Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
Around 1990, the term “J-POP” was born.
However, Japanese music as a cultural force has never stopped; from long before then up to the present, it has continued to expand.
We’ve put together a collection of soul-stirring tracks created by such artists—please give them a listen.
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Popular Japanese Music & J-POP Artist Rankings [2026] (91–100)
KINGKanaria92rank/position
This song draws you into a dramatic world that portrays a ruler on the throne and their downfall.
It’s a signature work by Kanaria, who made a name for themselves with their second release, and it was published in August 2020.
The lyrics contain motifs of execution reminiscent of the French Revolution and deep themes surrounding power and control, prompting a wide range of interpretations from listeners.
The exhilarating beat and seamlessly unfolding melody line are irresistible.
Many cover videos by vocalists and VTubers have also been posted, so it’s fun to compare different versions!
confessionMy Hair is Bad93rank/position
One of the most popular songs by My Hair is Bad, a three-piece rock band that enjoys immense popularity in the Japanese rock scene.
Kicking off with an eye-catching drum phrase and maintaining a powerful sense of speed throughout, this track blazes by in just about two minutes.
What’s more, there’s a relatively long instrumental section in the middle, leaving even fewer opportunities to sing.
The vocal melody has intricate rhythms, so it’s tough to sing if you don’t already know the song.
But if you like their music and aren’t confident in your singing—or prefer not to sing long songs—give this one a try!
CHE.R.RYYUI94rank/position
This is YUI’s eighth major-label single, written with a modern take on the heart-fluttering thrill of unrequited love.
Released in March 2007, it became widely known as the CM song for au by KDDI’s “LISMO!” The lyrics vividly capture youth communication of the time—emoji in mobile emails, the timing of replies—and overflow with pure feelings for someone so strong there’s no room for mind games.
The message about the bittersweet start of love will bring back the thrills of youth just by listening.
With light acoustic guitar and YUI’s clear, transparent vocals evoking the freshness of spring, this pop number is sure to be a hit at girls’ nights and karaoke.
instinctShiina Ringo95rank/position
Ringo Sheena’s songs, which depict instinctive human desires, impulses, and inner conflicts, are captivating for their distinctive sound grounded in alternative rock and interwoven with elements of jazz and classical music.
Candidly portraying emotions such as jealousy and narcissism, they also express an adult reality that has shed the moratorium of youth.
Released in October 1999, this work was selected as the ending theme for the Nippon TV music program “FUN” and reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
Its music video—set in a hospital with innovative direction—also drew attention, winning the BEST FEMALE VIDEO award at the SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS.
With powerful vocals and highly message-driven lyrics, it’s a recommended track for those who want to enjoy self-expression at karaoke.
Karada Dandan96rank/position
A popular song that’s also danced to on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho.” Because it’s up-tempo, it’s recommended if you want to boost the energy at a sports day.
The lyrics are packed with a gesture-game vibe where kids act like the creatures that appear, so even younger children might perform it with enthusiasm.
Under the sea you become crabs and shrimp; on land you switch to dinosaurs and monkeys.
Each animal has distinctive traits, so the dance moves should be easy to grasp.
The lively chorus is lots of fun, too!
To the futureKiroro97rank/position
There’s a well-known story that Chiharu Tamashiro wrote this song when she was in her third year of junior high school, as a letter to her mother, and on YouTube there are many comments saying, “I can’t sing this song because I start crying.” Also, because it carries a sense of graduation, it’s become a standard graduation song often sung in junior high and high school music classes and choir competitions.
The overall vocal range of the song is G3 to D5, building toward the latter half and including some quite high passages.
The D5 is where the chorus lifts sharply—time your entry and attack it like a precise needle prick!
It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu98rank/position
This is a song that reveals new charm when sung by a woman.
Performed with the soft voice of Macaroni Enpitsu’s vocalist Hattori, it features a comfortable melody infused with pop-rock elements.
Released in November 2021, the song’s lyrics—centered on the anxieties of love and self-affirmation—leave a strong impression and resonate deeply with listeners.
It has gained popularity on streaming services and ranked high on the Billboard Japan charts.
It’s also a great pick for women who want to sing songs by male artists at karaoke.
If a woman belts out the chorus with power, it’s guaranteed to sound cool!