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

Walking with youNovelbright29rank/position

Novelbright – Walking with you [Official Music Video]

This is a coming-of-age number whose straightforward feelings and moving melody resonate in the heart.

Its powerful message—singing of the resolve and hope to walk through life with the one you love—inevitably stirs your emotions.

Released in October 2018 as the lead track of the album “SKYWALK,” it also drew attention as an insert song for AbemaTV’s “Koisuru Weekend Homestay 2020 Spring.” Novelbright’s sound, blending strength with wistfulness, is beautifully expressed through Takenaka’s soaring vocals.

If you sing it at a school festival, you’ll be able to fully showcase both your vocal ability and expressiveness!

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION30rank/position

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)

A searing, emotional masterpiece that grabs high schoolers’ hearts and never lets go! Its grand melody and exhilarating, driving guitar sound will fill the entire school festival venue with excitement.

The lyrics portray real, down-to-earth youth who question their own purpose, face failure, and keep moving forward—sure to stir your soul.

Released by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION in August 2004, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist.

It’s a classic that begs to be performed live, uniting the whole crowd in a frenzy.

Highly recommended even for those just starting out with band performances!

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism31rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Now a band boasting nationwide popularity, Official Hige Dandism released “Shukumei” in 2019.

It’s a song that cheers on the days spent preparing for sports day and encourages students on the big day itself.

The passionate band sound intertwined with the bright tones of a brass band resonates deeply.

Many will relate to lyrics that honestly express inner anxiety and doubt.

No matter what difficulties lie ahead, this song teaches the importance of forging ahead as yourself.

Be sure to play this number to make an already heated sports day even more exciting.

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mutō

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KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi32rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

Kenshi Yonezu, who draws attention for his genre-blurring musicality from electronica to folk, released his 13th single in November 2022 as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man—a track that sonically paints protagonist Denji’s desires and inner turmoil.

Its lyrics, where a thirst for happiness collides with the emptiness of reality, resonate with the mindset of young people trying to claw their way up from rock bottom.

The fierce drum’n’bass-infused beat and dizzying key changes are an emotional roller coaster in themselves.

With dance videos spreading across social media, it also meshes perfectly with the digitally native Gen Z audience.

It’s an impulsive rock tune for anyone craving a jolt in their everyday life.

3rd Year Class A Morning Assembly Exercises33rank/position

Class 3-A Morning Exercise Dance Music (Full Ver.)

How about trying the razor-sharp dance, different from ordinary calisthenics, that was featured in the drama “Mr.

Hiiragi’s Homeroom (3-nen A-gumi: Ima kara Mina-san wa, Hitojichi Desu)”?.

The official website released lesson videos, and after young, social media–savvy viewers watched them, “I tried dancing” videos quickly became a big trend.

If you search, you’ll find plenty of helpful videos, so look for the ones that suit you.

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Araki Jakkan

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Dear, boyHump Back34rank/position

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

It’s a powerful cheer song that resonates in the hearts of those on the verge of giving up on their dreams.

With warm, tender vocals that embrace the struggle to push forward through the anxieties and setbacks of youth, and a driving rock sound full of momentum, the track has captured the hearts of many listeners.

Released in June 2018 as Hump Back’s major-label debut single, it reached No.

13 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

With its easy-to-sing melody and lyrics that cut straight to the heart, it’s sure to unite the entire school festival venue in excitement!

horizonback number35rank/position

back number – Horizon

Recommended for those who want to send cheers to many people at school-wide cultural festivals, “Suiheisen” was released in 2021 by the rock band back number, known for songs themed around romance.

Written specifically for high school students aiming for the 2020 Inter-High, the song became a major topic of conversation.

Its lyrics, layered over a bittersweet yet warm band sound, are filled with words that can support the heart.

How about performing it for classmates who work hard every day in their clubs and studies?

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