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

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā43rank/position

Effeminate / Golden Bomber – Music Video

Familiar from TV and the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, this song captures the feelings of a heartbroken man with an upbeat melody.

Its message—filled with lingering attachment to an ex, regret, and the wish to be together again—has resonated with many.

Released in October 2009, the track has spawned yearly “buzzword” versions that reflect the spirit of the times.

In fiscal 2013, it won the JASRAC Gold Award, a remarkable feat for an indie release.

It was also used in a House Foods “Mega Shaki” commercial, gaining popularity across a wide audience.

Perfect for amping up sports festivals and dance events, it’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike can enjoy dancing to.

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi44rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

The exhilarating melody and powerful drum patterns brilliantly capture the sensation of sprinting forward.

Crafted by Kenshi Yonezu, this piece portrays the courage and passion of taking on figure skating through the metaphor of a bow and arrow.

It vividly depicts both the challenger striving to surpass themselves and the bonds with those who support them, achieving a fine balance between the allure of sports and human drama.

Released in January 2025, it was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist.” Yonezu, a fan of the original work, personally requested to create the anime’s theme song—a background that is reflected in the work’s high level of polish.

From brisk exit scenes to dynamic performances at school sports days, the song’s tone complements the powerful movements of children and stands out as one of its key charms.

The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell45rank/position

The Story You Don't Know ☆ Supercell

This song is perfect for bands with members who can play piano or keyboard! It became the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari, and it’s still a beloved classic in the anisong scene.

The lyrics, which depict a delicate romance and a youthful story, make it a great fit for school festivals, and the performance is fresh and upbeat—highly recommended! Above all, the song’s biggest charm is its catchy melody line.

If you have a confident vocalist, have them sing it and get the whole venue fired up!

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Hane Keisuke

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The Zero Sense10-FEET46rank/position

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

A powerful rock number that passionately belts out the spirit of basketball and the thrill of challenge! The lyrics, brimming with the fervor of chasing your dreams and the resolve to face adversity, feel as if they’re giving you a push from behind.

10-FEET’s sound, packed with overwhelming power and taut intensity, grips the listener’s heart and never lets go.

Featured on the album “COLLINS” and released in December 2022 as the ending theme for the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” this track is perfect not only for basketball and sports fans, but also for those moments when you want to strive toward your dreams or fire yourself up before an important showdown.

WanteD! WanteD!Mrs. GREEN APPLE47rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – WanteD! WanteD!

A song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that pairs an energetic pop-rock sound with a powerful message.

Since its release in 2017, its fresh melodies and lyrics have resonated with many listeners.

It’s said to be a fan favorite at live shows.

The vivid portrayal of youthful joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness is striking—especially the image of moving forward while confronting one’s own weaknesses.

It’s a track that offers a warm boost, standing by the worries of youth.

You can’t help but feel excited if it plays during an entrance scene! This song also conjures images of growth through a sports day—so let’s give it our all and enjoy it to the fullest!

Curtain callYuuri48rank/position

Curtain Call by Yuuri: My Hero Academia Special Music Video / My Hero Academia Season 7 Cour 2 Opening Theme Anime MV

This is a song by Yuuri featuring an exhilarating, up-tempo rock melody and lyrics filled with hope as two people strive to understand each other.

It powerfully and directly sings of the protagonist’s strong resolve to keep pursuing the path they believe in, while showing empathy toward those they stand opposed to.

A rousing cheer song that gives you a push to chase dreams together with teammates at sports days and athletic festivals, it was released in July 2024 and chosen as the opening theme for Season 7, Cour 2 of the popular anime My Hero Academia.

It’s a track we especially recommend to everyone competing with friends, helping one another, and giving their all toward their goals.

End the worldHarukamirai49rank/position

Harukamirai – End the World (Official Video)

A four-piece rock band that made their major debut in 2019, Harukamirai’s third single.

With a solid, no-frills sound built on simple instrumentation, an easy-to-groove rhythm, and straightforward vocals, it’s an accessible track that’s perfect for a school festival stage.

There are many unison parts, making it a song everyone can sing together and get pumped up with, so adding it to your setlist can help create dynamic contrast in your live show.

Since there are no difficult phrases like guitar solos, it’s also an easy number for beginner bands to cover—ideal if the school festival stage will be your first live performance.

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Hoshino Takashi

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