Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among University Students [2026]

OrangeSPYAIR8rank/position

Sports Day Dance to 'Orange' by SPYAIR (for upper elementary to high school) – for athletic meets, school festivals, etc.

A refreshing coming-of-age ballad by SPYAIR, released in February 2024 as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.

Portraying friendship and growth, its lyrics gently embrace hopes for the future and farewells to teammates, shining like a snapshot of youth itself.

The energetic band sound and YOSUKE’s powerful vocals inspire the courage to move forward and the strength of self-affirmation.

Packed with fiery messages and a thrilling sense of speed, it’s perfect as background music to hype up dance time at school sports days and festivals.

Radiating as a symbol of youth that can turn the entire venue a shade of orange, this is a work that truly shines.

The BeginningONE OK ROCK9rank/position

ONE OK ROCK – The Beginning [Official Music Video]

This song delivers a deeply moving experience, with powerhouse vocals and a band sound so compelling it gives you goosebumps.

It captures the determination of those taking a new step forward and carries a message that pushes you from behind, radiating a power that resonates more with every listen.

Released in August 2012, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin, and through its synergy with the movie, it captured the hearts of a wide audience, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

Perfect as BGM for time trials or relay events, this track offers a refreshing sense of speed and the courage to take on challenges—be sure to experience it.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number10rank/position

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

The eighth single by back number, a three-piece rock band known for realistic psychological portrayals and wistful melodies.

The situations and emotions—ones many of us likely experienced in our youth—really hit home.

Meanwhile, the refreshing sound, in contrast to the heartrending lyrics, evokes the atmosphere of student-era romance and draws you even deeper into the song’s world.

A highly relatable unrequited love song, especially recommended for high schoolers in love.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

together; along with; bothWANIMA11rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This song, which celebrates friendship, hope, and the strength to overcome hardship, fills listeners with energy and courage.

WANIMA’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound and positive message stand by those who continue to face challenges, serving as a powerful support.

Released in August 2016 as the theme song for Nivea Kao’s “8×4” commercial, it also carries the members’ deep love for their hometown of Kumamoto and their hopes for its recovery.

Included on the album “Are You Coming?”, the track was also performed at the 2017 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With its strong message, the song brings the perfect blend of excitement and refreshment for a school sports day’s exit scene.

It is expected to heighten the sense of unity in the venue, along with the children’s feelings of accomplishment and emotion after giving their all in competition.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO12rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

A song that captures the feelings of someone who, despite weekday fatigue, keeps pushing forward for the “hero” they can meet on the weekend.

It’s a track from SHISHAMO’s album “SHISHAMO 4,” released in February 2017, and was featured in NTT Docomo’s “Docomo no Gakuwari” commercial, as well as performed at the 68th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Widely known as an anthem for young people, it is also beloved as a cheer song for Kawasaki Frontale.

Offering the courage to keep moving toward tomorrow even in tough times, this youth anthem is perfect for those who have someone they want to support and for people who want to share moving moments with hard-working friends.

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA13rank/position

Yattemiyou

“I’ll give you the courage to move forward!” This warm message resonates in this uplifting anthem.

WANIMA’s powerful performance and lyrics that gently nudge you to face forward and keep going are truly compelling.

Aired from January 2017 in au’s Santaro series commercials and included on the album “Everybody!!,” this song is perfect not only for sports days and athletic festivals, but also for cultural festivals, band performances at live events, and choral singing—any school occasion where you take on challenges together with friends.

Sing it together and get fired up, and it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory!

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE14rank/position

Usable for sports day! Mrs. GREEN APPLE “StaRt” easy dance choreography ♪ #SportsDay #PEdance #MrsGreenApple

This is a song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that captured many hearts with its exhilarating pop-rock sound and uplifting message.

It was included on their major-label debut mini-album “Variety,” released in July 2015, and was also featured in a Kao Merit commercial in 2017.

Riding an up-tempo rhythm, the song celebrates the small joys hidden in everyday life and the courage to take on new challenges.

Brimming with youthful performance and a pleasant, positive energy, it’s a perfect track for school festivals or sports day dance routines.