[University Students] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]
We’re excited to present the latest top 100 ranking of popular Japanese music and J-POP songs among university students, listed in order of most plays!
From the newest J-ROCK to blockbuster idol pop hits and timeless classics, a wide range of genres made the list.
The playlist is updated weekly.
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among University Students [2026]
- [University Students] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among People in Their 20s [2026]
- [College Students] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2026]
- Karaoke and Band Song Rankings Popular with College Students [2026]
- Ranking of Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Popular Among Teens [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 30s [2026]
- Recommended songs for university students. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
- Karaoke songs popular among college students
- Attractive songs recommended for college students: Popular tracks that appeal to the opposite sex.
- [20s] Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Rankings [By Generation]
- Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
- Most Popular Bands Among People in Their 20s: Ranking [2026]
[University Students] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation] (Ages 21–30)
KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi22rank/position
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.
Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu23rank/position
A gem of a song that vividly portrays the delicate emotions of youth.
It brilliantly captures the frustration of adolescence and the real, unvarnished struggles of teens wrestling with the gap between their outer image and inner self.
Its up-tempo beat and cool vocals are a perfect match for the dynamic flair of group gymnastics.
Released digitally in May 2020, it’s also remembered for sparking the wildly popular “head-shaking dance” on TikTok.
The song won an Excellence Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards, and it dazzled viewers with a spectacular performance at the 2023 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
As a coming-of-age anthem that many teens can relate to—reflecting their worries and first loves—it’s a highly recommended track for use as BGM in group gymnastics.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA24rank/position
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!!!FLOW25rank/position
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!
horizonback number26rank/position
Back number is a rock band famed for poignant love songs that depict the complexities of relationships.
Their 2021 release “Suiheisen” (Horizon) is a song that honors those who worked hard for the day of their sports festival.
It was written for high school students who had aimed for the 2020 Inter-High, which was canceled.
The lyrics, brimming with realism around themes of “dreams” and “goals,” are deeply moving.
With a warm, mid-tempo band sound, it resonates across generations.
It’s the perfect song to applaud not only the athletes who took first place, but everyone who took part.
RPGSEKAI NO OWARI27rank/position
SEKAI NO OWARI’s “RPG,” perfect for a closing ceremony, has a good tempo and is also recommended for the exit march.
It’s a song that will let you feel fulfilled and accomplished after taking part in the sports day with your classmates and having fun together.
In the end, the entire venue will surely become one, with everyone holding hands for a moving moment.
The powerful vocals and the band’s performance make it a song that sends encouragement to children stepping into the future.
KanadeSukima Suichi28rank/position
This song is also famous as one that someone always sings when you go to karaoke.
It was used as an insert song in the film “Rough,” the theme song for the third night of Fuji TV’s four-night drama series “Sotsu Uta,” and as the ending theme on the final day of the 2006 broadcast of “Netto Koshien.” Although it was released in 2004, it’s a timeless classic that still consistently charts in karaoke and greatest-songs rankings.