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!

Make you happyNiziU16rank/position

NiziU 『Make you happy』 M/V

Many of you may be familiar with this song.

NiziU’s “Make you happy,” which shot to fame as the “Jump Rope Dance,” is a track that dancers can pick up easily.

While the choreography throughout the song follows some fairly intricate musical accents, its relatively catchy movements are a big draw.

On top of that, you can spot a bit of isolation—moving a single part of the body independently, a fundamental dance technique—so beginners might find it a little challenging.

However, as long as you memorize the sequence, the choreography for the chorus uses movements that even beginners can handle.

The simple yet unforgettable choreography, unlike anything before, makes a strong impression and really makes you want to try it yourself!

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Fukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda

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Standing on stageYOASOBI17rank/position

YOASOBI "Stand on the Stage" Official Music Video

YOASOBI, a music duo that enjoys overwhelming support especially among younger generations.

Released in July 2024, this work was written specifically as the “NHK Sports Theme 2024.” It’s a powerful number also featured in TV commercials for suits and in collaborative smartphone ads.

The driving guitar-rock sound is striking, and its message captures the inner conflict and pounding excitement leading up to the big stage.

With a propulsive beat that transforms pre-competition nerves into exhilaration, it’s perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals.

Why not build a sense of unity on the field with this powerful music that sends cheers to everyone facing their decisive moment?

Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu18rank/position

ATARASHII GAKKO! – Otona Blue (Official Music Video)

A gem of a song that vividly portrays the delicate emotions of youth.

It brilliantly captures the frustration of adolescence and the real, unvarnished struggles of teens wrestling with the gap between their outer image and inner self.

Its up-tempo beat and cool vocals are a perfect match for the dynamic flair of group gymnastics.

Released digitally in May 2020, it’s also remembered for sparking the wildly popular “head-shaking dance” on TikTok.

The song won an Excellence Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards, and it dazzled viewers with a spectacular performance at the 2023 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

As a coming-of-age anthem that many teens can relate to—reflecting their worries and first loves—it’s a highly recommended track for use as BGM in group gymnastics.

Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism19rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

An ambitious work crafted by Official HIGE DANDism as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers.

The song fuses lyrics that brilliantly capture the anime’s worldview with an innovative sound that shifts keys roughly ten times.

It sings of the protagonist’s indomitable spirit in the face of fate, his comeback from setbacks, and the bonds with his friends, inspiring courage and emotion in listeners.

Since its release in May 2021, it peaked at No.

4 on Billboard JAPAN’s Japan Hot 100.

It continued to be a long-running hit, ranking 13th on the year-end chart for 2021.

When you want to strive toward your goals together with your cherished friends, this song is sure to be a pillar of support.

Zankyo SankaAimer20rank/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 TRUE21rank/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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