serving as a powerful support.

Released in August 2016 as the theme song for Nivea Kao’s “8×4” commercial, it also carries the members’ deep love for their hometown of Kumamoto and their hopes for its recovery.

Included on the album “Are You Coming?”, the track was also performed at the 2017 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With its strong message, the song brings the perfect blend of excitement and refreshment for a school sports day’s exit scene.

It is expected to heighten the sense of unity in the venue, along with the children’s feelings of accomplishment and emotion after giving their all in competition.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN4rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature song “Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing).

Watching this music video reminds me of how I used to look up at the sky over and over with the telescope we had at home, almost every night.

Even though it’s a song from the very beginning of the 21st century, it’s a timeless classic!

The BeginningONE OK ROCK5rank/position

ONE OK ROCK – The Beginning [Official Music Video]

This song delivers a deeply moving experience, with powerhouse vocals and a band sound so compelling it gives you goosebumps.

It captures the determination of those taking a new step forward and carries a message that pushes you from behind, radiating a power that resonates more with every listen.

Released in August 2012, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin, and through its synergy with the movie, it captured the hearts of a wide audience, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

Perfect as BGM for time trials or relay events, this track offers a refreshing sense of speed and the courage to take on challenges—be sure to experience it.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number6rank/position

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

The eighth single by back number, a three-piece rock band known for realistic psychological portrayals and wistful melodies.

The situations and emotions—ones many of us likely experienced in our youth—really hit home.

Meanwhile, the refreshing sound, in contrast to the heartrending lyrics, evokes the atmosphere of student-era romance and draws you even deeper into the song’s world.

A highly relatable unrequited love song, especially recommended for high schoolers in love.

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Hoshino Takashi

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A Little Love SongMONGOL8007rank/position

A Little Love Song

While known as a leading force in “youth punk,” the rock band MONGOL800 remained committed to working out of their hometown of Okinawa.

Their signature song, ‘Chiisana Koi no Uta,’ despite never being released as a single, has been featured in numerous tie-ins and is still renowned today as a classic that artists continue to cover.

With its simple melody and driving rock sound, it’s guaranteed to get a crowd going at karaoke.

Since the key is low and the vocal range is narrow, it’s a youth anthem that’s also great for those who aren’t very confident at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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