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

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN15rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature song “Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing).

Watching this music video reminds me of how I used to look up at the sky over and over with the telescope we had at home, almost every night.

Even though it’s a song from the very beginning of the 21st century, it’s a timeless classic!

Zankyo SankaAimer16rank/position

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO（Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song）

Released in January 2022 as Aimer’s 20th single, this song was selected as the opening theme for the popular anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc.

It topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks, surpassed 200 million streams, and received a Special Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Masahiro Tobinai’s bold arrangement features resplendent brass and strings that brilliantly capture both the opulence of the red-light district and the tension of battle.

The lyrics, imbued with a powerful resolve to overcome past pain and resound into the future, embody the very determination of characters who confront their fate.

Performed even in cheering scenes at Koshien, it’s a song cherished not only by anime fans but also by many listeners running through their youth.

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE17rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – “Nando Demo”

DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Nando Demo” has encouraged and energized countless people across Japan.

Chosen as the theme song for the third season of the drama “Emergency Room 24 Hours,” it was the most-played song on the radio in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

In the many practices leading up to the sports festival, there will be times when you feel fed up, get discouraged when things don’t go well, and repeat days like that.

But just like the song says, no matter what happens, if you keep facing forward and practice again and again, it will lead to success on the big day.

This song has the power to remind you of those painful days leading up to the festival and transform them into beautiful memories.

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SAKI

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GO!!!FLOW18rank/position

FLOW 'GO!!! ~15th Anniversary ver.~' (Music Video Full Ver. with Commentary)

This song by the rock band FLOW was also used as a theme song for the anime Naruto, so even though it’s a bit old, I imagine many current students still know it.

The crisp guitar sound is exhilarating, and its sense of speed makes it perfect for events like relay races! The lyrics, which push you to keep taking on challenges even on a rough road, are the essence of youth—truly an upbeat youth anthem!

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Hane Keisuke

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One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS19rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “One More”

This is a ballad released in 2010 by Funky Monkey Babys, a hip-hop unit that delivers passionate feelings with a pop touch.

“Ato Hitotsu” always brings to mind that moving mass sing-along just before the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles clinched the Japan Series championship in 2013, and it really gets me choked up.

It’s about that moment when steady, step-by-step effort finally blossoms.

It’s an inspiring song that resonates across all sports.

At school sports days and athletic festivals, it cheers on hardworking friends, students, and our own children, and makes those emotional moments even more powerful!

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KEI

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Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA20rank/position

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSiC CLiP- (Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc Opening Theme)

This song depicts the courage to face adversity, with a powerful rock sound and a richly projected vocal that represents modern anime.

It captures the indomitable spirit of a protagonist striving to overcome countless hardships and the strong will to protect loved ones, resulting in a striking piece.

LiSA’s vocals brilliantly convey the story’s themes.

Released in April 2019, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, became a massive hit, and earned numerous accolades, including an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its dynamic, high-impact sound is perfect for sports days and athletic festivals, and it also works great as a rousing cheer song everyone can enjoy together.

Fanfaresumika21rank/position

sumika / Fanfare [Music Video]

An uplifting anthem that strikes a chord with its driving melody and bright lyrics! It’s a song that encourages a brave first step—from darkness into light, breaking out of your shell.

The invigorating sound alone gives you energy, and the storytelling—accepting your own weaknesses while stepping into a new world—is memorable.

This refreshing track, woven by sumika’s band sound, was released as a double A-side single in August 2018 and also drew attention as the opening theme for the animated film “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.” It’s perfect for school festival dances, choirs, or band performances, and is sure to gently embrace the entire venue!