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

TATTOOOfisharu Higedan Dism15rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – TATTOO [Official Video]

Official HIGE DANDism keeps releasing hit songs with sophisticated arrangements and stylish sound.

This work is a moving number that sings about an unbreakable bond with a precious person—like a pattern etched into the skin that will never fade.

The song was written as the theme for the drama “Pending Train: 8:23, Ashita Kimi to.” Its lyrics, which say that the feelings you have for someone become a light toward the future even in extreme circumstances, resonate perfectly with the drama’s worldview and are truly stirring.

Released in April 2023, it became a massive hit, surpassing 100 million total streams.

With its groovy, comfortable mid-tempo vibe, it’s perfect for listening on the train to school or while reflecting at a café after classes.

It’s a song that makes you want to think of the people who matter to you—friends, family, and loved ones.

Bunny GirlAKASAKI16rank/position

[AKASAKI] Bunny Girl (Lyric Video)

AKASAKI, who went viral on TikTok and gained nationwide popularity, is likely a very familiar artist to many teens, being of the same generation.

Their fourth single, released in October 2024 while still in high school, is a stylish work that blends the vibe of Showa-era pop with a modern sound.

The song centers on the fragile emotions that sway at the beginning of a romance.

By taking on the role of a “bunny girl” as night falls, it deftly portrays the hesitation and inner conflict of revealing one’s true self to another.

The track made a major impact beyond being just a social media hit, reaching No.

6 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

It gently accompanies the complex emotions of love, so give it a listen on nights when you want to be alone with your thoughts.

To you who didn’t choose meKoresawa17rank/position

Koresawa “To You Who Didn’t Choose Me” [Music Video]

It’s an energetic, fast-paced band sound.

It’s a breakup song, but it’s not heavy—lyrics that teenage girls can relate to! It’s the kind of track that friends listening along can relate to as well.

The overall range is G#3 to D#5, so it’s comfortably singable.

Singing with a teary tone like Koresawa can capture the vibe, but it might make you sound nasal and harder to sing, so it’s best to use the voice that feels most natural for you.

From the A melody to the B melody, there isn’t much pitch movement and the rhythm is relatively simple, making it approachable even for beginners.

At the start, use a bit more breath and release your voice gently to keep it stable.

Also, the key point for the high notes is switching from chest voice to head voice.

Maintain steady breath support so you can transition smoothly.

Try singing lightly so your throat doesn’t tense up!

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Kubota Mami

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StargazeSixTONES18rank/position

SixTONES – Stargaze [YouTube ver.]

This is a song by SixTONES that drew attention even before its release because it was written specifically for them by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS.

Released in 2025, the group’s 10th anniversary year, the track was chosen as the support song for Nippon TV’s 45th National High School Quiz Championship.

Its poetic lyrics and dramatic sound come together to make you feel as if you’re watching a scene from a coming-of-age film.

You can almost see friends joining hands and facing hardships head-on with hope in their hearts.

This piece gives a powerful push to anyone striving toward a goal, so it’s also recommended listening before an important exam or game.

people enthusiastHaraguchi Sasuke19rank/position

People Maniac – Kasane Teto

This piece fuses an electronic texture with dance music, highlighted by Kasane Teto’s mechanical singing voice.

It’s the Vocaloid debut track by Sasuke Haraguchi, released in August 2023, which ranked 11th in the Bococore 2023 Summer TOP100 category.

The lyrics, themed around social media and people-watching, depict contemporary emotions such as distortion, fabrication, and guilt sensed from others’ words and actions.

Its distinctive arrangement—where addictive, repetitive phrases intertwine with wavering synths—sticks in your head after just one listen.

While experimental with dubstep elements, it remains catchy; a Vocaloid number that will especially resonate with those who feel the hardships of modern society.

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki20rank/position

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

When it comes to the most popular actor among Gen Z, wouldn’t Masaki Suda be the top pick? He’s also thriving as an artist and has dropped several hit tunes.

Among his many standout songs, the one I especially recommend for teenage boys is Sayonara Elegy.

This track features a style that combines folk and rock, reminiscent of Kazuyoshi Saito.

While it has intensity, the overall melody stays within a narrow vocal range.

There are few long notes and no sudden jumps in pitch, making it a perfect choice for teenage boys whose voices may still be unstable.

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Ryo

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Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya21rank/position

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

Singer-songwriter Tatsuya Kitani, also known as a Vocaloid producer and bassist.

Selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death, this track was released in July 2023 as the title song of his third EP.

Its lyrics poignantly capture the bittersweet shift in a once carefree friendship, while celebrating the lingering glow of youth that stays in the heart.

The piercing high-tone vocals and driving ensemble make it perfect not only for anime-loving kids, but also for anyone confident in their karaoke chops.

A must-hear rock tune that received a Special Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.