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

Brother BeatSnow Man29rank/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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Overdosenatori30rank/position

Natori – Overdose

Overdose, Nat(s)ori’s signature song with an impressive languid vibe.

The piece maintains a downer mood throughout, so the high parts are intentionally kept restrained.

Falsetto does appear, but it’s not used because the notes are high; it’s a deliberate stylistic choice.

So if you’re not comfortable with falsetto, singing those parts in chest voice is totally fine.

Whispery vocals sound cool on this track, but overdoing it can come off as narcissistic, so keep that in mind when you sing (lol).

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Ryo

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Bridge of Gloryyuzu31rank/position

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

An enduring masterpiece by Yuzu, one of Japan’s leading folk duos.

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

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

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

Many will remember it alongside the moving moment when Japan’s men’s gymnastics team won gold for the first time in 28 years.

Play it when practice gets tough or when the pressure before a big event 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!

R.Y.U.S.E.ISandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu32rank/position

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

The dance-vocal group Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, known for their emotional vocals and polished dance performances, gained widespread popularity.

Released as a single in June 2014 and selected as the TCK 2014 campaign song, this track captivates with its pop EDM sound themed around the passion of chasing dreams and the bonds with friends.

The song won the Japan Record Award in December of the same year, and its “running man” choreography during the instrumental break became a social phenomenon.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced melody makes it a perfect dance number for everyone to synchronize and perform together at school sports days and athletic festivals.

The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari33rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'The Wind Is Blowing' Music Video

This is Ikimonogakari’s 24th single, released in July 2012.

It is widely known for being chosen as NHK’s broadcast theme song for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Seiji Kameda’s dramatic arrangement and the epic structure, running about 7 minutes and 35 seconds, are captivating and deeply moving.

The lyrics, which depict hope for living together through times of change, are powerfully yet transparently delivered by Kiyoe Yoshioka’s vocals, striking straight to the heart.

It’s a masterpiece perfectly suited for showcasing the fruits of dedicated effort, adding a moving touch to entrance marches and climactic moments at school sports days and athletic festivals.

TOKYO GIRLPerfume34rank/position

[Official Music Video] Perfume 「TOKYO GIRL」

It’s the theme song of a drama, and I think it’s a song you can relate to along with the show.

No matter what happens, it might be a song that turns it into positive energy.

The dance is cute too, so it could be a lot of fun to get hyped with friends at karaoke and the like.

I think it’s a real masterpiece.

rainbowAqua Timez35rank/position

Aqua Timez “Niji” Music Video (Theme song for the drama Gokusen Season 3)

A refreshing Aqua Timez number that supports those striving toward the school sports festival.

It was chosen as the theme song for the smash-hit drama Gokusen Season 3, starring Yukie Nakama.

For those giving their all at the sports festival, the “rainbow” here symbolizes a moving, unforgettable memory.

Grueling practices, training that just doesn’t go well—many tough days unfold on the way to the big event.

But you have many teammates running alongside you toward the same goal.

With that in mind, even the hard days can turn into “It’ll be okay” on the day itself.

This is a song that makes you feel that, after pushing through, those efforts will become a beautiful, rainbow-like memory.

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SAKI

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