[University Students] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]

Heart-throbbingHinatazaka4664rank/position

Hinatazaka46 “Kyun”

This is the debut and smash-hit song by Hinatazaka46, a Sakamichi-series group that grew out of Keyakizaka46’s Hiragana Keyaki.

Its addictive chorus and cute dance went viral, and the “Kyunkyun Dance” became a heavy rotation trend on TikTok.

If you want to showcase cuteness, it’s a great choice for a girls’ group performance.

The choreography features lots of upbeat, straightforward moves, which is another plus.

And of course, make the chorus’s Kyunkyun Dance as cute as you can!

Curtain callYuuri65rank/position

Curtain Call by Yuuri: My Hero Academia Special Music Video / My Hero Academia Season 7 Cour 2 Opening Theme Anime MV

This is a song by Yuuri featuring an exhilarating, up-tempo rock melody and lyrics filled with hope as two people strive to understand each other.

It powerfully and directly sings of the protagonist’s strong resolve to keep pursuing the path they believe in, while showing empathy toward those they stand opposed to.

A rousing cheer song that gives you a push to chase dreams together with teammates at sports days and athletic festivals, it was released in July 2024 and chosen as the opening theme for Season 7, Cour 2 of the popular anime My Hero Academia.

It’s a track we especially recommend to everyone competing with friends, helping one another, and giving their all toward their goals.

CHE.R.RYYUI66rank/position

CHE.R.RY – YUI (Full)

Released as YUI’s eighth single in 2007, “CHE.R.RY” was featured in a commercial for au’s LISMO service.

This song, which cutely captures the start of a romance, has become a staple love song.

It’s easy for women to sing and has a charming vibe, making it a crowd-pleaser at karaoke—one of YUI’s hit tracks.

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kurichan

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Beat de TouhiHama iku67rank/position

Hamaiku – Escape with the Beat [MV]

Hamaiku is a unit formed by Ryuichi Hamaya of Kamaitachi and Erika Ikuta.

Their song “Beat DE Touhi” is their debut track.

Many university students are probably familiar with it.

Since the two are not primarily active as singers, the vocal lines are set at a relatively low difficulty throughout.

Also, even though it’s a duet, there are no harmony parts, which makes it an easy song to sing.

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Ryo

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cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai68rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo (Short Ver.)

This is a love song by Ai Otsuka, who made her mark on the pop scene with her cute vocals and unique worldbuilding.

With its glamorous style and lyrics that resonate perfectly with high school girls, it’s an easy pick as a karaoke song.

Spring SwallowHey! Say! JUMP69rank/position

Hey! Say! JUMP – Spring Swallow [Official Music Video]

Haru Tsubame, released in 2022 by the male idol group Hey! Say! JUMP, was selected as the theme song for the anime Love All Play, which portrays the youth of a high school badminton team.

The song depicts a bird soaring beyond the sky, delivering a refreshing sound that evokes a clear blue sky.

It’s an upbeat track with a bright, expansive worldview that perfectly matches a sports day where classmates and teammates give it their all.

Why not play this song—rich with their harmonies and brimming with passion and hope—at a sports day that’s sure to set hearts ablaze?

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mutō

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Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI70rank/position

Highest Point / SEKAI NO OWARI [Sports Day Recital Dance] Easy Dance Choreography

With its original approach of turning weakness into an ally to reach greater heights, this song becomes a compelling anthem of encouragement.

It carries a positive message: by accepting and overcoming your weaknesses, you can achieve significant growth.

Coupled with SEKAI NO OWARI’s gentle yet powerful vocals and expansive arrangement, it resonates deeply with listeners.

Produced in September 2023 as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime ONE PIECE, it is also included on the album Nautilus.

It’s a track that will strongly support participants during moments of challenge at school events like sports days and athletic festivals.

As a cheer song for anyone striving toward lofty goals, it’s a work you’ll definitely want to hear.