Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among University Students [2026]
Even if we simply say “J-POP artists,” the number of artists covered is countless.
J-POP itself is diverse, after all.
The genre known as J-POP became established in the Heisei era.
It’s a relatively new field, but among its wide variety, which ones are popular with college students?
Playlist
| Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among University Students [2026] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE |  play_arrow | Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s classic that captures the passion of youth |
| 2 | DREAMIN’ONDa-iCE |  play_arrow | A song that pursues courage and dreams |
| 3 | peace signYonezu Kenshi |  play_arrow | Challenge and growth, moving forward by overcoming failure |
| 4 | AgainWANIMA |  play_arrow | A song of courage to overcome setbacks and move forward |
| 5 | Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number |  play_arrow | A famous song by back number that depicts youthful romantic feelings |
| 6 | New Treasure IslandSakanakushon |  play_arrow | A Song of Children's Adventures and Courage for the Future |
| 7 | RPGSEKAI NO OWARI |  play_arrow | SEKAI NO OWARI “RPG” is perfect for a sports day closing ceremony |
| 8 | Full-Power BoySukima Suichi |  play_arrow | A signature song that celebrates the power and spirit of youthful challenge |
| 9 | FateOfisharu Higedan Dism |  play_arrow | Cheering on students who are working hard for the sports day. |
| 10 | migratory bird[Alexandros] | ![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/default.jpg) play_arrow | Getting hyped with the sports day classic song “Wataridori” |
| 11 | Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN |  play_arrow | A classic song by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN |
| 12 | Kitearashi |  play_arrow | Lyrics and music by Kenshi Yonezu. A dream-support cheer song sung by Arashi. |
| 13 | We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā |  play_arrow | An anthem of support that gives you the courage to keep moving forward without giving up |
| 14 | Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts |  play_arrow | Cheering song for Mashle Season 2 OP |
| 15 | astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN |  play_arrow | Stargazing: a classic song that sets your thoughts adrift in the night sky |
| 16 | Zankyo SankaAimer |  play_arrow | Demon Slayer opening theme, smash hit song |
| 17 | As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE |  play_arrow | Practicing over and over, facing forward with DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Nando Demo.” |
| 18 | GO!!!FLOW |  play_arrow | Anime NARUTO theme song, a song of youth |
| 19 | One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS |  play_arrow | An emotional ballad by Funky Monkey Babys |
| 20 | Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA |  play_arrow | Opening theme song of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, courage and indomitable spirit |
| 21 | Fanfaresumika |  play_arrow | An anthem of speed and hope that lifts the heart |
| 22 | The world is smiling at you.Little Glee Monster |  play_arrow | Energize your heart with a positive song! |
| 23 | Standing on stageYOASOBI |  play_arrow | A youthful song that supports athletes’ dreams |
| 24 | Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai |  play_arrow | An anthem for youth, bursting with a sense of speed! |
| 25 | Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO |  play_arrow | A cheering song born from the passion of Kawasaki Frontale |
| 26 | Brother BeatSnow Man |  play_arrow | Brother Beat by Snow Man, for a school festival |
| 27 | Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento |  play_arrow | Kochi Kento’s cheer song, “Giri Giri Dance” |
| 28 | Bridge of Gloryyuzu |  play_arrow | An encouraging classic by Yuzu that resonates with the hearts of those who strive. |
| 29 | Overdosenatori |  play_arrow | Singing guide for Natori’s signature songs |
