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

All of the YouthFujifaburikku50rank/position

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

A coming-of-age song that captures the bittersweet feeling at summer’s end.

Released in 2007 as the group’s 10th single, it was created with the fireworks festival at Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture in mind.

In simple words, it portrays the scene of looking up at the final firework and the moment of parting while carrying unspoken feelings.

It was also featured as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “SUMMER NUDE” and in a LINE Mobile commercial, becoming a beloved classic that stayed in many people’s hearts.

It’s a track that, along with the air of summer fading away, makes you quietly reminisce about who you were back then.

The nostalgia for days of youth and the poignant sense of the changing seasons seep deeply into the heart.

SaudadePorunogurafiti51rank/position

Pornograffitti “Saudade” MUSIC VIDEO

One of Porno Graffitti’s signature songs, this classic captures the pain of heartbreak and a sense of nostalgia within a Latin-style melody.

“Saudade” is a Portuguese word that means “longing or nostalgia for something lost.” The overall vocal range is surprisingly narrow, from B3 to G#4.

However, the key modulates in the final chorus and the pitch rises, and the tempo is fast, so be careful not to fall behind the rhythm.

Did you know that when vocalist Okano sings, he raises his eyebrows? I definitely recommend copying this! Especially for high notes, lifting your eyebrows makes it easier to hit the pitch and produce a solid tone.

If you raise your eyebrows right when the melody changes, it helps you land the notes smoothly, so I highly recommend it!

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Kubota Mami

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chantAdo52rank/position

"Spell" by Ado

It’s a dance tune that makes your body move before you know it, set in a mysterious world where exotic flair and Japanese taste blend together! This work captivates with powerful lyrics that convey both the rising excitement for the show that’s about to begin and the unwavering resolve of someone standing on stage.

Released as a digital single in September 2023, it made big waves as the theme song for “Zombie de Dance” at Universal Studios Japan’s hugely popular event, Halloween Horror Nights.

With Ado’s masterful expressive power shining through a highly challenging melody, it’s perfect not only for getting everyone hyped, but also for boosting your spirits right before a make-or-break moment!

Exploding Brain Girlrereriri53rank/position

Brain Fluid Explosion Girl – rerulili feat. Hatsune Miku & GUMI

A masterpiece of Vocaloid rock packed with dizzying twists and turns.

Created by rerulili, this track features a duet by Hatsune Miku and GUMI, with an incredibly addictive melody that captivates listeners.

Its high-speed tempo, along with lyrics that portray social satire and the struggles of youth, are major draws.

Many people probably found themselves listening to this song on repeat back in the day.

It’s a perfect track to belt out at karaoke and have a blast!

wishsumika54rank/position

sumika / Wish [Music Video]

It’s included on the double A-side single “Negai / Higher Ground,” released on December 11, 2019, and was written as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama Ossan’s Love -in the sky-.

The overall vocal range of the song is A2–A4.

While there are high notes, you don’t need to belt them; using falsetto is fine.

The tempo isn’t too fast either, so it should be comfortable to sing.

For the low notes in the first verse, make sure to use plenty of breath and push the sound forward so it resonates without sounding muffled.

Since the melody gradually rises toward the chorus, keeping your facial muscles lifted and singing with a bright tone will help you switch into the higher register smoothly.

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Kubota Mami

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DramaturgyEVE55rank/position

Dramaturgy – Eve MV

A Vocaloid song etched with the heart’s cry for liberation from a life of constant role-playing.

Created by Eve, the piece sparked attention when the Hatsune Miku version was released on Niconico in October 2017, followed the next day by a self-sung version on YouTube.

Its unique worldview and ever-shifting melodies are captivating.

The lyrics delicately portray the mindset of modern people who, despite carrying loneliness and a sense of self-loss, still secretly hope for a dramatic turn of events.

It’s a song for anyone searching for themselves.

collapse; fainting spell (colloquial/slang)iyowa56rank/position

Kyu-kurarin / Iyowa feat. KAFU

“Kyuukurarin” by Iyowa was released in August 2021.

This work delicately portrays the feelings of a high school girl who, despite carrying heartbreak, unrequited love, and self-loathing, strives to move forward.

It is also included on the album “Watashi no Heritage.” The song has been featured in multiple rhythm games such as CHUNITHM and Project SEKAI, gaining widespread popularity.

Because it’s a track with many derivative works like cover-singing videos, many of you have probably heard it.

It’s perfect as BGM for school festivals and cultural festivals where you want to share the joys and bittersweet moments of youth!