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

CHA CHA CHAIshii Akemi50rank/position

CHA CHA CHA

Akemi Ishii’s biggest hit, “CHA CHA CHA.” Although it’s often thought to be an original, this song is actually a Japanese-language cover of a track by the Italian music group Finzi-Contini.

Its hallmark is a musical style that distills a somewhat Latin-tinged sound into Italo disco.

Because it’s based on Western pop, you might feel the rhythm is tricky, but the elements of the cha-cha-cha dance genre aren’t very pronounced; as long as you follow the bass line, you should be able to catch the rhythm in the B section without issue.

The chorus uses a standard Italo disco rhythm, so that shouldn’t pose any problems either.

The vocal range is narrow and there are hardly any long sustained notes, so you can definitely aim for a high score.

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Ryo

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metropoliskurisutaru kingu51rank/position

Daitokai – Crystal King

Speaking of Crystal King, it’s all about the high notes.

Vocalist Masayuki Tanaka’s high-tone voice was very striking.

In the song “Daitokai,” the high-pitched hook right at the start is crucial.

In fact, if you can get through that opening high hook, the rest should be fine.

But suddenly belting out high notes can strain your throat, so it’s better to warm it up beforehand.

I think it’s best to sing a few songs first and then tackle this one.

If you’re confident in your high range, definitely give it a try!

atonementTeresa Ten52rank/position

atonement

The signature song of Teresa Teng, known as the Diva of Asia, was released in January 1984.

Its poignant lyrics about a heartbreaking farewell and its beautiful melody captured the hearts of many, selling over 1.5 million copies and winning the Japan Cable Radio Awards.

The work was created by the iconic Showa-era lyricist–composer duo Toyohisa Araki and Takashi Miki, and effectively served as Teresa’s second debut in Japan.

The lyrics, which convey loneliness and the pain of atonement while expressing wishes for the departing lover, are sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak or separation.

It’s a perfect song for reflecting on memories with someone special or for livening up a karaoke session.

You were mineKubota Toshinobu53rank/position

You were mine

This is a quintessential ’80s disco track featuring Toshinobu Kubota’s smooth, memorable vocals.

Though it’s a bittersweet love song, its funky rhythm and sophisticated arrangement strike a perfect balance.

Released in February 1988, the song drew major attention as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Kimi no Hitomi wo Taiho Suru!” It was also included on the album “the BADDEST,” and became a big hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Incorporating elements of R&B, soul, and funk, the track’s beat makes you want to move—danceable and undeniably cool.

It’s recommended for those who want to relive nostalgic youth memories or discover the allure of ’80s music.

Falling in LoveKobayashi Akiko54rank/position

“Falling in Love ~Fall in love~” Akiko Kobayashi (VINYL)

This is the debut single by singer-songwriter Akiko Kobayashi, released in August 1985.

It became a major hit, partly because it was chosen as the theme song for the hugely popular TBS drama “Friday Wives III: Falling in Love,” and it won the New Artist Award at the 27th Japan Record Awards that same year.

Given how big a hit it was, as of August 2023 when this article was written, many women in their 50s have likely heard it.

Though it’s a very gentle, heartfelt ballad, the vocal melody doesn’t span a very wide range, so I believe it’s an easy selection to sing even for those who don’t usually sing much.

Please cherish each and every word of the lyrics and take care not to let your delivery become rough.

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Kei Takahata

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My RevolutionWatanabe Misato55rank/position

Misato Watanabe [MV] “My Revolution”

My Revolution, released in 1986.

It was a huge hit especially among people in their 50s, wasn’t it? I’m sure there are many who’d say, “This song is my youth!” It’s easy to get into the rhythm and fun to sing, but the range is wider than you might expect—from E3 to F5—and the pitch span shifts suddenly between the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus, so watch out for that! Right before the chorus, make sure your throat doesn’t close; keep it well open.

If you make a surprised face, your facial muscles lift and your throat opens up, too! Try singing the chorus in that state, focusing on resonance rather than just pushing your voice.

Keep the airflow steady so the inside of your mouth vibrates.

Once you lock into the lively rhythm, it becomes much easier to sing—so go all in and enjoy singing it with energy!

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Kubota Mami

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Pink sighTakahashi Mariko56rank/position

Pink sigh

Mariko Takahashi’s classic “Momoiro Toiki.” It features a distinctly exotic melody and, while it carries elements of mood kayō (mood enka), it also incorporates contemporary J-pop characteristics.

The piece sits within a relatively narrow vocal range of mid1 G# to high C.

Since the most frequent pitch is around mid2 G#, most women should be able to sing it without difficulty.

As the song prioritizes mood, it’s recommended to sing with careful dynamics.

If a phrase ends with a consonant, letting it fade out as a voiceless sound can be an effective touch.

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Ryo

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