Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among University Students [2026]
Even if we simply say “J-POP artists,” the number of artists covered is countless.
J-POP itself is diverse, after all.
The genre known as J-POP became established in the Heisei era.
It’s a relatively new field, but among its wide variety, which ones are popular with college students?
- [University Students] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among People in Their 20s [2026]
- Ranking of Most Popular Bands Among University Students [2026]
- [2026] Popular Songs Among Today’s Youth [J-Pop]
- Ranking of Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Popular Among Teens [2026]
- Male-Popularity Artist Rankings [2026]
- Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among University Students [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-Pop Artists Among High School Students [2026]
- [20s] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
- Karaoke and Band Song Rankings Popular with College Students [2026]
- Most Popular Bands Among People in Their 20s: Ranking [2026]
- [High School Students] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among University Students [2026] (61–70)
The Disappearance of Hatsune MikucosMo@bousou P64rank/position

Both the melody and the lyrics are crafted to put that distinct Vocaloid vibe front and center.
The first time I heard it, it was shocking! Its fate as a Vocaloid was a tragic one…
The earnestness brings tears to your eyes.
Once you practice and can sing it, it’s really cool.
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB4865rank/position

AKB48 is a girls’ group that has continued to lead the idol scene in J-pop across generations.
Their 32nd major single, “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie,” is also known as the song in which Rino Sashihara—who has thrived as a variety show queen—served as center for the first time during her time in AKB48.
The dance that goes with its catchy lyrics and melody is sure to be fun for everyone to do together at sports days and school festivals.
With simple choreography that lets both teachers and students get excited together, it’s a pop tune that became a massive hit.
If you laugh at the skywacci66rank/position

wacci is a rock band that delivers music that fits seamlessly into everyday life.
Their song “Sora ni Waraeba,” included on the 2018 album Gunjō Refrain, empowers people striving toward their dreams and goals.
The lyrics unfold like a portrait of days spent working hard with classmates toward a school sports festival.
Even when things get tough, you can picture everyone overcoming it together.
With a warm band arrangement incorporating beautiful strings, it’s a moving song that resonates with the heart.
School HeavenFingā 567rank/position

If there’s a classic that kicks off with a fiery call-and-response everyone’s heard at least once, it’s this one! Released in March 1974 as the fourth single by Finger 5, the brother-sister group from Okinawa, it became a massive hit, selling over a million copies.
This song comically yet dramatically portrays students rejoicing or despairing over changing classroom seating, and its irresistible groove makes you want to join in as you listen.
Years later, it was chosen as the theme song for Toho’s film “Waterboys,” cementing its status as a timeless J-pop masterpiece.
It’s also a staple as a high school baseball cheer song, and when everyone shouts the calls together at sports days and pep rallies, the whole venue unites and the excitement goes through the roof!
Kaikai KitanEVE68rank/position

A work by Eve that stands out for its exhilarating sound and vocals that feel like an incantation.
Centered on themes of facing oneself and the strength to overcome darkness, the song powerfully portrays the inner struggles of being human.
It opens with a heavy guitar riff and deftly depicts dark, complex emotions.
Its melodic chorus grips the listener and won’t let go.
Released in October 2020 and used as the opening theme for the first season of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen, this track gives you strength when you want to steel yourself for an important match or competition, and when you want to ignite your fighting spirit together with your teammates.
silhouetteKANA-BOON69rank/position

How about a masterpiece whose driving guitar riffs and powerful band sound strike straight to the heart? It’s a single released in November 2014 by KANA-BOON, a rock band formed in Osaka.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Naruto Shippuden, it sparked major buzz both in Japan and abroad.
This work conveys a resolve to move forward while recognizing that past experiences and encounters shape who we are today, holding what’s precious close to our hearts.
Vocalist Maguro Taniguchi’s emotional voice powerfully encourages students who put in daily effort toward their big moment.
It’s the perfect cheer song for heated events like relays and pep rallies!
Opening DeclarationNovelbright70rank/position

It is a highly message-driven song that conveys sincere feelings and a powerful drive toward a bright future.
It vividly depicts youthful figures stepping out from ordinary daily life to chase their dreams with friends.
The passionate resolve to walk together under the vast sky resonates with a grand orchestral sound in this masterpiece.
Released in April 2021 as the title track of the album “Kaimaku Sengen” (Opening Declaration), it has become a signature work symbolizing Novelbright’s major-label debut.
In 2022, it was also selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s nationwide high school dance club support project on the program “Sukkiri.” This piece is certain to shine as BGM for entrance marches and competitive scenes at sports days and athletics festivals.
It’s the perfect cheer song to boost the feeling of wanting to dash full speed toward your dreams together with your friends.


