[2026] Popular male artists. Recommended Japanese (J-pop) singers
In Japan’s music scene, countless hit songs are released every day! Among them are long-established stars who have been on the front lines for decades, as well as many internet-born musicians who have been gaining attention in recent years.
In this article, we’ll narrow the focus to male artists and introduce a comprehensive list of recommended acts.
By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of the most popular male artists in the Japanese music scene.
Now, let’s jump right in and check out the recommended artists.
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[2026] Popular Male Artists: Recommended Japanese Singers (91–100)
whale calfTele
Tele is a singer-songwriter drawing attention for a one-of-a-kind style.
Word of mouth spread mainly through social media, and in 2022 he successfully held his first solo concert.
With the 2023 release of “Kujira no Ko” (Child of the Whale), he gained even more fans.
It’s a message song aimed at people who are troubled or in harsh circumstances, with lyrics that don’t push from behind but gently envelop.
Many of his works carry gentle messages, so be sure to check them out.
Rock This Partytimelesz
A group with a 13-year history has evolved into a new form.
Following reforms at their management company, they changed their name to timelesz and launched activities with an eight-member lineup by adding five new members to the original three.
While rooted in J-pop, their ambitious approach—venturing into dance music, R&B, and electropop—stands out.
Since their debut in 2011, they have produced numerous hit songs, earned Excellent Work Awards at the Japan Record Awards, and frequently ranked high on the Oricon charts.
Under the new structure, they are also looking to expand overseas and are actively engaging with fans via social media.
With powerful dance performances and vocal prowess that highlights each member’s individuality, they’re perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy next-generation entertainment.
From here onkepura
Kepla is drawing attention with down-to-earth lyrics that resonate with listeners and a driving, high-speed sound.
Formed in September 2020, the four-piece rock band has a youthfully evocative backstory: all members are classmates from Tokyo Metropolitan Saginomiya High School.
They made their debut in July 2021 with the mini-album “Days of Youth,” achieving a remarkable milestone as its tracks surpassed 100,000 views on YouTube.
In September 2024, they made their major-label debut with EMI Records, fully blooming with the skills they honed during their indie days.
Another appeal is their fan-centered approach: the members themselves handle merch and jacket design, keeping a close connection with their audience.
Their songs, which feel like snapshots of fleeting moments of youth, feature fresh sensibilities and lyrics that evoke real empathy, steadily growing their fanbase—especially among younger listeners.
grand opening performanceKobayashi watashi
Mr.
Watashi Kobayashi is a singer-songwriter active across a wide range of fields, including solo work on YouTube and singing on collaborative tracks with various artists.
Many of his songs are created around themes drawn from everyday life, and he releases works with a certain poetic allure.
He writes and composes his own music, characterized by a genre-defying appeal and vocals that make the most of his deep voice.
His guitar-and-vocal videos of original songs and covers, as well as casual talk videos, helped attract attention from listeners.
With lyrics that evoke a sense of real life and a voice that feels like he’s speaking directly to you, he is an artist who crafts a unique world of his own.
Duckykankan
The mysterious singer Kankan is also an artist to watch.
Their gender hasn’t been officially disclosed, but photos they once posted have led people to believe they are male.
In 2018, their first cover song video went viral, instantly boosting their popularity.
They then took on an ambitious “30 days of consecutive uploads” challenge, gaining many subscribers.
The momentum didn’t stop—just three months after their first post, they reached 10,000 subscribers.
Since then, they’ve been consistently releasing hit songs.