Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among University Students [2026]

Full driveKANA-BOON71rank/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 ROCK72rank/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 Gnu73rank/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 APPLE74rank/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.

SignalWANIMA75rank/position

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

WANIMA is a rock band that sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.

All of their songs are bursting with energy, making them perfect as background music for sports days and athletic festivals.

Among them, the one I especially recommend as an entrance song is “Signal”! This track is a message song born from an NHK music program and is included on the masterpiece “Everybody!!,” released in January 2018.

It also gained attention as the song for Lotte’s “Sou” commercial.

Its powerful message—“You don’t have to be perfect; it’s okay to take on challenges just as you are”—and its liberating rock sound give a strong push to athletes as they head into competition.

The exhilarating melody, which blows away everyday frustrations, instantly raises the excitement on the field and fosters a sense of unity with the crowd.

In the Blueikimonogakari76rank/position

Ikimonogakari “In the Blue” (Mitsuya Cider theme song) Music Video

This song features a light, breezy melody like a refreshing wind and lyrics that evoke youth.

Released digitally by Ikimono-gakari in March 2024, it also drew attention as the theme song for Mitsuya Cider.

Its catchy sound and energetic message are truly appealing.

The vibrant vocals and positive lyrics make it a track that gives you a push forward.

Play it at a school sports day or athletic festival, and it’s sure to boost everyone’s excitement! It’s the perfect youth anthem—one that makes you want to throw your arm around a friend’s shoulder and sing together.

Young adultmakaroni enpitsu77rank/position

Macaroni Enpitsu “Young Adult” MV

For those who feel lonely at night or anxious about the future, I recommend the lead track from the mini-album “season.” Released by Macaroni Enpitsu in 2019, it was chosen as the opening theme for episode 2 of TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series “I Dreamed of That Girl.” It’s also included on the 2020 album “hope.” With lyrics themed around “unconditional love,” the song deeply resonates with university students who may feel isolated in new environments.

Its mid-tempo sound, featuring piano and synthesizer, conveys warmth and hope.

The affirming words sung by vocalist Hattori gently support everyone starting a new chapter in life.