Japanese Music Entrance Song Rankings [2026]

Blue Springback number57rank/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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utatane

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We areONE OK ROCK58rank/position

ONE OK ROCK – We are -Japanese Ver.- [Official Music Video]

Even those who aren’t fond of English lyrics and don’t often listen to Western music still often listen to ONE OK ROCK.

This song, “We are,” also mixes English and Japanese lyrics.

It was created for NHK’s “18-sai-sai” (the 18 Festival), a program made together with 18-year-olds and their generation, and “We are” is the song ONE OK ROCK wrote for them.

The English parts of the lyrics feel like they stand by your anxieties and help ease them.

Try listening while reading the Japanese translation.

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utatane

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rainbowAqua Timez59rank/position

Aqua Timez “Niji” Music Video (Theme song for the drama Gokusen Season 3)

This gem from Aqua Timez, a band that colored the Heisei era, is a song that gently pushes forward those embarking on a new chapter.

Chosen as the theme song for Nippon TV’s drama Gokusen Season 3, it was released in May 2008.

Brimming with the hopeful message that any hardship can be overcome, it resonates with people stepping into new stages of life, such as advancing to higher education or starting a job.

The lyrics, which compare the happiness that awaits beyond adversity to a rainbow, strike a deep chord with listeners.

It’s a heartwarming ballad that teaches the importance of keeping your head up and continuing to move forward.

far; distant; by farGReeeeN60rank/position

GReeeeN – Haruka

It’s a classic song depicting the season when cherry blossoms dance in the air.

Released in May 2009, it was used as the theme song for the film “ROOKIES: Graduation.” The track is included on GReeeeN’s third album, “Shio, Kosho,” as well as their best-of album, “Imamade no A-men, B-men desu to!?” This song expresses gratitude toward family and friends and a resolve to set off into a new world.

Through imagery of spring breezes and cherry blossoms, it conveys the anticipation and anxiety of starting a new life, along with the sorrow of parting from loved ones.

It’s a perfect song for those entering a new chapter—graduation, matriculation, or starting a career.

Listening to it in spring makes it resonate even more deeply.

ComedyHoshino Gen61rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Comedy (Official Video)

Gen Hoshino brings music that gently supports those on the verge of a new beginning.

Released in April 2022 as the ending theme for the anime SPY×FAMILY, this song warmly portrays the meaning of family and the preciousness of everyday life.

Feelings of loneliness and the hopeful search for a new place to belong are expressed through tender vocals and a groovy sound.

Hoshino also included the song on his album Orange, conveying the importance of embracing any hardship with a positive mindset through his unique style infused with funk and soul.

When you find yourself trying too hard alone, or feeling anxious about a new environment before a school entrance ceremony, give this song a listen.

Its gentle warmth is sure to reach your heart.

Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu62rank/position

Yū Takahashi’s directorial debut MV “Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day” — Omokuri Director Edit Version (Short Size)

This song by singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi gives you courage with lyrics that gently say, “Even unpleasant things that happen in everyday life might not seem like a big deal if you change your perspective!” It’s a waste to be tied down by that hazy feeling and unable to move forward.

If you try shifting your mindset like in the lyrics of ‘Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day,’ you might be able to say goodbye to the version of yourself who fretted over little things.

Why not take the start of high school as a chance to sweep away your old negative mindset?

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THANXWANIMA63rank/position

WANIMA- THANX(OFFICIAL VIDEO)

With its fiery sound and powerful message, this is a pep song that stands close to the listener’s heart.

It’s a heartwarming piece filled with gratitude and a desire to cheer on that first step toward a hope-filled future.

The track gently embraces the feelings you have at life’s crossroads—partings with loved ones and new departures.

Released in November 2015 on WANIMA’s album “Are You Coming?”, it became the band’s first nationwide distribution release.

The music video, shot in an outdoor live-performance style, also gained popularity and is beloved by many fans.

It’s a song especially for those who don’t feel okay as they face a new life or changes in their environment.

WANIMA’s energetic sound will surely give you the push you need.