Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 30s [2026]

Poem of SunlightLe Couple81rank/position

Hidamari no Uta / Le Couple (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

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.

Close your eyesHirai Ken82rank/position

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A ballad that portrays the sorrow of losing a loved one and the aching yearning to keep chasing their memory.

Ken Hirai’s emotional vocals gently accompany hearts spending lonely nights.

Released in April 2004 as his 20th single, it was written as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” With total shipments exceeding one million copies, it became a social phenomenon, topping the annual charts that year.

It will especially resonate with those who, in unguarded moments, recall a past love and feel their chest tighten.

A gem of a track, perfect for adult men who want to listen alone while quietly having a drink.

NO MORE CRYD-5183rank/position

NO MORE CRY/D-51

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Feeling great!!mihimaru GT84rank/position

mihimaru GT – Feeling Great ↑↑

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.

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro85rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

A quintessential piano ballad by Naotaro Moriyama that I can’t help but want to listen to when I sense the arrival of spring.

Released as a single in March 2003, it has become a timeless graduation anthem loved across generations.

Originally written to celebrate a friend’s wedding, the song conveys not only the sadness of parting but also the resolve to set off into a new world.

At the time of its release, it drew attention as the ending theme for “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki,” and many will remember it being rearranged in 2019 as the theme song for the drama “同期のサクラ” (Sakura, Our Cohort).

Moriyama’s solo vocal style resonates deeply, moving listeners and gently giving them a push forward.

In this season when meetings and farewells intersect, why not take your time to bask in it while reflecting on your cherished memories?