| 30 | TOKYO GIRLPerfume |  play_arrow | It's the theme song of a drama, and you can relate to it along with the drama... |
| 31 | rainbowAqua Timez |  play_arrow | Friends who support the sports festival and rainbow-like memories |
| 32 | MiracleGReeeeN |  play_arrow | Get fired up with the ROOKIES drama theme song |
| 33 | Soul RevolutionSuperfly |  play_arrow | A brave rock song I want to listen to at a sports festival |
| 34 | The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari |  play_arrow | Ikimono-gakari's sports day theme song |
| 35 | R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu |  play_arrow | The third-generation JSB’s captivating songs, with the Running Man being especially memorable |
| 36 | HEROAmuro Namie |  play_arrow | Namie Amuro’s hit song “Hero” is moving. |
| 37 | Fly Highmilet |  play_arrow | milet "Fly High" suitable for a sports day |
| 38 | A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki |  play_arrow | Masaki Suda’s debut song, a track packed with a sense of speed and determination |
| 39 | Have a nice dayNishino Kana |  play_arrow | The theme so... of Fuji TV’s Mezamashi TV |
| 40 | It’s okay.BLUE ENCOUNT |  play_arrow | An anthem of youth, the heart-stirring BLUE ENCOUNT |
| 41 | We are!kitadani hiroshi |  play_arrow | We Are is an inspiring song full of adventure |
| 42 | Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa |  play_arrow | A passionate anthem for those who chase their dreams: the power of courage |
| 43 | cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai |  play_arrow | Made pop through its cute vocals and worldview… |
| 44 | Goodbye DeclarationChinozo |  play_arrow | “Goodbye Declaration” goes viral on social media |
| 45 | Footsteps ~Be StrongMr.Children |  play_arrow | An inspirational song used as a TV drama’s theme is a self-produced track. |
| 46 | My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS |  play_arrow | “Zenzenzense” is a cheer song that depicts youth and challenge. |
| 47 | OrangeSPYAIR |  play_arrow | SPYAIR youth ballad theme song |
| 48 | Don’t give upZARD |  play_arrow | “Makenaide” is popular across generations as a cheer/encouragement song. |
| 49 | Luka Luka★Night Feversamfree |  play_arrow | It’s a Eurobeat-style track. Featuring Megurine Luka… |
| 50 | You don’t listen to rock.aimyon |  play_arrow | A timeless song that resonates with the heart, depicting a bittersweet love |
| 51 | companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi |  play_arrow | Deepen the bonds of the sports day with Ketsumeishi's “Nakama” |
| 52 | Spring SwallowHey! Say! JUMP |  play_arrow | Theme song of the anime “Love All Play,” hopes of youth |
| 53 | CHE.R.RYYUI |  play_arrow | YUI’s love song “CHE.R.RY” becomes a hit. |
| 54 | Beat de TouhiHama iku |  play_arrow | It's easy to sing the debut song by Hamaiku. |
| 55 | Curtain callYuuri |  play_arrow | An uplifting support song of positive hope and strong will |
| 56 | Heart-throbbingHinatazaka46 |  play_arrow | Hinatazaka46 debut song Kyun Kyun dance |
| 57 | IdeaHoshino Gen |  play_arrow | Gen Hoshino’s cheer song: a theme of the creativity to overcome difficulties |
| 58 | SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke |  play_arrow | Collaboration theme song by Keisuke Kuwata |
| 59 | wake upAAA |  play_arrow | A refreshing dance number as the theme song for ONE PIECE |
| 60 | ultra soulB’z |  play_arrow | A powerful anthem that supports the challenge toward one’s dreams |
| 61 | No.1DISH// |  play_arrow | A rock song that sings of a strong will to pursue a goal |
| 62 | The Disappearance of Hatsune MikucosMo@bousou P |  play_arrow | It has strong vocaloid characteristics, and the sad, fateful lyrics paired with the cool, stylish melody leave a strong impression. |
| 63 | Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48 |  play_arrow | The iconic song by AKB48 that leads the idol scene |
| 64 | If you laugh at the skywacci |  play_arrow | Wacci’s moving song, a track that gives you strength to pursue your dreams |
| 65 | Kaikai KitanEVE |  play_arrow | A powerful song that portrays the strength to overcome the darkness |
