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

Kitearashi57rank/position

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

Kenshi Yonezu, a nationally beloved singer-songwriter, wrote and composed Arashi’s song “Kite.” From the very first melodic line, it has that distinctive Yonezu flair—a richly textured track with a unique atmosphere.

Its forward-looking lyrics about dreams are perfect for students in their school years.

On top of that, the grand and beautiful string arrangement makes it ideal as an entrance piece.

It’s great not only for marquee events like relays and tug-of-war, but also recommended as the entrance music for moving performances such as group gymnastics and choreographed displays.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

DynamiteBTS58rank/position

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Dynamite’ Official MV (Choreography ver.)

This track, brimming with dynamic disco-pop energy, vividly colors any sports day.

Released in August 2020 by the seven-member South Korean group BTS, this English-language song modernizes 1970s disco, featuring a sprightly guitar riff and a celebratory horn section.

Created with the intention of bringing hope and vitality to people around the world, it achieved the remarkable feat of debuting at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its music video—showcasing colorful, high-energy performances—surpassed 100 million views within 24 hours.

With a powerful, uplifting atmosphere that blends naturally into any moment—entrance marches, breaks between events, or award ceremonies—it’s a perfect fit for every scene of a sports day.

Guitar, Loneliness, and the Blue Planetkessoku bando59rank/position

[Lyric Video] Kessoku Band - “Guitar, Loneliness and the Blue Planet” / In-episode song from TV anime “Bocchi the Rock!” Episode 5

This song features clear, shimmering guitar tones and soaring vocals, vividly reflecting the worries and struggles of youth.

It’s an insert song from the TV anime “Bocchi the Rock!” First released digitally in November 2022, it was later included on the album “Kessoku Band” released in December of the same year.

The lyrics delicately portray the feelings of teenagers grappling with the difficulty of living true to themselves and the loneliness of being misunderstood—sure to resonate with their generation.

Its message—finding connection through music and striving to face forward with friends—is truly uplifting.

Fanfaresumika60rank/position

sumika / Fanfare [Music Video]

An uplifting anthem that strikes a chord with its driving melody and bright lyrics! It’s a song that encourages a brave first step—from darkness into light, breaking out of your shell.

The invigorating sound alone gives you energy, and the storytelling—accepting your own weaknesses while stepping into a new world—is memorable.

This refreshing track, woven by sumika’s band sound, was released as a double A-side single in August 2018 and also drew attention as the opening theme for the animated film “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.” It’s perfect for school festival dances, choirs, or band performances, and is sure to gently embrace the entire venue!

THANXWANIMA61rank/position

WANIMA「THANX」（from 1st DVD&Blu-ray「JUICE UP!! TOUR FINAL」）

WANIMA’s nationally distributed debut release captivates with an energetic sound and heartfelt lyrics centered on themes of gratitude and farewell! Included on the album “Are You Coming?” released in November 2015, this track powerfully expresses the courage to move forward after parting and the feeling of gratitude toward loved ones, carried by a driving, exhilarating melody.

Its outdoor live-style music video—featuring motocross bikes soaring through the air—also drew attention, and the song has grown into an indispensable staple at WANIMA’s concerts.

It’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser that will capture hearts at cultural and school festivals alike.

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento62rank/position

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

Rather than gravely lamenting how hard it is to live in modern society, Hai Yorokonde packs in a humorous sensibility and a string of irresistibly catchy, TikTok-ready phrases, making it one of 2024’s defining hits.

The multitalented Kocchino Kento also performed this song at that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, cementing his nationwide recognition—a fresh memory for many.

While showcasing the vocal prowess he honed through a cappella, the distinctive humor and the melodies and lyrics that stick in your head after a single listen, as mentioned above, make the song a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke across generations.

The rapid-fire passages do take some getting used to, but if you struggle to keep up, focus on practicing the tricky parts and memorize them well enough to sing without looking at the lyrics—you may be surprised how smoothly it comes together.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK63rank/position

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"

A heart-pounding rock tune that gives you a push on the back—“trust your instincts and carve out your future!” Released by ONE OK ROCK in February 2010, this song prioritizes instinct over logic, powerfully voicing a message from youth determined to move forward despite a mix of confidence and anxiety.

It was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Arabiki-dan” and reached No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The surprise performance at their Tokyo Dome show in April 2023 sent many fans into a frenzy.

With its energetic, unforgettable melody, it gives you the courage to believe in yourself and sprint toward your dreams—a go-to number to fire up any school festival live.