Ranking of Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Popular Among Teens [2026]

UDAGAWA GENERATIONSakurazaka4692rank/position

Sakurazaka46 “UDAGAWA GENERATION” Music Video

Among the Sakamichi groups, Keyakizaka46 is particularly known for its stylish musicality.

While their music video features a circus theme, the song itself is crafted with a development that feels more like Showa-era kayōkyoku than gothic.

The vocal range is narrow, and the melodic rises and falls are gentle, so even those who can’t hit high notes should be able to sing it without issue.

It’s especially recommended for teenage girls going through a period of vocal instability.

Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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User ManualNishino Kana93rank/position

Kana Nishino 'Torisetsu' MV (Short Ver.)

This is a song by Kana Nishino.

With its cute lyrics and catchy melody, it was quite the talk of the town for a while, wasn’t it? I bet many people found themselves thinking, “Exactly!” and “I get it!” How about listening to it with your boyfriend and saying, “You get this, right?”

Hi-FiveME:I94rank/position

ME:I (Mei) ⊹ “Hi-Five” Official MV

The title track of ME:I’s second single, released in August 2024, leaves a vivid impression with sweat glistening under the sun and the refreshing zest of lemonade.

The lyrics, depicting the fun of summer festivals and moments with someone special, sparkle in the heart like diamonds.

Topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100, the song channels the rising tide of friendship and budding romance—symbolized by a simple high-five—through an energetic sound.

Its world, singing of seaside moments and feelings that sway like a summer heat haze, is perfect for getting the crowd going at karaoke.

It’s a song that makes you want to high-five with everyone and create unforgettable summer memories.

Sniper.Yuika95rank/position

Sniper. / “Yuika” [MV]

This song is filled with the fluttery feelings of a girl in love! It charmingly depicts a day in the life of a girl experiencing romance—like when her crush gets close to another girl, or when she stumbles on the way home and he offers her a hand.

The phrases that capture the excitement of love leave a lasting impression and bring back those heartfelt emotions.

YUIKA’s clear, airy vocals are another big draw! Released in April 2024, the track became a hot topic on social media.

It’s perfect not only for those with an unrequited crush, but also for anyone who wants to relive the sweet, bittersweet feelings of love.

Summertime Recordjin96rank/position

Jin / Summertime Record (IA) [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is a song with a refreshing melody and a lingering sense of late-summer wistfulness that touches the heart.

Created by Jin, it was released in May 2013 and is known as the ending theme of the Kagerou Project.

The lyrics, which depict small adventures under clear skies and the bonds between friends, truly resonate.

The message, “Don’t forget—now, let’s move forward,” carries the courage to keep going while cherishing precious memories.

It’s a perfect song for teenagers in the midst of their youth.

When you feel like looking back on your summer memories, give it a listen—it will surely warm your heart.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka4697rank/position

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A song by Hinatazaka46 set in the cherry blossom–filled spring season, depicting the bittersweet feelings of a love that couldn’t be confessed on graduation day.

It tells a memorable story of hidden emotions sealed within a graduation photo and lingering regrets that won’t fade with time.

Nao Kosaka serves as center for the sixth time after a six-release interval, and the music video portrays a fantastical world of swirling cherry blossoms under the theme of a parade that heralds spring.

The single, set for release on January 29, 2025, will be available in five formats: Limited First Edition TYPE-A through TYPE-D, and a regular edition.

The song premiered at the Tokyo Dome concert on December 26, 2024, captivating the audience.

It’s a track to be heard with empathy during spring, the season of partings and new encounters.

Specially, do it.＝LOVE98rank/position

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 18th Single “Tokubechu, Shite” [MV full]

The idol group =LOVE, produced by Rino Sashihara.

The strategy that leverages the classic idol know-how Sashihara cultivated in AKB and HKT is brilliant, and even in the Reiwa era it continues to capture men’s hearts much like in the Heisei era.

I imagine many male high school students are fans of =LOVE as well.

Among their songs, Tokubechu, Shite is particularly exciting and easy to sing.

In terms of the main melody, the highest note is hi D#, so for women, with the right key adjustment, it should be quite singable.

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Ryo

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