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

HAPPYBUMP OF CHICKEN8rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN『HAPPY』

This is a song filled with deep affection that, behind the word “happiness,” strives to celebrate someone’s life itself, even while carrying sadness and loss.

Released as a single by BUMP OF CHICKEN in 2010, it reached No.

1 on both the Oricon weekly and monthly charts.

Beyond the brightness suggested by its title, it resonates with many as an anthem for life—wishing good health for someone dear and saying “congratulations” to every moment they’ve lived.

The dry-textured guitar sound and Motoo Fujiwara’s gentle vocals blend exquisitely, and despite its medium tempo, the buoyant melody is captivating.

It’s a song you’ll want to give to someone special on a birthday or anniversary, to celebrate every step of the journey they’ve taken so far.

Marigoldaimyon9rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Singer-songwriter Aimyon is loved by a wide range of generations for her nostalgic melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

Released in August 2018 as her fifth single, this song has become one of her signature tracks, surpassing 300 million streams.

The fact that it achieved such popularity without any tie-in is a testament to the song’s universal appeal.

Layering the peaceful everyday moments with a loved one over radiant memories of summers past, it expresses a powerful desire to never be apart.

The sound is catchy yet tinged with nostalgia, making it an easy crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

It’s a perfect classic for those who cherish time with their partners and for people in their twenties who want to bask in the memories of their youth.

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK10rank/position

Wherever you are

The straightforward words of love make my heart swell.

It’s a song by the globally popular rock band ONE OK ROCK, included on their album “Niche Syndrome,” released in June 2010.

Taka’s emotional vocals powerfully convey a resolve to bring a smile to the other person no matter where they are, and a deep love that promises to walk together for life.

In 2016, it was featured in an NTT Docomo commercial, gaining widespread attention.

It also remains a steadfast favorite as music played at weddings, ranking first in usage in 2017.

Give it a listen when you want to deepen your bond with your partner or immerse yourself in heartfelt emotion.

Letter to the SkyGReeeeN11rank/position

Soraenotegami

Like sending a letter with no address up into the sky, this GReeeeN song gives voice to feelings you want to convey even if they never reach their destination.

It’s included on the album “Shio, Kosho,” released in June 2009, which won Best Album at the 51st Japan Record Awards.

Though it had no flashy tie-ins, this piece has quietly resonated with many listeners as a ballad that leaves a deep afterglow toward the end of the album.

The layered vocals and choral work—spreading out as if gently supporting a single prayer—are especially striking.

It’s a song we particularly want to send to those standing at the milestone of graduation, carrying unspoken gratitude and words left unsaid.

As you look back on the days when you couldn’t be honest with a teacher or mentor, why not entrust your feelings to this song?

Amanojaku16412rank/position

Amano Jakku / 164 feat. GUMI (Official)

Amano-jaku has a band sound with a really cool bassline.

The overall vocal range is G#3 to G5, and it modulates even higher in the final chorus.

If you want to nail a cool rock delivery, mixed voice is essential.

If you keep belting with a strong falsetto, your voice will gradually lock in, but breath control, explosiveness, and core strength are very important.

However, since this was for karaoke scoring this time, as long as the pitch is on, anything goes.

It might be good to think of it as practice to master mixed voice and keep singing in falsetto at first.

Keep time with your whole body so the rhythm doesn’t slip.

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Kubota Mami

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LokiMikito P13rank/position

Mikito-P "Roki" MV

It’s a fast-paced, groove-focused song with call-and-response between male and female vocals, but it’s perfectly singable solo.

Whether male or female, don’t worry about shifting octaves—just stick to your own part and you’ll handle it smoothly without sounding odd, and it’ll come out cool! There are some shouted sections, but be careful not to overdo it in scoring mode.

First, sing lightly while honestly following the pitch bar.

Once you get used to it, adding a bit of shouting or some rasp will make it sound even cooler! If you have a partner, aiming for a high score together can be a lot of fun, too!

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Kubota Mami

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Maplesupittsu14rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

As a ballad portraying a farewell with a loved one, this masterpiece has continued to resonate closely with many hearts.

It is the 19th single by the Japanese rock band Spitz, and when it was released in July 1998, it was a double A-side with its coupling track.

The song has also been used as an insert track in Fuji TV dramas Over Time and, in 2022, Silent.

Released as a single cut from the album Fake Fur, the piece features lyrics where a sense of loss intertwines with the will to move forward, carried by an ensemble of piano and acoustic guitar.

Masamune Kusano’s clear, translucent vocals further enhance the poignant melody.

When covering it in a solo voice-and-guitar arrangement, focusing on a progression from quiet arpeggios in the first verse to strong strumming in the chorus will help convey the song’s dramatic worldview.