Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among University Students [2026]

THANXWANIMA43rank/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.

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK44rank/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.

flash[Alexandros]45rank/position

[Alexandros] – Flash (MV) Theme Song of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash

[Alexandros]’s song captivates listeners with a rock sound brimming with momentum that soars from the very first line and a grand, expansive scale.

The lyrics, interweaving opposing emotions—anxieties and hopes about growing up, loneliness and bonds, past and future—resonate deeply in the heart.

Released in May 2021 as their 19th single, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway.

It’s a perfect track not only for dances and events like school sports festivals, but also for moments when you want to elevate each other with your teammates or need the courage to face a new challenge.

I got a girlfriend.SHISHAMO46rank/position

SHISHAMO “I Got a Girlfriend”

SHISHAMO is a three-piece rock band known for lyrics that depict down-to-earth romance and irresistibly catchy melodies.

Opening their debut album “SHISHAMO,” released in November 2013, this track is a pop-rock song that captures the explosive rush of excitement at the moment a secret love begins.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” helping the band take a step onto the national stage.

Brimming with a sense of speed and fresh, relatable emotions, it’s the kind of song that’s guaranteed to bring the whole venue together when performed at a school or culture festival.

Prefacemakaroni enpitsu47rank/position

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hashirigaki” MV

If you’re looking for a refreshing yet bittersweet rock track that captures youthful days, “Hashirigaki” is a great pick.

Released in 2021 by Macaroni Empitsu, a band known for emotive songs that reflect the hearts of young people, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Shrouded in Mystery! The Flowers of Tenkasu Academy.

Its mellow band sound unfolds over a brisk rhythm.

It’s a coming-of-age song that turns both joyful and painful moments into memories.

If you need BGM for a sports day or school athletics festival, give it a listen.

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Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā48rank/position

Sambomaster / Starting to Shine and Run - MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a cheer song brimming with youthful passion and hope.

It portrays a protagonist who carries deep pain in their heart and feels on the verge of losing themselves, yet by accepting that suffering, the work gives them the courage to take a new step forward.

Released by Sambomaster in August 2018, the track was chosen as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan,” and, alongside the story of high school students striving to conquer the United States, left a lasting impression on many viewers.

This piece is also perfect as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals, gently supporting students who give their all and sweat it out together with their friends.

Glass BluesBUMP OF CHICKEN49rank/position

Glass No Blues

This song by BUMP OF CHICKEN is actually the first track in Japanese that Motoo Fujiwara wrote when he was a first-year high school student.

The lyrics, filled with reflections on the meaning of life and a passion for music, are sure to resonate deeply with students in the midst of their youth.

It’s included on their indie-era album FLAME VEIN and remains a fan favorite that’s often performed live even today.

If you play it on stage at a school or cultural festival, it’ll definitely bring the whole venue together and get everyone excited.

It’s sure to become an unforgettable memory for your friends, too.

Give it a try!