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

Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko1rank/position

Seiko Matsuda “Red Sweet Pea” (from Seikoland: Budokan Live ’83)

This masterpiece, which poignantly and beautifully portrays the spring season when cherry blossoms bloom, was released in January 1982 as a single by Seiko Matsuda.

With Takashi Matsumoto’s delicate word choices and an unforgettable melody penned by Yumi Matsutoya under her pseudonym Kureta Keiko, the song superbly captures the changing seasons and the freshness of young love.

The vibrant voice of a 19-year-old delivers subtle psychological nuances and the fleeting scenes of romance with exquisite finesse, resonating deeply with listeners.

In 2009, it was also used as the CM song for Fujifilm’s skincare brand “ASTALIFT,” drawing attention when its memorable melody played in commercials featuring Miyuki Nakajima.

Its sweet-and-sour melody, evoking nostalgic memories and the arrival of spring, is a track you’ll want to hear when cherry blossoms are in the air.

Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE2rank/position

Distance of the Starry Sky

“Hoshizora no Distance” is a signature song that epitomizes THE ALFEE’s driving rock sound.

The lead vocal is by bassist Masaru Sakurai.

The energy is high right from the intro, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser live, but be careful not to rush the tempo as the excitement builds.

The original tempo isn’t actually that fast—more of a steady feel.

The vocal range climbs after a key change in the middle, so you’ll want to lock in those pitches without hesitation.

Visualize clearly and sing with intention.

The overall range of the song is F#3 to A#4, and since the final melody goes higher, keep the notes in mind and add a light accent there.

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Kubota Mami

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Night of 15Ozaki Yutaka3rank/position

Yutaka Ozaki - Fifteen's Night (with lyrics)

Released in December 1983 as Yutaka Ozaki’s debut single.

Over a beautifully arranged backing track, Ozaki’s lyrics and vocals feel like an outpouring of emotion, leaving a strong impression.

It’s also interesting that, outside the chorus, much of the singing takes on a semi-spoken quality.

Many listeners will deeply relate to the lyrics, so fussing over fine points of vocal technique when performing this song is pointless—just immerse yourself in its world and enjoy.

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Kei Takahata

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I want to protect youMatsutōya Yumi4rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – I Want to Protect You (from “Love in Japan, with Yuming.”)

Yumi Matsutoya’s 17th single, released in June 1981.

It also became the theme song for the film “The Aimed School” starring Hiroko Yakushimaru.

Although it’s a hit by the grand master Yuming, this song is composed with a relatively even melody, making it quite easy to sing even for people who aren’t confident singers and don’t get many chances to sing.

Women in their 50s have probably heard it at least once.

Yuming herself has a very distinctive singing style, but be careful not to turn it into an impersonation when you sing it.

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Kei Takahata

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dragonflyNagabuchi Tsuyoshi5rank/position

dragonfly

This work is memorable for its powerful acoustic guitar tones and Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s rugged yet emotionally rich vocals.

Released in October 1988, it became a major hit, topping the Oricon charts for five consecutive weeks.

It was also used as the theme song for a TBS television drama, leaving a lasting impression on many listeners.

The lyrics, depicting the setbacks and struggles of people who moved to Tokyo with dreams of success, vividly express the feelings of those battling life in the big city.

Belt it out at karaoke and you’ll likely feel a refreshing sense of release that sweeps away everyday worries.

It’s a song that gives courage—one we want everyone grappling with work or life to hear.

My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu6rank/position

Southern All Stars – Itoshi no Ellie [Live at Southern All Stars Kickoff Live 2018 “A Slightly Naughty La-La Old Man”, 2018]

A moody kayōkyoku-style number by Southern All Stars.

It was released on March 25, 1979, when people in their 50s today were college students.

Also used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Fuzoroi no Ringo-tachi,” the track reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart.

With lyrics that portray a passionate, aching love, many listeners may be reminded of their youthful romances.

Play it at a wedding, and it will surely be etched deeply in guests’ hearts as a memorable song for the bride and groom.

Give it a listen and rekindle your feelings for someone special.

YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA7rank/position

[MV] YAH YAH YAH / CHAGE and ASKA

It is an aggressive track emblematic of the ’90s, infused with power and passion for the future.

Even when faced with difficult circumstances, its message of unwavering resolve to stay true to oneself and keep moving forward, along with hope for the future, continues to resonate across generations.

The song channels the passion of chasing dreams and an unyielding stance in the face of trials through a powerful rock sound.

Released by CHAGE and ASKA in March 1993, it was used as the theme song for the drama “If You Turn Around, He’s There,” topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for two consecutive weeks, sold 2.419 million copies, and ranked first on the annual singles chart.

It’s highly recommended for those who want to challenge themselves in pursuit of their dreams without fear of failure, or for anyone standing at a major crossroads in life.

It’s sure to give you courage.