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

BoyhoodInoue Yosui36rank/position

Boyhood – Yosui Inoue (Full)

A gemlike ballad by Yosui Inoue that looks back on the bittersweet memories of boyhood at summer’s end.

The coined word “kaze-azami” in the lyrics awakens each listener’s own memories.

The excitement of summer festivals, the fleeting nature of fireworks—scenes from boyhood come vividly back to life.

Released in September 1990, it became a huge hit after being featured in a Sony Handycam commercial.

Certified a million seller by the Recording Industry Association of Japan, it has sold a total of 1.36 million copies.

It’s a perfect song for those in their 50s who reminisce about their youth at the end of summer.

Savor Yosui Inoue’s profound message, which beautifully layers the subtleties of music and life.

Go for it!!Urufuruzu37rank/position

Ulfuls – Guts da ze!!

An energetic rock tune where uplifting messages and powerful sound blend beautifully.

It sings of courage and passion welling up from the heart, expressed in down-to-earth words that anyone can relate to.

Released in December 1995, it reached No.

6 on the Oricon chart the following year.

Included on the album “Banzai,” it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

The music video won two awards at the SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards, and Ulfuls made their first appearance on the 1996 Kohaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you need a boost, a push forward, or the courage to take the first step.

stationTakeuchi Mariya38rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Station [Live Version / 2000 @ Nippon Budokan]

A song by Mariya Takeuchi that tells a poignant story of unexpectedly reuniting with a former lover at a station at dusk.

The pain and nostalgia of a past romance seep into the heart, carried by her clear, translucent voice.

Originally written in 1986 as the theme song for the film “Goodbye Mama” and provided to Akina Nakamori, it was self-covered by Mariya Takeuchi the following year.

Rearranged by her husband Tatsuro Yamashita, the piece blossomed into an elegant sound centered on piano and strings.

Its universal narrative, themed around the breakup and reunion that many experience in love, gently stirs the listener’s memories.

It is a gem of a song best enjoyed in the quiet mood of twilight, as you reflect on cherished memories with someone dear.

Lingering Snowiruka39rank/position

Nagori-yuki – Iruka

The timeless classic “Nagori Yuki” was covered by Iruka in 1975, becoming a memorable hit.

Its gently embracing lyrics portray people changing and growing with the turning of the seasons, softly illuminating the sorrow of parting.

Iruka’s tender voice is sure to bring back nostalgic scenes of youth for women in their fifties who lived through the Showa era.

It’s not only a karaoke staple, but also a lovely choice for a heartwarming moment.

Even when I become an old ladyMoritaka Chisato40rank/position

Chisato Moritaka “Even If I Become an Old Lady” (Live)

Released in June 1992, this is Chisato Moritaka’s 16th single.

When she debuted, she arrived with the catchphrase “Declaration of Non-Talent!” Fittingly for one of her songs, you don’t need any great vocal prowess to sing this one (lol).

Keep it light, breezy, and cute, and you’ll be just fine.

This track was also used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Matta Nashi!” The melody is very simple and easy to sing, and the lyrics are memorable and easy to learn.

It might be fun to compete on scores with friends by doing a one-take on this song!

Love Doesn’t Stop ~Turn It Into Love~Wink41rank/position

Love Won’t Stop ~Turn it Into Love~ / Wink [Official Music Video]

A gemlike love song that captures the bittersweet feelings everyone experiences at least once—the unstoppable stirrings of romance that sprout from friendship.

Released in November 1988 and gaining attention as the theme song for the drama “I Want to Chase You!”, the track reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart the following year, selling approximately 645,000 copies.

With a swelling premonition of love in one’s heart and emotions that can’t be contained even after learning the other person already has a partner, this timeless classic speaks to all who resonate with that poignant ache.

UFOpinku redii42rank/position

UFO [Furitsuke] / PINK LADY

This song, released in 1977 by Pink Lady, the female idol duo that produced numerous hits from the late 1970s through the 1980s, was created by the golden duo of lyricist Yū Aku and composer Shunichi Tokura.

Their innovative choreography shines in this track as well—the “UFO” pose in the intro is something everyone remembers imitating.

The song itself is, of course, excellent, but when it comes to Pink Lady, it’s ultimately the choreography that truly defines them.