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

Thank youSUPER BEAVER71rank/position

SUPER BEAVER “Arigatou” MV (Band ver.)

SUPER BEAVER is a rock band beloved for Japanese lyrics that resonate deeply and for their high-energy live shows.

This song, included on their album “361°,” released in February 2014, is a moving number themed around gratitude—perfect for the season of farewells and new beginnings.

Despite having no specific tie-in, it has been cherished and performed for many years as words that form the band’s “core,” even inspiring two different music videos.

The message, which reinterprets the meaning of “gratitude” not as a simple thank-you but as the miracle of meeting and the vivid feeling of being alive, is truly touching.

As March brings graduations and fresh starts, listen while thinking of those who supported you and the friends you hold dear.

With warm tears, you’ll surely find the courage to move forward.

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS72rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

This is a mid-tempo ballad themed around gratitude, released as the final single by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, who disbanded to much regret in 2013.

It was used as the theme song for NTV’s “Akamara! Scoop Koshien” and as the official song for MBS’s 85th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

The music video, which drew major attention, features Sanma Akashiya playing a junior high school teacher approaching retirement.

Blending the group’s signature rap-like delivery with a catchy melody, the song naturally stirs feelings of appreciation for the people who have supported you—parents, friends, teachers, and more.

It peaked at No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is also included on the best-of album “Funky Monkey Babys LAST BEST.” It’s a moving number that brings hearts together—perfect for conveying gratitude to someone special at a graduation ceremony, especially when arranged for and performed by a wind ensemble.

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy73rank/position

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

A signature song by Vaundy with a thrilling, fast-paced sound that feels great.

Released as a lead single from his first album “strobo” in May 2020, it also drew attention as the theme for a Maruha Nichiro commercial.

The uptempo, energetic band sound naturally lifts your spirits just by listening.

The lyrics carry a message that affirms past memories and individuality, giving many listeners a push forward.

The chorus unfolds with a catchy melody that makes you want to sing along, making it perfect for moments when you want to heat things up at karaoke.

The sustained high notes make it a satisfying sing, but don’t worry about the finer techniques—just belt it out with your friends and have fun.

migratory bird[Alexandros]74rank/position

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

A signature number by [Alexandros], with a driving melody and piercing high-register vocals that stir the listener’s heart.

It was included on a single released in March 2015 and is also known as the theme song for the film “Ake Garasu (Akegarasu).” The lyrics, which depict striving single-mindedly toward dreams and goals like a bird spreading its wings and soaring into the sky, really resonate.

When your mock exam results aren’t great or you feel anxious because you can’t see what lies ahead, the song’s positive energy will give you a push forward.

It’s a track I want exam takers to keep as a good-luck charm—something to listen to when you want to believe in yourself and sprint all the way to the finish.

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa75rank/position

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

Released in March 2017, this song was put out as Koresawa’s final single before her major-label debut—a poignant ballad about heartbreak.

The scene where the narrator picks up something left behind by an ex they supposedly hated, only to choke on its lingering scent, conveys the pain of regret over a lost relationship.

The lyrics interweave the remorse of not having paid enough attention to the other person with the longing to have been seen more themselves, vividly reflecting the anguish of a breakup brought on by clumsy expressions of love.

Set against a simple acoustic sound, Koresawa’s vocals gently soak into the heart, carrying the weight of feelings that couldn’t be put into words.

Dawn and Firefliesn-buna76rank/position

[Hatsune Miku] Dawn and Fireflies [Original]

“Yoake to Hotaru” is a song by the Vocaloid producer n-buna, released in 2014.

It was included on the 2015 album “Hana to Mizuame, Saishuu Densha” (Flowers and Sugar Water, Last Train).

It’s a deeply nostalgic number that makes effective use of rests and muted guitar techniques.

In the song’s climax, the sound surges like a wave.

It’s a piece that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.

MesmerizerSatsuki77rank/position

Mesmerizer / Hatsune Miku, Kasane Teto SV

This is a twin-vocal track featuring Hatsune Miku and Kasane Teto SV that races by at an astonishing speed.

Created by Satsuki and released in April 2024 from the album “Circus’s Detail,” its fusion of happy hardcore and Voca-rock is so addictive it’ll get your body moving from the very first moment.

It’s perfect for those moments when you want to crank the energy to the max!