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

Kitearashi15rank/position

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

This song was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu, who leads the J-POP scene and now creates numerous popular tracks not only with his own music but also through songwriting and producing for others.

Created as the “NHK 2020 Song,” it’s a piece filled with cheers of encouragement for those pursuing their dreams.

Naturally, since it was made with the Olympics in mind, its message is also perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals.

With Arashi’s five-member harmony laid over a gentle, subdued melody, it’s a masterpiece packed with moving, heartwarming elements.

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Hane Keisuke

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We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā16rank/position

I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.

A powerful anthem that gives you a push in those youthful moments.

Released by Sambomaster in February 2010, this song carries a warm message that boosts self-affirmation and the spirit to take on challenges.

Centered on themes of “not giving up,” “moving forward,” and “possibility,” it offers a gentle embrace for everyone’s anxieties and doubts while giving the courage to take a new step.

It has been featured in a Nissan commercial and as the image song for the film Cheer☆Dance, resonating with many hearts.

It’s a classic that students training for sports festivals, as well as anyone standing at a crossroads in life, should hear.

Zankyo SankaAimer17rank/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.

KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi18rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

Kenshi Yonezu, who draws attention for his genre-blurring musicality from electronica to folk, released his 13th single in November 2022 as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man—a track that sonically paints protagonist Denji’s desires and inner turmoil.

Its lyrics, where a thirst for happiness collides with the emptiness of reality, resonate with the mindset of young people trying to claw their way up from rock bottom.

The fierce drum’n’bass-infused beat and dizzying key changes are an emotional roller coaster in themselves.

With dance videos spreading across social media, it also meshes perfectly with the digitally native Gen Z audience.

It’s an impulsive rock tune for anyone craving a jolt in their everyday life.

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA19rank/position

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSiC CLiP- (Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc Opening Theme)

This song depicts the courage to face adversity, with a powerful rock sound and a richly projected vocal that represents modern anime.

It captures the indomitable spirit of a protagonist striving to overcome countless hardships and the strong will to protect loved ones, resulting in a striking piece.

LiSA’s vocals brilliantly convey the story’s themes.

Released in April 2019, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, became a massive hit, and earned numerous accolades, including an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its dynamic, high-impact sound is perfect for sports days and athletic festivals, and it also works great as a rousing cheer song everyone can enjoy together.

GO!!!FLOW20rank/position

FLOW 'GO!!! ~15th Anniversary ver.~' (Music Video Full Ver. with Commentary)

This song by the rock band FLOW was also used as a theme song for the anime Naruto, so even though it’s a bit old, I imagine many current students still know it.

The crisp guitar sound is exhilarating, and its sense of speed makes it perfect for events like relay races! The lyrics, which push you to keep taking on challenges even on a rough road, are the essence of youth—truly an upbeat youth anthem!

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Hane Keisuke

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LOSERYonezu Kenshi21rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – LOSER

Released in 2016 as the fifth single, this song is quite an outlier, having surpassed 100 million views thanks to its high-quality music video.

It has a dark yet lively vibe that’s quintessential Kenshi Yonezu and very cool.

It has also been featured widely in the media, including as the song for Honda’s JADE commercial.