Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]

Bunny GirlAKASAKI64rank/position

[AKASAKI] Bunny Girl (Lyric Video)

A song released in October 2024 by singer-songwriter AKASAKI, who was 18 at the time of its debut.

Its addictive melody blends the nostalgic feel of Showa-era pop with contemporary beats—you’ll find yourself humming along after just one listen.

The lyrics portray a protagonist who, while draped in the atmosphere of the night and seducing their partner, feels on the verge of losing their true self deep inside.

The gap between their earnest desire to be loved and their bold demeanor is truly heart-tugging.

With its rhythmic, catchy groove, it’s the perfect pick when you want to make a cool impression at karaoke.

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly65rank/position

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love -Orchestra Ver.-”

“Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo” — just like its title suggests, why not give this song as a heartfelt gift along with a bouquet? Recommended as a wedding song, it’s also a perfect number for birthdays, brimming with warmth.

Superfly’s Shiho Ochi delivers a wonderfully soaring vocal performance, and the song was chosen as the theme for the drama “The Mother of Edison” starring Misaki Ito.

Words like “thank you” can be hard to say out loud because we feel shy, right? At times like that, try expressing your everyday gratitude through a gift like a bouquet, just as this song does.

The feelings you pack into a present given on the celebratory day of a birthday are sure to reach the person receiving it.

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SAKI

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tapestrySnow Man66rank/position

Snow Man “Tapestry” Music Video

This work is striking for its bittersweet yet warm lyrics—like two lonely people meeting and weaving a story toward the future—and for its delicate melody line that evokes a sense of Japanese elegance.

The emotional vocal delivery, with all nine members singing carefully one by one, really highlights Snow Man’s depth of expression.

Though it’s a gently paced mid-tempo ballad, the dramatic development leading into the chorus is sure to move listeners deeply.

The song was written as the theme for the film My Happy Marriage, which marked Ren Meguro’s first solo lead role, and is included on their eighth single released in March 2023.

It’s a beautiful track that aligns with the film’s worldview, perfect for a quiet night spent thinking of someone dear, or for moments when you want to bask in a heartwarming afterglow.

Inferior, SuperiorGiga67rank/position

Giga – 'Inferiority Superiority' (BRING IT ON) ft. Kagamine Rin & Len [MV]

A track that sends shivers through your whole body with its exhilarating EDM sound! Released in July 2018, it became a major talking point as the theme song for the “Kagamine Rin/Len 10th Anniversary.” Giga’s masterful blend of beats and synths is superb, and just listening to it makes your heart race.

The cool duet by Rin and Len brilliantly conveys a world of lyrics brimming with rebellious spirit.

Centered on the theme of “gekokujo” (the underdog overturning the hierarchy), it portrays the strength to overcome inferiority complexes and society’s hypocrisy.

When you want to fire yourself up, let this sound set your heart ablaze!

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA68rank/position

LiSA – Gurenge / THE FIRST TAKE

This is the song that was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and sparked a social phenomenon.

It’s LiSA’s 15th single, released in 2019.

The song’s structure, which exquisitely weaves together intense rock sounds with quiet sections, is captivating.

The lyrics, which sing of the protagonist facing a harsh fate and an unyielding will that won’t bend to any hardship, are sure to stir listeners’ hearts.

The chorus, where her high-tone vocals explode, is nothing short of breathtaking.

It’s guaranteed to get everyone pumped if you sing it at karaoke.

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE69rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – “Nando Demo”

An uplifting anthem that stands by those feeling anxious about starting a new life in spring and gives them a powerful push forward.

DREAMS COME TRUE, known for numerous hit songs, released this as their 35th single in February 2005.

Written specifically as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Emergency Room 24 Hours: Season 3,” it has given courage to many.

The lyrics depict the importance of facing challenges without giving up, no matter how many times you stumble, and Miwa Yoshida’s powerful vocals resonate deeply.

Set to a rock-tinged sound, the arrangement builds rapidly toward the chorus, delivering an overwhelming sense of exhilaration.

If you sing it when you’re troubled or want to rally yourself, it will surely put you in a positive frame of mind.

How about belting it out together with friends for an even bigger boost?

ultra soulB’z70rank/position

B’z / ultra soul

A powerful cheer song by B’z that fires you up to believe there are no limits! The inner conflicts everyone faces while chasing their dreams, and the frustration of not being able to enjoy the present out of fear of the outcome, resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in March 2001 as their 31st single, this track also gained popularity as the theme song for the World Aquatics Championships.

When you feel yourself growing timid before a big goal, it will surely give you the courage to say, “I can still do this!”