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

The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster22rank/position

Little Glee Monster 'The World Is Smiling at You' Short Ver.

We recommend “The World Smiles at You” as a song to make your entrance feel bright and celebratory.

Released in 2018 during Little Glee Monster’s five-member era, this showcase of their exceptional vocals and harmonies has become one of the group’s signature songs, performed in a variety of settings.

It’s even used as a dance track at school sports days and athletic festivals.

The members’ richly colored vocal work and positive message are sure to get you excited! It will boost your energy and help you dive smoothly into the events and cheering.

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KEI

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Standing on stageYOASOBI23rank/position

YOASOBI "Stand on the Stage" Official Music Video

A youthful anthem cheering on athletes who keep striving toward their dreams.

It’s the NHK sports theme song released by YOASOBI in July 2024.

The lyrics sing of the effort to surpass oneself, the bonds with teammates, and the very moment of stepping onto a longed-for stage.

It’s a powerful cheer song that supports not only those dedicated to sports, but everyone pursuing their dreams.

Interestingly, this piece was created based on three manga works.

It also helped boost excitement for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, making it a song truly fit for a stage of growth.

It would surely enliven any venue as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals, too!

Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai24rank/position

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Is Youth Embarrassing?' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hazukashiika Seishun wa

An uplifting youth anthem featuring a dynamic melody and a driving, fast-paced sound.

Released by Ryokuoushoku Shakai in July 2024 as the theme song for an ABEMA dating show, it captures the anxieties and aspirations of adolescence and the brilliance of giving your all, expressed through powerful vocals and a grand arrangement with a 40-piece orchestra.

The track is also included on the album “Channel U,” and since its first live performance at Sukima Fes, it has been featured on numerous music programs.

It’s perfect for events like sports days and athletic festivals where you go all out with your friends.

A song that gently supports students living their “only-now” moments to the fullest.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO25rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

It’s a friendly, feel-good cheer song that almost everyone has heard at least once.

Unusual among SHISHAMO’s works, it was created based on the excitement felt while watching a match of the soccer team Kawasaki Frontale.

Released in February 2017 as a track on the album “SHISHAMO 4,” it gained wide recognition through its tie-in with an NTT Docomo commercial.

Singing about the joy of meeting your dream heroes on the weekend and the energy you get from it, the song features warm lyrics that convey the support around you and hope for the future.

Even in tough or discouraging times, it’s a stirring track that gives you the courage and strength to look forward, and it resonates in moments when you step forward with power—such as the entrance at a sports day or the opening of a school athletic festival.

Brother BeatSnow Man26rank/position

Snow Man “Brother Beat” Dance Practice

For those who want to capture the attention of the entire student body at a school or campus festival, we recommend Brother Beat.

Released in 2022 by Snow Man, a male idol group known for acrobatics and dance, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Mr.

Osomatsu.

Its humorous choral work set to a rock-inspired rhythm is striking.

Dance to this fresh, universally enjoyable track, and it’ll turn the venue into a dance floor.

If you’re looking for something stylish and passionate, be sure to give it a listen!

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mutō

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Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento27rank/position

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

This is a song released by Kocchinoken-to in May 2024, an uplifting anthem that pairs a catchy rhythm and melody with a heartwarming message.

The “Giri Giri Dance,” which spread mainly through social media, became a hot topic as an easy, accessible performance for everyone and has been a huge hit as background music and a cheer song at school sports days.

The track packs a powerful, confidence-boosting message into its up-tempo sound, keeping you feeling positive from start to finish.

It also garnered major buzz on TikTok and even led to a collaboration with Sanrio characters.

Its breezy, get-you-running rhythm and friendly, singable melody are part of its charm.

Perfect not only for school sports festivals and athletic events, it’s also a great pick-me-up for everyday motivation.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu28rank/position

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

An enduring masterpiece by Yuzu, the folk duo that represents Japan.

It embraces all the pain and setbacks of the past, the days of effort piled up without running away, and makes you feel proud of who you are now.

That warm yet powerful message resonates deeply with anyone striving forward.

Released as a single in July 2004, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s broadcast of the Athens Olympics.

Many will remember it alongside the moving scene of the men’s gymnastics team winning gold for the first time in 28 years.

Give it a listen when your club activities aren’t yielding the results you want, or when exam pressure feels overwhelming.

You’ll find the courage to believe that none of your steps so far have been in vain—and to keep moving forward.