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] (91–100)
Unwavering WishTamura Naomi92rank/position
Singer-songwriter Naomi Tamura, who made her major-label debut as the vocalist of PEARL and continues to captivate fans under the nickname SHO-TA.
Her 4th single, “Yuzurenai Negai,” used as the first opening theme for the TV anime Magic Knight Rayearth, became a million-selling hit with over 1.2 million copies sold.
Its passionate melody, delivered with a powerful high-tone voice, is sure to get anyone in their 30s pumped up—even if they don’t know the anime.
It’s a refreshing rock tune that’s also a great pick for karaoke with people of the same generation.
A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko93rank/position
The anime tie-in song performed by Yoko Takahashi, whose charismatic vocals are captivating, tells a grand story of a boy’s growth and his challenge toward a new world.
It’s a compelling track filled with dramatic expression and a determined drive to move forward.
Released in October 1995, the song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and caused a major sensation.
It consistently ranks high on karaoke popularity charts, making it a song that bridges generations without creating a gap, even in mixed-age gatherings.
It’s a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of anime songs—one you should definitely sing at karaoke.
VALENTIBoA94rank/position
Dubbed the “Queen of K-POP,” BoA burst onto the Japanese music scene like a comet in the early 2000s.
The single she released in Japan in August 2002 is a dance track distinguished by passionate Latin rhythms, which shocked music fans at the time.
The lyrics convey a will to believe firmly in oneself, to carve out the future as if in battle, and a fervent determination to stay true to love no matter the difficulties.
The album bearing this song’s title, VALENTI, was released in January 2003, debuting at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart and achieving million-seller status.
It was also widely loved as the theme for the PS2 game PROJECT MINERVA and the music program JAPAN COUNTDOWN.
Sing it at karaoke and you’re sure to relive the heat of that era and get an instant boost of energy.
Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS95rank/position
Yūshinron, RADWIMPS’s fourth major-label single, is one of their early signature songs and a beloved classic among fans.
Some people now in their 30s may have first discovered the band—who were then rising as a cutting-edge young act—through this track.
The song is memorable for its catchy chorus and lyrics with a distinctive worldview, but the part to watch out for when singing it at karaoke is the fast, rap-like delivery.
Practice to keep your rhythm steady, and try to avoid sounding too flat or mechanical as you sing.
Because you are hereUru96rank/position
Uru’s “Anata ga Iru Koto de,” which was also the theme song for the drama Theseus no Fune (Ship of Theseus).
Released as a digital-only single in 2020, this moving, tear-jerking song perfectly matched the drama’s story and helped heighten its emotional impact.
Centered on the theme of family love, it’s a number that resonates with everyone.
When you listen, you can’t help but think of your partner, your family, and the people who are precious to you—it’s a song that brings tears to your eyes naturally.
StoryAI97rank/position
This heartfelt ballad, released in May 2005, captured the hearts of many.
Its soul-stirring melody and a vocal that is both powerful and gentle make it a song you’ll definitely want to sing at karaoke.
It was even chosen as the Japanese ending theme for the film Big Hero 6, and is loved by a wide range of generations.
When you want to feel the bond with someone special, this song is highly recommended.
Wrapped in AI’s warm, comforting vocals, why not think of someone dear to you? It’s sure to warm your heart.
Stay GoldHi-STANDARD98rank/position
Hi-STANDARD’s classic “Stay Gold.” Characterized by a uniquely creative sound that blends alternative rock with hardcore punk and melodic hardcore, it became a massive hit in the 1990s.
The most singable aspect of this track is, above all, its rough vocals.
Instead of delicate vocal control, it leans on gritty, hard-edged singing, which gives you a fair bit of leeway.
The louder your vocal timbre, the more this song shines—so consider adding it to your repertoire.
