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

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE85rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – “Nando Demo”

DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Nando Demo” has encouraged and energized countless people across Japan.

Chosen as the theme song for the third season of the drama “Emergency Room 24 Hours,” it was the most-played song on the radio in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

In the many practices leading up to the sports festival, there will be times when you feel fed up, get discouraged when things don’t go well, and repeat days like that.

But just like the song says, no matter what happens, if you keep facing forward and practice again and again, it will lead to success on the big day.

This song has the power to remind you of those painful days leading up to the festival and transform them into beautiful memories.

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SAKI

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Soul RevolutionSuperfly86rank/position

Superfly 'Tamashii Revolution' Music Video

The quintessential hype anthem representing the 2010s, “Tamashii Revolution.” Starting from a style that draws on classic rock, this track by Superfly established a unique presence in the J-pop scene.

Chosen as a soccer theme song, it’s a beloved cheer anthem not only in sports but in all kinds of situations.

Its thick, dynamic rock sound and Shiho Ochi’s soaring vocals crank up the voltage! It’s perfect for entrance scenes to fuel that “Alright, it’s time to fight” feeling, and it’s sure to elevate all sorts of memorable moments.

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KEI

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ClickME:I87rank/position

ME:I (Mee Ai) ⊹ ‘Click’ Official MV

ME:I’s song features a hopeful, uplifting message and a catchy, pop-infused sound.

It sings about overcoming everyday anxieties and the importance of walking forward together.

All 11 members deliver tightly synchronized choreography, and the music video—depicting a journey across time—has also generated buzz.

Digitally released in March 2024, it sparked a huge reaction, surpassing 2.6 million views in just 21 hours.

Let’s all dance together and create wonderful memories!

Shunkan SentimentalSCANDAL88rank/position

SCANDAL “Shunkan Sentimental” / Shunkan Sentimental – Music Video

A song by SCANDAL, a four-member girls’ rock band whose members were mostly high school students at the time of their debut.

When the song was released, they performed in school uniforms, making it a perfect number to play at a school festival.

It’s also well-known thanks to being used as an ending theme for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist, and from a performance standpoint it’s easy to cover since the guitar parts are mainly played with power chords.

With its sense of speed, it’s a sure-fire number to get the crowd going at a school festival.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Fly Highmilet89rank/position

milet “Fly High” MUSIC VIDEO (NHK Winter Sports Theme Song)

The grand sound that’s perfect for opening and closing ceremonies at school sports festivals is Fly High, sung by milet.

It’s included on her 2022 album, visions.

The song was used as NHK’s winter sports theme and played at figure skating competitions, so some people may have heard it.

Its lyrics, which teach you to believe in your own potential, make it an ideal track for children competing in sports.

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Hamada Takuya

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OH!SHISHAMO90rank/position

SHISHAMO「OH！」

The youthful days of experiencing the school sports festival will inevitably come to an end.

How deeply you’ll be moved when that end arrives depends on how hard you’ve pushed yourself up to that point.

No matter what you look like, be proud of giving it your all! That’s the kind of message you feel from this SHISHAMO track.

In school life, the sports festival comes around once a year.

To be honest, it can be a hassle, and you might feel embarrassed about going all out.

Even so, giving it your best can lead to great results and create unforgettable, moving memories with your friends.

This song gives you the strength to throw yourself into this once-in-a-lifetime moment—no matter how you look—just recklessly, wholeheartedly, and with everything you’ve got.

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SAKI

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ultra soulB’z91rank/position

[Wind Band Hit] ultra soul / B’z

This single, released in March 2001, is an uplifting anthem delivered with a powerful rock sound and a message that strikes straight to the heart.

It conveys encouragement to those striving toward their dreams, depicting the emotions that waver between hope and disappointment, as well as the courage to challenge one’s own limits.

It’s a track where B’z’s signature sense of speed and Koshi Inaba’s dynamic vocals blend seamlessly.

The song was continuously selected as the official theme for the World Aquatics Championships from 2001 to 2024, becoming a staple that energizes the sports scene.

It’s also highly recommended as a cheer song for school sports days and athletic festivals, boosting participants’ morale and uniting everyone in excitement.