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

Have a nice dayNishino Kana57rank/position

Kana Nishino 'Have a nice day' MV Full

The theme song selected for Fuji TV’s Mezamashi TV is Kana Nishino’s “Have a nice day.” It’s the lead track from her 2016 album “Just LOVE,” which reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

The lyrics, which depict a girl’s hectic morning moments, are utterly charming.

The brisk, up-tempo feel and the alarm clock sound used as an effect make it perfect as an alarm.

Be sure to wake up early and take it easy while watching a morning TV program!

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Hamada Takuya

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Happinessarashi58rank/position

Happiness Arashi, KomaHan ver.

Just playing it would spark shouts like “So nostalgic!” and “This is insane!” From the guitar’s takeoff in the intro, the excitement is irresistible.

Isn’t it such a joy to listen to? It’s a timeless banger—one that really makes you feel the power of idols.

Just like the lyrics say, it makes you want to take off running.

The catchy melody sticks in your head.

I feel like if you played it at a field day or sports festival, it would instantly set the perfect vibe.

It’s guaranteed to boost your motivation.

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gummy

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OrangeSPYAIR59rank/position

Sports Day Dance to 'Orange' by SPYAIR (for upper elementary to high school) – for athletic meets, school festivals, etc.

A refreshing coming-of-age ballad by SPYAIR, released in February 2024 as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.

Portraying friendship and growth, its lyrics gently embrace hopes for the future and farewells to teammates, shining like a snapshot of youth itself.

The energetic band sound and YOSUKE’s powerful vocals inspire the courage to move forward and the strength of self-affirmation.

Packed with fiery messages and a thrilling sense of speed, it’s perfect as background music to hype up dance time at school sports days and festivals.

Radiating as a symbol of youth that can turn the entire venue a shade of orange, this is a work that truly shines.

Mela!Ryokushokushakai60rank/position

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Mela!' Music Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Mela!

It’s a coming-of-age anthem packed with a burning desire to become a hero.

Born from a pure wish to help the precious friends right in front of you, the song vividly portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they overcome doubt and inner conflict, believe in themselves, and take a step forward.

Included on the June 2020 album “SINGALONG,” it became a signature song for Ryokuoushoku Shakai.

In 2023, it turned into a massive hit, surpassing 300 million streams.

It’s the perfect track for school and culture festivals, giving you the courage to carve out your own story while holding onto your brightest memories.

IdeaHoshino Gen61rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Idea (Official Video)

An uplifting cheer song filled with hope and the power to move forward has been born.

Written with Hoshino Gen’s vivid touch, it’s a track themed around “inventiveness” as a means to overcome adversity.

Riding on a light, breezy rhythm, it speaks to how even the walls we encounter in everyday life can open into new paths when we reassess them from a fresh perspective.

With a tone as bright and gentle as the morning sun, it’s sure to deliver warm courage to listeners’ hearts.

Released in August 2018, the song became widely beloved as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Half Blue.

It’s a piece I highly recommend as a guiding song for those starting a new chapter in life or taking their first step forward.

SignalWANIMA62rank/position

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A single song packed with a passionate message for the school festival that colors a page of youth.

It’s a cheering anthem by WANIMA that brilliantly depicts the drive to move toward the future and the real, everyday struggles we face.

While carrying anxieties about an unseen future, it expresses, through powerful rock sounds, the feelings of young people determined to walk their own path.

Featured on the album “Everybody!!,” the track was also used in a Lotte Ice “Sou” commercial, generating a huge response.

In a special NHK program, the band performed with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds, and the moving stage left a lasting impression on many viewers.

With a sound that unites the entire venue, it’s perfect for club presentations and as a theme song for school festivals.

SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke63rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata “SMILE ~Like a Clear Blue Sky~” Commercial Broadcasters Official Special Movie (Joint Commercial Broadcasters Project ‘Let’s Do It Together’ Support Song)

This is the support song for the joint commercial TV project “Let’s Do It Together,” produced by Keisuke Kuwata.

The interwoven sounds and beautiful lyrics resonate and gently embrace you.

Kuwata-san singing about loneliness, connection, and dreams really hits home! Through sports and teamwork, those moments when we recognize each other and truly connect are just wonderful.

Sometimes we team up and cooperate.

I think it’s a warm number that carries the hope of overcoming things together.

If it played during the climax of an event or sports festival competition, I’d be overwhelmed with emotion.

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KEI

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