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

Kagerou Daysjin43rank/position

Jin / Kagerou Daze [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It’s a fast, exhilarating rock tune exceeding 200 BPM.

Created by Jin and released in 2011, its lyrics depict a story set on a summer day and invite deep interpretation—countless listeners have been captivated by its world.

The highly addictive band-driven sound is another major draw.

It’s perfect for instantly amping up the atmosphere, and it’s a guaranteed hit at karaoke when Vocaloid fans are around!

balladKetsumeishi44rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

This work by Ketsumeishi gently embraces listeners with a melody overflowing with songcraft, keeping the rapping to a minimum.

It’s their 24th single, released in January 2011, and it became widely familiar as the theme song for Nippon TV’s information program “Sukkiri!!”.

Sung over a quiet arrangement woven from piano and strings, the lyrics convey the pain of unrequited love and a yearning for a beloved that refuses to fade.

Even an adult man who usually keeps his emotions under wraps may find the long-suppressed ache welling up when he hears this song, perhaps even moved to tears.

It’s a touching adult love ballad that makes you want to listen alone, quietly, on a sleepless night.

crescent moonayaka45rank/position

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

Ayaka’s signature song, released in 2006, was used as the theme for NHK’s “Mirai Kansoku Tsunagaru TV @ Human” and as the CM song for au’s “LISMO.” It’s a poignant love ballad about feelings for a precious person far away, with piano melodies and a vocal that’s both powerful and delicate, resonating deeply in the heart.

The title refers to the shape of a cell phone, conveying the message that even if you’re physically apart, your hearts remain connected.

It’s a track that overflows with nostalgia, bringing back memories of listening to it with friends while gazing at the night sky during school days.

A classic that gently stays by your side when you’re in a long-distance relationship or thinking of someone dear who lives far away.

Alien AlienNayutan Seijin46rank/position

Nayutan Seijin – Alien Alien (ft. Hatsune Miku) OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Cosmic, radio-like “Alien Alien.” The chorus melody undulates—rising and falling—but it doesn’t actually move in a complex way.

The lyrics are sparse and repeat the same phrases, so even first-timers should be able to memorize it quickly.

Since the range sits quite high, start by singing in head voice rather than chest voice and get used to it.

Head voice resonates in the brow area and greatly improves pitch accuracy! If you release your breath quickly, you can produce a strong head voice and sing with ease.

In the high parts of the chorus, don’t hesitate—let the voice out!

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Kubota Mami

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Venomkairiki bea47rank/position

[Official] Venom / Kairiki Bear feat. flower

Venom, with its exhilarating addictiveness, is a song by Kairiki bear.

Released in August 2018, its lyrics vividly portray the loneliness and inner conflicts faced by people today.

You’ll also be drawn into its unique soundscape—guitars that chime in exactly when you want them to, and beats that are irresistibly pleasing to the ear.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to spit out the “poison” building up inside.

Why not revisit the charm of Venom?

Meltryo48rank/position

Hatsune Miku "Melt"

A gem of a love song that colored the dawn of the Vocaloid scene.

Posted to Nico Nico Douga by ryo in December 2007, it had reached 11.7 million views by December 2017.

You’ll be moved by the lyrics, which straightforwardly depict a girl’s feelings of love when faced with the person she likes.

The piano-driven, fast-paced sound conveys a fluttering, racing heart.

Hatsune Miku’s vocals are also captivating—mechanical yet somehow human.

The track is included on the first album “supercell” and helped lay the foundations of Vocaloid culture.

It’s the perfect song for reminiscing about your youth or getting hyped with friends at karaoke.

Cute Girlfriendsyudou49rank/position

【Ka Fu】Cute Girlfriend【syudou】

Vocaloid producer syudou is known for his dense worldbuilding where love and madness intertwine.

His song “Cute na Kanojo,” released in February 2021, is a spine-tingling yandere track.

The downtempo arrangement paired with a sweet vocal leaves a deep impression on listeners.

The protagonist’s feelings for their beloved are pure—and that purity is precisely what makes it so frightening.

Take your time with this masterpiece of a Vocaloid song by syudou: turn up the volume and savor it.