[University Students] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]

Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā71rank/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.

GO!!!FLOW72rank/position

FLOW “GO!!!” Music Video (TV Anime “NARUTO” Opening Theme)

FLOW’s song “GO!!!” is the perfect track for a player entrance! Released in 2004, it also drew attention as the opening theme for the anime NARUTO.

Set to a catchy melody, the lyrics sing of a strong will to fight toward dreams and goals, stirring courage and passion in listeners.

The dynamic twin vocals and a sound rooted in rock while incorporating diverse genres are sure to ignite the atmosphere of the venue in an instant.

It’s a classic that will have the cheering crowd leaning forward, irresistibly drawn in.

Live in the present.Saucy Dog73rank/position

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.

Glass BluesBUMP OF CHICKEN74rank/position

Glass No Blues

This song by BUMP OF CHICKEN is actually the first track in Japanese that Motoo Fujiwara wrote when he was a first-year high school student.

The lyrics, filled with reflections on the meaning of life and a passion for music, are sure to resonate deeply with students in the midst of their youth.

It’s included on their indie-era album FLAME VEIN and remains a fan favorite that’s often performed live even today.

If you play it on stage at a school or cultural festival, it’ll definitely bring the whole venue together and get everyone excited.

It’s sure to become an unforgettable memory for your friends, too.

Give it a try!

Everyone is free.Half time Old75rank/position

Minnajiyuda

Half time Old’s “Minna Jiyuu da” (Everyone Is Free), released in 2020, features a rock sound arranged from Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer.” Its lyrics, themed around “freedom,” leave a strong impression and fit scenes from school sports days—where people give their all to win and deepen bonds with friends.

The passionate yet refreshing band performance is sure to elevate the atmosphere of the venue.

It’s a rock number that fires up a wide range of events, from individual to team competitions, including ball toss and tug-of-war.

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Mela!Ryokushokushakai76rank/position

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Mela!' Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Mela!

This song unfolds with a forward-looking, hope-filled narrative.

It powerfully expresses the importance of having the courage to help others, singing of a strong desire to become a hero.

Even as the protagonist confronts their own powerlessness, their impulse to help someone is conveyed through a moving melody that tugs at the heart.

Recorded by Ryokuoushoku Shakai on their April 2020 album “SINGALONG,” the track was later featured in 2023 as a JRA (Japan Racing Association) commercial song, resonating deeply with many.

It’s perfect for moments of resolve to help others or when taking a new step forward—and it makes an excellent entrance song for school sports events as well.

One in a Million -On a Miraculous Night-GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE77rank/position

GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE / One in a Million -On a Miraculous Night- (Music Video)

It’s the love song “One in a Million – Kiseki no Yoru ni -” by GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE.

They usually show off razor-sharp dance moves, but this song is a sweet ballad, and since you can incorporate slower movements, it might be suitable for beginners.

Creating choreography themed around the song’s message of love would likely turn out beautifully as well.

If you showcase the dance everyone came up with at a school or cultural festival, it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory!