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.
- Top Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings by Generation: 30s
- Band rankings popular among people in their 30s [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among People in Their 20s [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 40s [2026]
- [30s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2026]
- [30s] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
- An anthem for your 30s. Beloved and popular songs that are both heart-pumping and heart-fluttering.
- [20s] Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Rankings [By Generation]
- For men in their 30s: Nostalgic music. Recommended popular songs
- Band Rankings Popular Among People in Their 40s [2026]
- Top Karaoke Songs That Get 20-Somethings Hyped [2026]
- Ranking of Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Popular Among Teens [2026]
- [40s] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
Ranking of Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artists Among People in Their 30s [2026] (71–80)
Thank youikimonogakari71rank/position
In 2010, it gained popularity across a wide range of generations as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo.
Some women in their 30s may have used “Arigatou” for their weddings, graduation ceremonies, or family videos.
By the way, the melody at the beginning of the lyrics ascends like a Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So staircase, making it very easy to understand and pitch.
The subsequent high notes rise on na- syllables, so project firmly toward the distance without straining.
In any case, focus on expressiveness: open your throat, create a clear path for your breath, and you’ll find it feels great to sing!
Secret of my heartKuraki Mai72rank/position
Despite not being tied to any promotional campaign, her debut single sold over 1.4 million copies and shocked the J-POP scene.
This is Mai Kuraki’s third single.
Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime Detective Conan, the track reaffirms her overwhelming vocal prowess and expressive power that make you forget she was still in her teens.
The wistful lyrics resonate with the anime’s worldview and likely left a deep impression on many listeners.
Even now, it doesn’t feel dated; for those in their 30s who are of the same generation as Mai Kuraki, it’s a song that will bring back memories of their youth.
distress (at sea/in the mountains); being lost; stranded; a disaster situationToukyou Jihen73rank/position
Tokyo Jihen is a band that continues to attract fans with its stylish yet decadent musicality.
They have many famous songs, but the one I particularly recommend is Sounan (Distress).
Released barely a month after their debut single, Gunjo Biyori, this track gained popularity in the Japanese rock scene.
While it has a rock-oriented sound, it exudes an even more decadent atmosphere than its predecessor.
Accordingly, the vocals have a downbeat quality throughout, with gentle rises and falls in pitch.
The vocal range is also quite narrow, from mid2A to hiD#, so for women in their 30s, it’s almost a sure bet for scoring high at karaoke.
March 9Remioromen74rank/position
A classic that continues to be widely sung as a graduation and wedding song.
The overall vocal range is C3–G4, making it popular as an “easy-to-sing for men” track.
The tempo is relaxed, so you can take solid breaths and prepare while producing your voice comfortably.
Up to the chorus, the melody stays in the lower range, so trace the pitches carefully.
In the chorus the range rises, and if you’re not used to it, you might tense up.
Take a good breath on the beat before the chorus, then release it all at once!
scabChi-wata Hidenori75rank/position
A motivational song known as the first opening theme of the anime Zatch Bell! (Konjiki no Gash Bell!!).
It features a rock sound with a relatively fast tempo—be sure to lock into the beat with your body to keep up! The overall vocal range is narrow, from F3 to F#4, mostly in the mid range.
Once you find the groove, your timing will fall into place, so stepping your feet forward and back can make it easier to sing.
A key point for this comfortable range is to avoid overusing your throat.
Aim your voice outward as if projecting into the distance; your vocal cords will resonate and you’ll get a satisfying tone.
LOVERS AGAINEXILE76rank/position
Just hearing the intro makes you feel as if a winter landscape is unfolding.
Among EXILE’s many masterpieces, this song is cherished as a ballad that leaves a deep mark on the heart.
Carried by a smooth R&B beat, it tells the poignant feelings of a man who can’t help but search for traces of a former lover.
The lingering attachment and regrets for an irretrievable past are pains that everyone experiences at least once.
Released in January 2007 as their 22nd single, it was also featured in a KDDI “au LISMO” commercial, so many people likely heard it at the time.
The vocals capture wavering emotions beautifully, gently keeping you company on a lonely night.
It’s a song you’ll want to play when a passing moment brings back those days, when you want to quietly immerse yourself in memories alone.
Song of LoveKōda Kumi77rank/position
Kumi Koda’s classic song “Ai no Uta.” Since it was released in 2007, some people might not know it, but many have likely heard it through TV dramas and the like.
The piece is crafted as an emotionally rich ballad.
While it calls for a bit of expressiveness, its vocal range is narrow—mid1 G# to hi C—and the melodic rises and falls are gentle.
If you track the pitch carefully, it’s a song with which you can definitely aim for a high karaoke score.