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

LOSERYonezu Kenshi78rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – LOSER

Released in 2016 as the fifth single, this song is quite an outlier, having surpassed 100 million views thanks to its high-quality music video.

It has a dark yet lively vibe that’s quintessential Kenshi Yonezu and very cool.

It has also been featured widely in the media, including as the song for Honda’s JADE commercial.

HabitSEKAI NO OWARI79rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI「Habit」

SEKAI NO OWARI’s classic song “Habit,” released in 2022, gained popularity with a gritty musical style that hadn’t been seen in their work before.

Even going into 2023, it continues to enjoy strong, enduring popularity.

Since the song is groove-centered, it doesn’t require much vocal prowess.

There aren’t any high parts either, so it should be easy to sing.

College karaoke can be pretty demanding physically, so a track like this—one that gets people hyped without needing you to belt—might be a perfect fit.

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Ryo

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KanadeSukima Suichi80rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This song is also famous as one that someone always sings when you go to karaoke.

It was used as an insert song in the film “Rough,” the theme song for the third night of Fuji TV’s four-night drama series “Sotsu Uta,” and as the ending theme on the final day of the 2006 broadcast of “Netto Koshien.” Although it was released in 2004, it’s a timeless classic that still consistently charts in karaoke and greatest-songs rankings.

One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS81rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “One More”

This is a ballad released in 2010 by Funky Monkey Babys, a hip-hop unit that delivers passionate feelings with a pop touch.

“Ato Hitotsu” always brings to mind that moving mass sing-along just before the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles clinched the Japan Series championship in 2013, and it really gets me choked up.

It’s about that moment when steady, step-by-step effort finally blossoms.

It’s an inspiring song that resonates across all sports.

At school sports days and athletic festivals, it cheers on hardworking friends, students, and our own children, and makes those emotional moments even more powerful!

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KEI

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Cinderella BoySaucy Dog82rank/position

Saucy Dog “Cinderella Boy” Music Video <5th Mini Album “Lazy Sunday” Released on 2021.8.25>

A heartrending song portraying the pain and conflict of love is capturing the hearts of college students.

Saucy Dog’s lyrics deftly express the protagonist’s complex emotions as they struggle with the gap between ideals and reality.

Paired with a melodic sound, it evokes deep empathy.

Included on the mini-album “Lazy Sunday,” released in August 2021, the track led to the band’s first television performance on Music Station in January the following year.

It’s recommended for those wrestling with romantic troubles or wanting to let out the feelings buried deep inside.

This piece shines whether you sing it solo at karaoke or share the experience with friends and resonate together.

MiracleGReeeeN83rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

It fired up the drama with passion as the theme song for TBS’s series ROOKIES.

That song always played during the best scenes, and Ryuta Sato’s powerful performance brought me to tears…

I think many people are reminded of the drama whenever they hear this track.

Of course, even apart from the show, the song’s emotional impact doesn’t fade—it’s perfect for livening up sports festivals and field days.

It would also be great as the entrance music for a baton relay.

Be sure to play it at the most thrilling moments, like the final battle or the championship match!

IdeaHoshino Gen84rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Idea (Official Video)

An uplifting cheer song filled with hope and the power to move forward has been born.

Written with Hoshino Gen’s vivid touch, it’s a track themed around “inventiveness” as a means to overcome adversity.

Riding on a light, breezy rhythm, it speaks to how even the walls we encounter in everyday life can open into new paths when we reassess them from a fresh perspective.

With a tone as bright and gentle as the morning sun, it’s sure to deliver warm courage to listeners’ hearts.

Released in August 2018, the song became widely beloved as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Half Blue.

It’s a piece I highly recommend as a guiding song for those starting a new chapter in life or taking their first step forward.