![[University Students] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/yoBOoxf3hhg/maxresdefault.webp)
[University Students] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
We’re excited to present the latest top 100 from this year’s generational popularity rankings, ordered by the most plays among university students!
University students are in a moratorium period of life—half adult, half child.
By looking at the rankings, you can see what university students were listening to at the time.
The playlist is updated weekly.
[College Students] Top Songs by Generation Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN1rank/position
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!
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE2rank/position
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.
Planet LoopNayutan Seijin3rank/position
An irresistibly catchy and cute tune, ‘Planet Loop.’ It’s a track by NayutalieN, a Vocaloid producer also known for providing songs like ‘Meteo’ and ‘Gingira Galaxy.’ With a poppy, refreshing melody that makes your body start moving just by listening, and gentle choreography that kids and adults alike can dance to, it’s a recommended pick for anyone looking for an easy dance number.
There are plenty of dance cover videos, so you can practice thoroughly while watching.
It’s also hugely popular among the Vocaloid generation!
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN4rank/position
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!
Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE5rank/position
It’s a refreshing rock number packed with the brilliance and wistfulness of summer.
While it portrays anxieties about friendships and romance, the song overflows with a positive belief in human connections.
Released in August 2018 as the theme song for the film “A Blue Summer: 30 Days of You,” Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s seventh single surpassed 500 million streams in January 2024.
It was also performed at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in December 2024, generating major buzz.
Filled with summer-specific imagery and a desire to cherish every moment of youth, it’s guaranteed to unite and electrify the entire venue if performed at a school festival.
Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya6rank/position
Tatsuya Kitani’s song “Ao no Sumika” captivates with a beautiful, heart‑stirring melody that feels like a snapshot of a fleeting moment in youth.
Released in July 2023, it drew attention as the opening theme for the second season of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen.
The lyrics, which portray lost time and feelings that never reached their destination, resonate deeply with listeners.
Its sense of speed and drive makes it perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals.
It’s a track I especially recommend to those who are right in the midst of their youth.
From Me to Youflumpool7rank/position
Here’s a song that will make those precious moments of school life even more moving and dramatic! It’s “Kimi ni Todoke” by the rock band flumpool.
With its dynamic, dramatic progression, it’s a deeply touching track that perfectly matches the heart-pounding excitement of a school festival, when it feels like something is about to happen.
Combined with the music video shot on a school campus, it’s perfect for a day that feels like a page out of your youth.
Overlaying that scenery with this song will make everything feel many times more dramatic.
DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE8rank/position
This song expresses the courage and strong will to pursue one’s dreams.
Released in August 2020, it was selected as the 23rd opening theme for the popular anime ONE PIECE.
As the first installment of Da-iCE’s six-month consecutive release plan, it was created with a focus on the theme of “vision.” The lyrics, written by Sota Hanamura, are notable for their powerful message.
The song celebrates the spirit of adventure in taking on unknown worlds with your friends and the importance of staying true to yourself.
Conveying the value of moving forward without being defeated by adversity, this track is sure to encourage everyone taking on events at sports days and athletic festivals together with their teammates!
A Little Love SongMONGOL8009rank/position
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.
peace signYonezu Kenshi10rank/position
A powerful song themed around challenge and growth makes the perfect cheer anthem to support practice for sports days and athletic festivals.
Included on the album BOOTLEG, released in November 2017, and chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime My Hero Academia, this track sings about the importance of moving forward by overcoming past failures and regrets.
With its bright, energetic sound, it fills listeners with courage and hope.
It’s sure to be a song that gives a push to everyone working hard toward their sports day or athletic festival.