Japanese Music Entrance Song Rankings [2026]

Soul RevolutionSuperfly50rank/position

Superfly 'Tamashii Revolution' Music Video

A number that inspires listeners with overwhelming vocal power.

Released in June 2010, this track fired up all of Japan at the time as NHK’s soccer theme song.

Included on the album “Mind Travel.” The lyrics awaken the instinct within, turning even difficult paths into opportunities for personal growth—truly a revolution of the soul.

It’s sure to ignite your fighting spirit and give you the strength to charge forward!

BOYKing Gnu51rank/position

King Gnu – BOY

It’s a King Gnu number that blends warmth and strength, one that awakens those nostalgic memories of when toys and little creatures were our friends as kids.

Released in October 2021, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Ranking of Kings.

You can almost picture the protagonist, pressing on with single-minded determination despite their frailty—it really stirs the heart.

Many of you stepping into the new stage of high school may be feeling anxious: “Will I fit in?” “Can I keep up with the studies?” But don’t worry—this song will gently, and at times powerfully, push you forward.

Give this track, also included on the album THE GREATEST UNKNOWN, a listen, and you’ll surely find the courage to take a step forward in your own way.

ImaginationSPYAIR52rank/position

SPYAIR “Imagination” TV anime “Haikyu!!” opening theme

A killer tune by SPYAIR with an irresistible sense of speed that sprints from the very intro.

The lyrics carry a fiery message about breaking through the status quo and heading toward tomorrow with your friends, lighting a spark in the hearts of listeners.

Released in April 2014, this track served as the first opening theme for the popular anime Haikyu!!, which centers on high school volleyball.

Its worldview, linked with the anime’s story, resonated with many.

As you head into a new school year, why not draw some courage from this song?

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa53rank/position

Lord of Major / Precious Things

This is a track that could be called the very origin of Road of Major, a rock band formed from a TV show concept! Released in September 2002 as their indie debut single, it set a remarkable record by entering the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks despite having no tie-in.

It has continued to be loved over the years, later even being used in a car commercial in Taiwan.

With its exhilarating, fast-paced sound and lyrics that depict an unshakable bond with irreplaceable friends, it’s a song that makes your heart burn every time you hear it.

Also included on the classic album “ROAD OF MAJOR,” this track is perfect for throwing your arms around your friends at karaoke and singing together as you each set off on different paths after graduation.

Its melody, where overflowing passion coexists with a touch of bittersweetness, vividly brings back the shining memories of youth.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//54rank/position

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

DISH// is a four-piece dance-rock band selected from the artist collective EBiDAN, who made a solid mark with the long-running hit of their song “Neko.” This work, used as the theme song for the TV drama “Nisatsu no Shousha: Zettai Goukaku no Kyoushitsu,” is a mid-tempo ballad released in 2021 as their 14th single.

Co-written by Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu and Takumi Kitamura, the lyrics express gratitude for having a place to return to, gently accompanying hearts filled with both hope and anxiety during the school entrance season.

In May 2024, it was certified for surpassing 100 million streams, continuing to be loved for a long time.

With a rhythm inspired by a march and a warm band sound, it’s a number that feels good and gives you the courage to take a step forward.

Blue Springback number55rank/position

back number – Aoi Haru (full)

When it comes to back number, many people think of heart-wrenching love songs, but this track really hits home when you’re feeling anxious or down.

“Aoi Haru” is their seventh single, released in 2012, and it’s a title that draws you in right away.

High school often carries the strong image of youth just beginning—full of fun and things to look forward to.

But along the way—studying, club activities, working hard toward your dreams—there are times when you might feel like you’re about to break.

When those anxious feelings come up, let this song help you look forward with a positive mindset.

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To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts56rank/position

[MV] Creepy Nuts – To Us Who Were Once Geniuses

Starting high school brings a mix of excitement and anxiety about a new environment, and many people wish for the courage to believe in themselves.

That’s when you should listen to this track by the hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts.

It delivers a fiery message that reminds you of the boundless possibilities of childhood and rallies a heart that’s shrunk during the process of growing up.

Included on the mini-album “To Us Who Were Once Geniuses,” released in August 2020, it also gained attention as the song used in Teikyo Heisei University’s TV commercial.

R-Shitei’s rap and DJ Matsunaga’s beat will give you the power to unravel conventions and push forward.

When you hit a wall, listening to this song will help you face ahead, knowing you still have potential.