Ranking of Popular Japanese Pop (J-Pop) Artists Among People in Their 50s [2026]

era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki8rank/position

era; age; time; period

It’s a timeless masterpiece that delivers a universal message of hope.

Even in the depths of sorrow, the encouraging words that one day you’ll look back with a smile have given courage to many people.

Released in 1975, it won the Grand Prix at both the Yamaha Popular Song Contest and the World Popular Song Festival.

In 2007, it was also selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs.” Listen to it when you’re a little tired, when you need a boost, or when you need one last push.

It will surely give you the nudge you need.

Miyuki Nakajima’s warm singing voice will gently stay by your side and comfort your heart.

Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB9rank/position

JAL Okinawa Campaign Summer Rikyu 1990 Theme Song: "Kome Kome Club - Roman Hikou"

As the title suggests, it became a big hit as the CM song for JAL’s “Summer Palace Campaign,” and its bright, forward-looking lyrics and the thrill of setting off on a journey are emblematic.

The overall vocal range is B2 to G4, with the A melody sitting quite low.

The key modulates for the final chorus and the pitch rises, but it doesn’t go too high, so if you time your breath and placement well, those notes should come out smoothly.

Overall, avoid pushing your voice; aim for light singing with head resonance for a pleasant feel.

Also, for the syllables where the vowel is “i,” be careful not to spread the sound too horizontally.

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Kubota Mami

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Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo10rank/position

Sadness Like Snow (ON THE ROAD 2011 “The Last Weekend”)

Released in November 1981 as Shogo Hamada’s 14th single, this song was remade and used in February 1992 as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni,” becoming a million-selling hit with over 1.7 million copies sold.

Inspired by the works of poet Hiroshi Yoshino, it overlays the deep sorrow carried in everyone’s heart with the image of snow.

Why not hold the microphone quietly at karaoke and deliver a heartfelt performance?

MPRINCESS PRINCESS11rank/position

M – PRINCESS PRINCESS (Princess Princess) (Full)

One of PRINCESS PRINCESS’s signature songs, passionately singing about the pain of heartbreak.

The sense of loss after losing a lover, paired with the strength to keep looking forward, rides on the members’ earnest vocals and strikes straight to the heart.

Included on the 1988 album “LET’S GET CRAZY” and released as a single the following year, the song was also featured in NHK’s morning drama “Dan Dan,” and is beloved across generations.

It’s a track that resonates not only when you want to get fired up at karaoke, but also when you need to soothe the wounds of a broken heart.

It might be nice to sing it together while reminiscing about a love from the past.

Main ThemeYakushimaru Hiroko12rank/position

Hiroko Yakushimaru – Main Theme (Live)

Actress Hiroko Yakushimaru is known for her delicate singing voice.

Since she also had great success as a singer, many women in their 50s likely include her songs in their repertoire.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Main Theme.

Crafted with a style reminiscent of the Latin jazz classic Sway, this piece has a relaxed tempo and a very singable vocal line.

With a lot of lower notes, it’s also a good choice for women who find high notes difficult.

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Ryo

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PRIDEImai Miki13rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

A heart-stirring anthem that turns hidden love into pride is delivered by Miki Imai.

Gazing up at the southern night sky, this piece sings of deep affection and resolve for a beloved, a gem of a love song crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.

It gently speaks of the kindness to forgive one another and the joy of cherishing each other’s individuality, tenderly resonating with listeners’ hearts.

Released in November 1996, it was selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc,” generating a huge response by topping the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.

For those who wish to keep moving forward or who hold thoughts of someone precious close to their heart, it will offer gentle companionship—like a gift from the starry sky.

Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu14rank/position

The Checkers “Lullaby of a Zigzag Heart” (LIVE)

The Checkers, with Fumiya Fujii on vocals, were hugely popular as an idol-style band in the 1980s.

I love the intro to this song, and it modulates at the end so the pitch goes up! It’s just too cool.

The same melodic line repeats several times, and the overall range sits comfortably for male voices, so it seems perfect for singing along and having fun.

By the way, did you know the very last phrase after the key change in the final chorus goes even higher? When you sing it at karaoke, focus on that part and nail the pitch—you’ll land it in style! In general, if you keep your energy up while singing, your vocal cords will resonate better and the high notes will come out more easily, so go for it with confidence!

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Kubota Mami

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