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

DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE8rank/position

Da-iCE / <TV Anime “ONE PIECE” Theme Song> “DREAMIN’ ON” Music Video

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

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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to clear up (weather)Yorushika10rank/position

Yorushika – Haru (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Yorushika’s Haru, released for streaming in 2024, was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and drew a strong response.

The song carries a message of not losing hope even amid harsh realities.

Its chorus, which builds with a sense of openness and exhilarating drive, is particularly striking.

It conveys the importance of overcoming sorrow and facing forward in life.

With its emotional sound, it’s a perfect cheer song for children giving their all at sports days and field days.

A track that fills you with energy and courage.

OrangeSPYAIR11rank/position

Sports Day Dance to 'Orange' by SPYAIR (for upper elementary to high school) – for athletic meets, school festivals, etc.

A refreshing coming-of-age ballad by SPYAIR, released in February 2024 as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.

Portraying friendship and growth, its lyrics gently embrace hopes for the future and farewells to teammates, shining like a snapshot of youth itself.

The energetic band sound and YOSUKE’s powerful vocals inspire the courage to move forward and the strength of self-affirmation.

Packed with fiery messages and a thrilling sense of speed, it’s perfect as background music to hype up dance time at school sports days and festivals.

Radiating as a symbol of youth that can turn the entire venue a shade of orange, this is a work that truly shines.

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy12rank/position

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy [Simple Choreography for Lower and Middle Elementary Grades]

Vaundy’s “Kaiju no Hanauta” features a strikingly bright melody, and the way the chorus opens up like a widening landscape makes it a song that lifts your spirits.

Dancing to a track that puts you in a positive mood can make moving your body even more enjoyable.

Because it’s such an upbeat song, I recommend incorporating bouncy movements to match it, and being mindful of expressing a sense of fun in your facial expressions.

Imagining how the scenery suddenly expands in the chorus, using movements that spread your arms wide is also a key point for conveying the song’s world.

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kappamaki

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The BeginningONE OK ROCK13rank/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.

peace signYonezu Kenshi14rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

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.