| 66 | Opening DeclarationNovelbright |  play_arrow | A powerful anthem of encouragement that passionately depicts the dreams of youth |
| 67 | The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP |  play_arrow | An inspiring classic by SMAP |
| 68 | Live in the present.Saucy Dog |  play_arrow | Saucy Dog’s High School Soccer Cheering Song |
| 69 | From Me to Youflumpool |  play_arrow | flumpool's youth romance song |
| 70 | DREAMERIkuta Rira |  play_arrow | A coming-of-age ballad that expresses a love for dreams and music |
| 71 | A bouquet for meAdo |  play_arrow | A song that depicts the joy of youth and a positive, forward-looking spirit. |
| 72 | 366 daysHY |  play_arrow | Timeless breakup songs that offer empathy and healing |
| 73 | Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi |  play_arrow | A heart-piercing cheer song by Elekashi |
| 74 | March 9Remioromen |  play_arrow | When it comes to graduation songs, I just want to say it has to be this one… |
| 75 | dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo |  play_arrow | A timeless hit across generations, with heartrending lyrics that touch the heart |
| 76 | Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone |  play_arrow | Mone Kamishiraishi’s cheer song “Natsukashii Mirai” (Nostalgic Future) |
| 77 | Voice of the SeaKiritani Kenta |  play_arrow | Voice of the Sea: The Sound of the Sanshin and Kenta Kiritani’s Singing |
| 78 | water lily blossomShonan no Kaze |  play_arrow | “Suirenka,” sung by Shonan no Kaze, is one of their signature songs... |
| 79 | Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)Takahashi Yuu |  play_arrow | An inspiring song themed around Yu Takahashi’s smile |
| 80 | The Zero Sense10-FEET |  play_arrow | An inspiring song that sings of passion for basketball and dreams |
| 81 | TOGEAKASAKI |  play_arrow | A powerful song that sings of AKASAKI’s heartache |
| 82 | Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK |  play_arrow | A sports day cheer rock song by ONE OK ROCK |
| 83 | SpecialSUPER BEAVER |  play_arrow | Special Sports Day Hype Song |
| 84 | Helloyama × bocchiboromaru |  play_arrow | Cheering Song by yama and Bocchi Boromaru |
| 85 | Go for it!Urufuruzu |  play_arrow | A cheer song that gives you the courage to face difficulties |
| 86 | Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya |  play_arrow | “Ao no Sumika” is a heart-wrenching song that portrays youth. |
| 87 | O flowers now in full bloom,Kobukuro |  play_arrow | Kobukuro’s Olympic support song |
| 88 | AitaiKato Miria |  play_arrow | Kato Miliyah’s iconic song “Aitai” that heals the pain of unrequited love |
| 89 | OverrideYoshida Yayo |  play_arrow | Depicting the absurdities of life in a fast-paced dance track |
| 90 | Theme of Lupin the ThirdŌno Yūji |  play_arrow | Introduction to the Theme Song of Lupin the Third |
| 91 | One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu |  play_arrow | A youth-empowerment song. A track that cheers on the new school term. |
| 92 | HappinessAI |  play_arrow | AI says, 'Happiness' is a song of hope that spreads joy across the world. |
| 93 | BOYKing Gnu |  play_arrow | A warm and gentle rock song by King Gnu |
| 94 | A Little Love SongMONGOL800 |  play_arrow | Popular songs by the Okinawan band supporting love/romance |
| 95 | hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake |  play_arrow | Omoinotake’s “Ikuoku Kounen” is recommended for the sports day closing ceremony. |
| 96 | THE BALLERSSixTONES |  play_arrow | SixTONES' sports theme song |
| 97 | I tried falling in love with you.chay |  play_arrow | A heart-throbbing single that sings of chay's love |
| 98 | Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu |  play_arrow | A song that portrays the brilliance of youth and the importance of friendship |
| 99 | Gate of GloryHirai Dai |  play_arrow | Cheering on effort and courage with the sports day fight song “The Door of Glory” |
| 100 | Silent majorityKeyakizaka46 |  play_arrow | Introduction to Silent Majority by Keyakizaka46 |