Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among University Students [2026]

mixed nutsOfisharu Higedan Dism64rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Mixed Nuts [Official Video]

A song I recommend both when competing for victory and when you want to hype things up with a festival-like vibe is “Mixed Nuts.” The band Official HIGE DANDism, known for their one-of-a-kind musicality, released it in 2022, and it was used as the opening theme for the anime SPY×FAMILY.

It features a high-energy band sound intertwined with bright brass tones.

The song carries a message that embraces the bittersweet feelings and honest emotions everyone holds, giving you the courage to move forward.

Try incorporating this popular anime track, beloved by students, into your sports day playlist.

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mutō

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The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari65rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'The Wind Is Blowing MUSIC VIDEO (Short ver.)'

The song that celebrates all the preparation and practice for the sports day is “Kaze ga Fuiteiru” (“The Wind Is Blowing”).

Released in 2012 by Ikimonogakari, a music unit that led the J-pop scene from the 2000s, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s London Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts.

The beautiful strings resonating over a mid-tempo track are striking.

The orthodox melodic line, sung by Kiyoe Yoshioka, is deeply moving.

It’s a heartfelt song you’ll want to play during any sports day scene—from relays to dances.

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mutō

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asking for the moonKANA-BOON66rank/position

KANA-BOON “Naimono Nedari” Music Video

A rock song by KANA-BOON, a band formed in Osaka Prefecture mainly by high school classmates.

It’s characterized by guitar phrases that use delay and lyrics in which male and female perspectives alternate.

While the guitar features many single-note lines, the parts are largely simple riffs, making it relatively easy for beginner guitarists to learn.

The bass often plays in unison with the guitar or sticks to root notes, but it also has standout moments, such as passages that double the vocal melody, keeping it simple yet effective.

The drums rely heavily on rhythm patterns with offbeat hi-hat accents that shape the song’s overall feel, so drummers unfamiliar with this pattern should start practicing slowly and build up speed.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Full driveKANA-BOON67rank/position

KANA-BOON “Full Drive” Music Video

This is the third major-label single by KANA-BOON, a rock band formed in Osaka in 2008.

It was created with the aim of delivering a stronger first impact than their previous releases, and it’s a number that cranks up the energy right from the intro.

Since the overall rhythm is tight, focusing on when to play and when to cut the sound will help you recreate the feel of the original.

The fast tempo may make it sound difficult, but the phrases in each part are simple, so it’s a recommended song even for beginner bands.

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Hoshino Takashi

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We AreONE OK ROCK68rank/position

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

With its powerful message and hope-filled lyrics, this song stirs the hearts of young people.

While grappling with struggles against societal judgment and prejudice, it conveys a strong will to cherish one’s true self and keep moving forward.

Included on the album “Ambitions,” it has received high acclaim since its release in January 2017.

On NHK’s “18 Festival,” ONE OK ROCK and 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation created a once-in-a-lifetime stage, producing a moving moment.

Paired with a group gymnastics performance, it can express the importance of teamwork and the determination to take on a shared goal.

flying boatKing Gnu69rank/position

King Gnu – Hikōtei (Seaplane)

An uplifting song written in August 2019 for an All Nippon Airways TV commercial, themed around the importance of living true to yourself and the courage to take a new step.

It was featured in a commercial starring tennis player Naomi Osaka and reached No.

3 on both the Oricon and Billboard Japan charts.

Characterized by King Gnu’s distinctive hybrid rock sound and powerful beats, it also has an anthemic vibe perfect for crowd sing-alongs at live shows.

It’s an energetic track you’ll want to listen to with friends striving toward their dreams, and it’s sure to energize the stage at a school festival.

dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE70rank/position

2023 Parachute Balloon ♪ Dance Hall

An uplifting anthem whose light rhythm and bouncy melody remind you of the joy of living! Comparing the world to a dance hall, this Mrs.

GREEN APPLE track sends a positive message to enjoy life more.

Released on the July 2022 album “Unity,” it was also selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi 8.” It appears in the film “The White Lounge in CINEMA,” where its on-screen performance helped boost the song’s success.

Its dance-inducing vibe and happy mood make it perfect as background music for races or marches in sports day scenes.

Brimming with positive energy, this song is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.