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

Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster86rank/position

“Someday These Tears Will” – Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster is known for their emotionally resonant vocals.

The “moving song you’ll want to hear in March” we’re featuring is a classic written as the support song for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Its message—that the tears and setbacks you face while chasing your dreams will eventually become badges of honor that support you—truly hits home.

The lyrics, co-written by Junji Ishiwatari and the members, speak to how even frustration can become fuel for the future, and are sure to stir your heart.

Released in December 2017 and included on the album “juice,” this track is recommended not only for students dedicated to their club activities, but also for anyone stepping onto a new stage such as entrance exams or job hunting.

As an anthem that stays close to your anxieties and loneliness and gives you the courage to take your next step, it’s perfect for the spring season—be sure to give it a listen.

threadNakajima Miyuki87rank/position

thread

It’s a classic song that likens the ties between people to a woven textile, portraying the warmth of living while supporting one another.

Its profound message—that the mystery of encounters and even painful experiences will someday transform into the power to embrace someone—gently resonates in the listener’s heart.

This song by Miyuki Nakajima is included on the celebrated album “EAST ASIA,” released in October 1992.

It later became widely known when it was used as the theme song for the 1998 TV drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints).

It has enjoyed enduring support, including a film released in 2020 that was inspired by the piece.

It’s especially recommended for Mother’s Day, when feelings of gratitude toward parents abound, to listen to together with older adults and savor its content.

Blessinghalyosy88rank/position

Blessing feat. VOCALOIDS (Collaboration)

A song posted by halyosy in April 2014, sung all together by six vocalists: Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin and Len, Megurine Luka, KAITO, and MEIKO.

It’s a message song that celebrates the very act of living.

The lyrics, which encourage you to keep looking forward without being swayed by numerical evaluations in online society—like play counts and tags—really strike a chord.

It also features a distinctive, mixed sound arrangement that incorporates traditional Japanese instruments.

A heartwarming Vocaloid track that will make you want to sing along with friends.

Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA89rank/position

AAA / “Love Sound and Rainy Sky” Music Video

It’s a song that entrusts a frustrating, delicate love—too afraid of breaking to say even a single “I like you”—to the early autumn rainy sky.

Released as a single by AAA in September 2013 and also included on the album Eighth Wonder, it’s known for winning an Excellence Award at the 55th Japan Record Awards.

The members’ richly expressive vocals overlap, stirring a poignant ache in the chest.

When you’re troubled by that more-than-friends, not-quite-lovers distance, or on nights when caring so much makes you grow timid, listening might let the tears you’ve been holding back finally spill—and leave your heart feeling a little lighter.

The Disappearance of Hatsune MikucosMo@bousou P90rank/position

The Disappearance of Hatsune Miku (THE END OF HATSUNE MIKU) – cosMo@Bousou-P

One of the signature works by Vocaloid producer cosMo@BousouP, released in April 2008.

It features an ultra-fast melodic line and an overwhelming piano riff, astonishing listeners with an expression that surpasses human singing.

The lyrics, which depict the very moment when the existence known as Hatsune Miku fades away, leave a deeply heartrending impression.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say this track helped shape the early days of the Vocaloid scene.

Give it a listen when you want to challenge your own limits!