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)
I want to shout that I love you.BAAD78rank/position
It’s a classic song etched in my heart along with nostalgic memories of my youth.
Starting with a refreshing morning scene, it portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they waver between friendship and romance, expressed through a passionate melody and powerful vocals.
As BAAD’s signature work, it was released as a single in December 1993 and used as the first opening theme for the TV anime SLAM DUNK.
In March 2021, it won the Users’ Choice Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize, and it continues to be loved across generations.
With lyrics that capture universal themes—such as the frustration of love and the courage to take a step forward—it’s perfect for when you want to indulge in bittersweet memories of romance.
The Door to TomorrowI WiSH79rank/position
This is I WiSH’s debut single, released in February 2003.
Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s dating reality show “Ainori,” it was a massive hit—topping the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks and ranking 6th on the year-end chart.
It’s a classic J-pop number featuring a simple, piano-centered band sound over which vocalist ai’s clear, radiant voice soars.
The lyrics, which depict the courage to step from today into tomorrow and a tender budding love, gently encourage not only students facing graduation but anyone about to take a new step.
Warm like spring sunshine yet tinged with a certain wistfulness, the melody alone will bring back memories of those days.
It’s a perfect song to sing together at karaoke with friends of the same generation, letting you share the atmosphere of your youth.
Poem of SunlightLe Couple80rank/position
People in their 30s are, I think, the generation that just barely listened to “Hidamari no Uta” by Le Couple in real time.
This song is filled not so much with inspiration as with sadness.
If possible, listen to it while savoring the lyrics sheet, and it will move you to tears even more.
Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among People in Their 30s [2026] (81–90)
LemonYonezu Kenshi81rank/position
With its blend of classic band sound and trendsetting arrangements, Kenshi Yonezu’s music has taken the J-pop scene by storm.
Written as the theme song for the TV drama “Unnatural,” it drew widespread attention immediately upon release and went on to become a historic long-running hit.
Its melancholic melody, distinctive chord progression, and other arrangement choices that seize listeners’ hearts are elements that surely resonated with anyone in Japan.
As a signature track of 2018–2019, it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
NO MORE CRYD-5182rank/position
A motivational song that became a huge hit as the theme for the second season of the drama Gokusen.
Many people are sure to feel nostalgic.
The C-melody in particular involves frequent switches between chest voice and falsetto, so it’s recommended for those who are good at falsetto.
The repeated phrases in the chorus also make it crucial to see how accurately you can stay on pitch.
Also, the long G4 note right before the chorus jumps up suddenly, so be careful not to strain your throat by pushing your voice all at once.
If you sing as if you’re running up toward that G4, you should be able to nail the timing.
Keep your facial muscles lifted throughout the C-melody when you sing.
Feeling great!!mihimaru GT83rank/position
This is mihimaru GT’s ninth single, released in May 2006.
It was featured in several commercial songs and as ending themes for variety shows, and it became their first track to break into the top 10 on the Oricon weekly charts.
While dealing with the frustrations of work and relationships, it delivers a message of turning even the worst days into positive energy, set to a light, upbeat rhythm and a catchy melody.
With a structure that interweaves rap parts and vocals, the chorus brings a rush of openness that naturally lifts your spirits.
Pick it for a girls’ night or a karaoke party and you’re guaranteed to get everyone clapping along.
It’s the perfect song for blowing away everyday stress.
My Sweet Darlin’Yaita Hitomi84rank/position
Songs from around the year 2000 probably carry a nostalgic ring for people in their 30s, bringing back the sweet memories of their youth.
Hitomi Yaida’s “My Sweet Darlin’,” released in 2000, is a bittersweet love song that tickles the hearts of thirtysomethings.
The chorus, which makes effective use of falsetto, is super poppy, and if you play it at a wedding, it’s sure to get the whole venue buzzing! It’s a timeless classic that hasn’t lost its charm even in the Reiwa era, making it a great pick for a wide range of ages—not just those in their 30s.
