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

Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism36rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

An ambitious work crafted by Official HIGE DANDism as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers.

The song fuses lyrics that brilliantly capture the anime’s worldview with an innovative sound that shifts keys roughly ten times.

It sings of the protagonist’s indomitable spirit in the face of fate, his comeback from setbacks, and the bonds with his friends, inspiring courage and emotion in listeners.

Since its release in May 2021, it peaked at No.

4 on Billboard JAPAN’s Japan Hot 100.

It continued to be a long-running hit, ranking 13th on the year-end chart for 2021.

When you want to strive toward your goals together with your cherished friends, this song is sure to be a pillar of support.

Brother BeatSnow Man37rank/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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The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari38rank/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.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu39rank/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!

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO40rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

It’s a friendly, feel-good cheer song that almost everyone has heard at least once.

Unusual among SHISHAMO’s works, it was created based on the excitement felt while watching a match of the soccer team Kawasaki Frontale.

Released in February 2017 as a track on the album “SHISHAMO 4,” it gained wide recognition through its tie-in with an NTT Docomo commercial.

Singing about the joy of meeting your dream heroes on the weekend and the energy you get from it, the song features warm lyrics that convey the support around you and hope for the future.

Even in tough or discouraging times, it’s a stirring track that gives you the courage and strength to look forward, and it resonates in moments when you step forward with power—such as the entrance at a sports day or the opening of a school athletic festival.

TOKYO GIRLPerfume41rank/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 Timez42rank/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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