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Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 30s [2026]
J-pop is just like fashion—the trends change rapidly, don’t they?
It’s hard to keep up.
In this article, we’ll introduce Japanese artists popular among people in their 30s.
It’s presented in a ranking format, so I hope you’ll enjoy guessing where your favorite artists place as you read.
Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-Pop Artists Among People in Their 30s [2026] (1–10)
AM11:00HY1rank/position
HY is a mixed-genre band from Okinawa Prefecture, known for hits like their signature song “366 Days.” “AM11:00,” included on their 2003 release Street Story, is a summer tune with a melodious sound that strikes a chord.
Many people in their 30s may have heard it at karaoke or on a drive date.
Its warm band sound unfolds at a medium tempo and leaves a strong impression.
You can enjoy vibrant choral work that includes rap and male-female vocals.
It’s a song that evokes nostalgia, bringing to mind friends and lovers from that time.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN2rank/position
A true masterpiece among masterpieces, with a raw guitar sound and a heart-stirring melody that shine with timeless brilliance—as if the restless rush of youth were rendered directly into sound! Even in the 2020s, BUMP OF CHICKEN’s early signature song “Tentai Kansoku” remains immensely popular and is a karaoke staple.
Motoo Fujiwara’s vocals, still tinged with the youthful blue of his early twenties at the time, are moving no matter when you listen, and overall the pitch sits on the lower side, making it approachable even for those who struggle with high notes.
The pitch movement is somewhat dramatic, and the A-melody in particular demands quite low notes, so try to consciously bring out a sultry nuance like Fujiwara’s without letting it become too flat.
Robinsonsupittsu3rank/position
Spitz is a four-piece rock band that has won a wide range of listeners with their striking high-tone vocals and catchy ensemble.
Their 11th single “Robinson,” used as the ending theme for the variety show “Koji Imada’s Shibuya-kei Ura Ringo,” is known as a massive hit that became a million-seller.
The chorus has a floating, dreamy feel that can immerse listeners in its world even at karaoke.
It’s a pop tune that men in their 30s—right in the target generation—should definitely sing, and it’s sure to make you popular.
frecklesJUDY AND MARY4rank/position
A classic by JUDY AND MARY that colors the days of youth.
Its appeal lies in the high-velocity, up-tempo melody and catchy lyrics about the strength to overcome heartbreak.
Released in February 1996, this song is also known as the theme song for the anime Rurouni Kenshin.
It was included on the album THE POWER SOURCE and achieved an astonishing 2.8 million in sales.
YUKI’s distinctive vocals leave a strong impression, and at around three minutes long, it’s easy to sing along to.
Highly recommended for women who want to appeal to men who love rock.
This song might be the spark that gets you both excited talking about rock music!
SaudadePorunogurafiti5rank/position
For PornoGraffitti, their early masterpiece that marked their first No.
1 on the Oricon charts and their first million-seller was Saudade, released in 2000! It boldly incorporates the Latin-flavored sound that has become virtually synonymous with them today, and the song has earned cross-generational popularity—so much so that they performed it on THE FIRST TAKE in 2021, generating a huge buzz.
It’s also a karaoke favorite, and you’ll notice when you actually try singing it that the combination of Latin music and Japanese kayōkyoku works amazingly well and makes it very easy to sing.
Practice while paying attention to the slightly rapid-fire parts and the key change in the latter half!
TemptationGLAY6rank/position
If you’re in your 30s, there’s a good chance you used to listen to and sing this song a lot.
The lyrics, themed around intense love and desire, are striking, and TERU’s powerful vocals really resonate.
Released in 1998, it was a massive hit that topped the Oricon year-end singles chart.
It was also used in a TDK “MiniDisc” commercial and is included on the album “pure soul.” It’s the perfect track to amp up the energy at karaoke.
If someone confident in their vocal skills takes it on, everyone’s sure to have a great time together!
Nameless PoemMr.Children7rank/position
Among the many masterpieces by Mr.Children, this is a song that resonates especially deeply.
It beautifully portrays the essence of human connection and love, earning strong empathy from many listeners.
Released in February 1996, it was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Pure.” The harmony woven by the gentle piano melody and powerful vocals makes it perfect for a heartfelt performance at karaoke.
It’s a song I highly recommend—an ideal choice for a man in his 30s looking to attract the opposite sex.