Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among University Students [2026]

If you laugh at the skywacci64rank/position

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

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.

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mutō

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Kaikai KitanEVE65rank/position

Kaikai Kitan – Eve MV

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.

Opening DeclarationNovelbright66rank/position

Novelbright – Opening Declaration [Official Music Video]

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.

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP67rank/position

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

When it comes to moving songs, isn’t it impossible to talk about them without mentioning this one? It’s a signature track by SMAP, the nationally beloved idol group.

With lyrics themed around “Only One,” I think it’s perfect for school sports days, too.

It might be a slightly older song, but I believe it’s one of those timeless classics that still deserves to be loved.

The members’ gentle voices really touch the heart, don’t they?

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Hane Keisuke

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Live in the present.Saucy Dog68rank/position

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.

From Me to Youflumpool69rank/position

flumpool “Kimi ni Todoke” Music Video

A signature song by flumpool, whose appeal lies not only in their gentle vocals but also in their sweet looks.

When a popular manga was adapted into a live-action film, this track became a huge hit as its theme song.

It’s a refreshing tune that sings of bittersweet, straightforward young love, beloved not only by fans but by many listeners.

DREAMERIkuta Rira70rank/position

DREAMER

A gemlike ballad that powerfully conveys passion for dreams and a deep love of music.

Standing at life’s crossroads, its lyrics gently support young people chasing their precious dreams, celebrating the beauty of staying true to oneself.

Sung by Rira Ikuta, the song was released in March 2025 alongside the album Hyakka Ryouran and drew wide attention as an insert song in the drama Paripi Komei.

Because she has devoted herself to music since childhood, her true-to-life expressiveness lends words that move the heart.

As a finale track for school sports days and festivals, it’s sure to become a cherished song that colors a page of youth.