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

Full of memoriesH₂O29rank/position

Adachi Mitsuru’s “Miyuki” × H2O “Omoide ga Ippai” Collaboration MV

An immortal ballad sung by the male duo H2O.

Its lyrics, which cherish the past while looking back at old photographs, overlap with the poignant scenes of spring.

Released as a single in March 1983, it became widely known as the ending theme of the anime “Miyuki.” With its beautiful choral work and approachable melody, it has been included in music textbooks and become a staple at choral competitions, passed down across generations.

In 2003, a self-cover version was used in a commercial, where some may have heard it anew.

It’s sure to vividly revive those bittersweet memories of the time and thoughts of someone once dear.

A heartwarming spring standard you’ll want to listen to quietly on your own during graduation and farewell season.

Get WildTM NETWORK30rank/position

TM NETWORK「Get Wild」Official Music Video

A TM NETWORK hit number whose striking synthesizer-woven intro instantly transports you to a city nightscape.

This work carries a message of turning loneliness and pain into strength and living tough.

Released in April 1987, the single was used as the ending theme for the TV anime City Hunter.

Perfectly synchronized with the world of the series, it became TM NETWORK’s first entry into the top ten of the Oricon singles chart.

For those whose hearts once burned with this song in their youth, it may be an unforgettable track.

the first strong spring windkyandīzu31rank/position

Candies 'Haru Ichiban' (Spring No. 1 / First Sign of Spring)

This song by Candies is a refreshing track that evokes the arrival of spring.

The lyrics depict the warmth carried by the spring breeze and the excitement of new encounters, filling listeners with anticipation.

Released on March 1, 1976, the song became a major hit, selling around 490,000 copies.

It also appeared on the year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, becoming a beloved spring staple for many.

Even today, it remains popular as a song people want to hear in the spring season.

It’s the perfect track for those moments when you want to feel new encounters and fresh beginnings, or when you’re ready for a reset.

FriendsREBECCA32rank/position

REBECCA “Friends” (Shibuya Public Hall, Dec 25, 1985)

A signature song by REBECCA, a band that epitomized the music scene of the 1980s.

The lyrics, said to be written by vocalist NOKKO based on her first love, vividly capture a snapshot of youthful longing—where sweet naivety and a mature mood coexist.

For many, the moment that dazzling synthesizer intro begins, memories of that era come rushing back.

Released in October 1985, the song also became familiar in households as the ending theme for the Nippon TV drama “Half Potato na Oretachi.” It’s lovely to listen to its slightly wistful melody and see your younger self reflected in it.

Season in the SunTUBE33rank/position

Tube Season in the sun

The third single overall by TUBE, the four-piece rock band still known today as a byword for summer.

Released in April 1986, it became a major turning point for the band.

Composer Tetsuro Oda is said to have infused it with his own longing for the sea, and the result is an exhilarating number.

Its lyrics, which depict the bittersweet feeling of lamenting the passing summer under the dazzling sun, and its uplifting melody can still set your heart ablaze even now.

It’s perfect not only for summer drives but also for those slightly sentimental moments at dusk.

For those who heard it in real time, it’s an immortal summer song you can’t help but hum along to.

A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu34rank/position

Long Night - Chiharu Matsuyama

Among Chiharu Matsuyama’s many folk songs, the rock number “Nagai Yoru” is an exception—and it became his biggest-selling hit.

Because it differed so much from his previous image, there was reportedly a lot of opposition to its release, but it came out thanks to Matsuyama’s strong insistence.

The lyrics, which evoke a “strong man who leads a woman,” perfectly match the masculine image of Chiharu Matsuyama.

The contrast between the powerful guitar sound and his soft, translucent vocals is absolutely electrifying!

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yuri

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countrysideTamaki Kōji35rank/position

countryside

Even after taking a break from performing with Anzen Chitai, Koji Tamaki has continued to leave behind numerous masterpieces as a singer-songwriter.

Among his many great songs, one I especially recommend for its singability and simple melodic line is Denen (Countryside).

Although its vocal range is very narrow—mid1 D to mid2 E—it still has well-prepared moments of excitement, making it a perfectly balanced song that’s both easy to sing and energizing.

Be sure to add it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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