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

Donut holehachi22rank/position

Hachi – Donut Hole, HACHI – DONUT HOLE

This song uses the sensation of “having a hole” as a metaphor to depict the sense of loss and emptiness that everyone carries.

Created by Hachi in October 2013 after about two years and nine months, it also has a self-cover version included on the album YANKEE.

Characterized by an alternative rock sound and GUMI’s heartrending vocals, it captures the movement of a heart that strives to move forward while accepting what’s broken.

In October 2024, a collaboration project with the premium chocolate brand GODIVA was realized.

It’s a work that resonates with those who feel as if there’s a hole in their hearts, yet continue searching for something nonetheless.

Love WindIkuta Rira23rank/position

Lila Ikuta “Koikaze” Official Music Video

This song gently wraps around a heart that’s become timid about love, like a spring breeze.

It carefully depicts the protagonist, who carries past wounds, meeting someone who looks at them with unwavering eyes and slowly trying to move forward.

The moment when the wish for love to be simpler intersects with the courage to take a step anyway is achingly poignant, and as you listen, it resonates with your own feelings of love.

Lila Ikuta’s clear, translucent voice delicately conveys these wavering emotions and truly strikes a chord.

Released in April 2025, it was chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.

New Zealand Edition.” This marks the third time Lila Ikuta has provided a theme song for the series, following “Romance no Yakusoku” and “Sparkle.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you don’t quite have the courage to start a new romance, or when you’re feeling your heart race over a new encounter.

I’m a BelieverSPYAIR24rank/position

SPYAIR “I’m a Believer” Music Video Full ver. (TV Anime “Haikyu!! Second Season” Opening Theme)

SPYAIR is a band that’s popular for their powerful rock sound.

They’re especially popular among people in their 20s and are constantly active on the front lines.

Among SPYAIR’s songs, the one I particularly recommend for teenage boys is I’m a Believer.

The melody has a classic rock feel, but the pitch movement isn’t too extreme, and the vocal range is relatively narrow for their work.

In an era with many falsetto-heavy songs, a track like this that can be sung comfortably in chest voice could be a reliable addition to the repertoire of teenage male singers.

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Ryo

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Beloved daysyangusukinii25rank/position

Young Skinny – Oh, Beloved Days [Official Music Video]

Young Skinny is a rock band capturing the attention of youth with songs that depict the dynamics of teenage romance.

Their 2023 release “Beloved Days” was selected as the campaign song for Ezaki Glico’s Seventeen Ice.

The track was created with authentic input from high school students—such as their worries and anxieties—gathered when the band visited Hyogo Prefectural Hibari-gaoka Gakuen High School.

It conveys a candid message to friends, portraying the feelings of students who, though sometimes troubled and hesitant, face each day as it comes.

With a driving band performance, it’s a rock number that amplifies the spirit of youthful days.

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mutō

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Zankyo SankaAimer26rank/position

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO（Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song）

A work whose grand worldview woven by visuals and music is its chief allure.

The powerful message embedded in the lyrics—“overcoming past pain and moving forward into the future”—is beautifully harmonized with the dark, sweeping melody.

Aimer’s distinctive vocals resound with deep emotion and stir the heart.

It was released digitally in advance in December 2021, followed by a CD single in January 2022.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc, it drew major attention, including taking two crowns on Billboard Japan from its digital release.

Perfect for when you need the courage to walk toward your ideals or to fire yourself up.

Listening to this piece while training will surely give you the strength to push past your limits.

From Me to Youflumpool27rank/position

flumpool “Kimi ni Todoke” (Short ver.)

This is a song performed by flumpool that conveys a refreshing sense of youth and a touch of bittersweetness.

It was also used as the theme song for the film “From Me to You,” evoking various youthful scenes that resonate with the story.

Centered on a crisp band sound, the addition of strings further highlights the bright, uplifting atmosphere.

The lyrics, which express the simple routines of adolescence overlapped with affection, leave a strong impression and bring out that bittersweet feeling of youth.

It’s a radiant track that portrays youth in full stride and hope for the future.

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kappamaki

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It’s the cutest ever!Chou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu28rank/position

Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu / “The Cutest at the Highest Level!” Music Video

This work delivers a story of self-affirmation born from heartbreak, sung over a poppy sound that’s quintessentially Japanese idol music.

Written and composed by Koresawa, the song stands out for the protagonist’s uplifting declaration—after being dumped—of “I’ve become cuter.” Together with its catchy choreography, it surpassed 1.2 billion views on TikTok and took the top spot in DAM’s annual girls’ group karaoke ranking.

It’s a must-listen when you’re feeling down from a breakup or when you want to be reborn as a new you.