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

You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO43rank/position

SHISHAMO “You and the Summer Festival”

Although it was released in 2014, this classic hit, “Kimi to Natsu Fes,” has become hugely popular among Gen Z through platforms like TikTok.

It was SHISHAMO’s first single, the beloved three-piece band, and its music video is known for being set at the music festival “VIVA LA ROCK,” which took place in May 2014.

With its upbeat, straightforward guitar sound, catchy melody, and heart-fluttering lyrics, it’s a song we’d love to hear teenage girls who love festivals—or dream of going to them—sing.

You’ll want to pay a bit of attention to the key change in the chorus, but it’s not difficult; just ride the uptempo rhythm and sing naturally!

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KOH-1

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Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN44rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Live Music Video

This track features an energetic rock sound and lyrics that skillfully weave a contrast between sugar and bitter, leaving a strong impression.

Released by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN in May 2015, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Blood Blockade Battlefront.

It achieved the band’s highest position of No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and sparked a major response, with over 500,000 downloads.

It’s a highly recommended song not only for anime fans but also for teenage male rock listeners.

Sing it with friends at karaoke, and you’re sure to capture a sweet-and-bitter page of youth.

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento45rank/position

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

Released in 2024, this song became a social phenomenon: the “Giri-Giri Dance” went viral on social media, and it even broke into the top 20 on the Billboard Japan charts.

Kocchino Kento’s sensibility shines through in lyrics born from his own struggles with mental health—spoken head-on yet wrapped in just the right touch of humor and a pop sound that keeps things from getting too dark.

The message embedded in the lyrics—“If you feel at your limit, it’s okay to ask for help”—feels like an anthem for all of us living in the present day.

For karaoke, there are a few slightly fast-paced parts, but with a bit of practice you’ll get the hang of it quickly, and since it’s a song everyone knows, it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going.

If you sing it while copying the dance with your friends, it’s even more fun!

Silent majorityKeyakizaka4646rank/position

Keyakizaka46 'Silent Majority'

This song carries a powerful message about the importance of resisting peer pressure and living by your own will.

It’s Keyakizaka46’s memorable debut single, released in April 2016, and it also gained attention as the theme for the “Mechakari” commercial.

Included on their first album, “Masshiro na Mono wa Yogoshitaku Naru,” the track features low vocal lines in the A and B sections, making it comfortable to sing even for those who struggle with high notes.

The structure builds to a chorus that lets you unleash your emotions, making it incredibly satisfying to sing.

Since the melody doesn’t fluctuate dramatically in pitch, it’s perfect when you want to deliver a cool, composed performance.

Try picking it when you want to get hyped with friends or blow off some steam!

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN47rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Also ranked among the “most sung songs of the Heisei era” is Tentai Kansoku.

This track by BUMP OF CHICKEN is themed around stargazing.

In the song, it portrays a man’s frustrating feelings as he goes stargazing with someone he has feelings for, followed by his regrets afterward.

The lyrics are dramatic, so I hope you’ll sing it with emotion and expressive nuance.

A key tip is to create clear dynamics around the final chorus.

Doing so will make the lyrics’ message resonate more strongly.

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yamamoto

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mirrorFRUITS ZIPPER48rank/position

[MV] FRUITS ZIPPER “Kagami”

Following CUTIE STREET, FRUITS ZIPPER is another popular group from ASOBISYSTEM.

They’re known for a classic idol style and have gained popularity with their catchy sound.

Among their songs, the one I especially recommend is “Kagami.” It’s a bright, slightly uptempo track, but the vocal range is on the narrower side, and the melody doesn’t require drastic jumps in pitch.

You can sing it just fine with basic vocal skills, so be sure to add it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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366 daysHY49rank/position

HY 366 Days LIVE

A song by HY, a hybrid band known for signature tracks like “AM11:00” and “NAO,” who continue to base their activities in their hometown of Okinawa.

This track was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama and film “Red Thread” and is included on their fifth album, “HeartY.” The heartrending lyrics, drawn from the real-life experiences of keyboardist and vocalist Izumi Nakasone, particularly resonate with teenage girls for whom romance plays a central role in life.

With relatable lyrics and a beautiful melody, it’s an outstanding ballad that’s sure to be a hit at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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