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

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu43rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

Masaharu Fukuyama is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most iconic figures, both as a singer-songwriter and as an actor.

It’s truly remarkable that he has continued to release hit songs from the 1990s through the Reiwa era.

While each generation likely has its own “Fukuyama songs,” Sakura-zaka, released in 2000, is a quintessential Heisei-era classic that achieved a record-breaking double million in sales.

Some may find ballads challenging, but the simply crafted melody line makes it easy to sing, and the relatively low key makes it approachable for those with lower voices.

If you carefully follow the scale, you can definitely aim for a high karaoke score; at the same time, the song’s charm lies in its lower register, so if you’re not confident with low melodies, this is a great piece to practice with.

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KOH-1

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cloudy skyDOES44rank/position

DOES 'Donten' (TV Tokyo anime 'Gintama' opening theme)

The renowned trio DOES, formed in Fukuoka, rose to nationwide fame thanks to their signature song “Donten,” released in 2008.

It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Gintama and became a major hit, reaching the top three on the Oricon charts.

The song’s raw, stripped-down guitar sound—made possible by the trio’s minimalist lineup—is incredibly cool, and it’s hugely popular at karaoke.

The rugged, husky vocals and blunt yet moving melody aren’t particularly difficult and are easy to sing, but because the melody doesn’t change much, be mindful to avoid sounding too monotone when you perform it.

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KOH-1

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choB-DASH45rank/position

cho

This track is a major single by B-DASH.

It’s meant to be enjoyed by ear, and if you actually look at the lyrics, the English and Japanese are all jumbled.

But that’s B-DASH’s signature—its English-like vibe makes it really cool.

The vocal range is D#3 to A#4, with the highest note being a high A#; it’s on the higher side, but most of the song sits around D4.

Since it’s a short song, it might be fun to just go with the flow and sing it without worrying about the lyrics! Give it a try!

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Kubota Mami

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As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE46rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – “Nando Demo”

“Nando Demo” is popular across all generations.

I used to sing it a lot too, and it seems many people are familiar with the chorus, so it always got the crowd going.

It’s definitely a song worth knowing! The tricky part of this song is the breathing during the chorus.

Where the same phrase repeats, you can run out of breath and it gets tough.

Proper diaphragmatic breathing is important, but rather than belting each phrase with full power, try to focus on connecting the lines as you sing.

When you shift your mindset, your body will adjust so your breath lasts through the phrase.

Also, the last chorus is the most demanding; singing it with a powerful voice is more for advanced singers.

Don’t push yourself—start by singing it lightly, and you’ll get used to it little by little.

It’s also a great song for strengthening your chest voice, so give it a try in practice!

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Kubota Mami

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LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.47rank/position

Morning Musume. 'LOVE Machine' (MV)

At the end of the 1990s, when J-pop was shining at its brightest, this number by Morning Musume swept Japan into a frenzy.

It’s an irresistibly upbeat dance tune that makes your body move just by listening, and it’s no exaggeration to say it gave immeasurable energy to Japan at the time.

The friendly melodies crafted by Tsunku♂ and the gorgeous, funky sound produced by Dance☆Man continue to set our hearts dancing across generations.

Released in September 1999 as their seventh single, the song became a defining track for the group, setting a huge record with total sales of about 1.64 million copies.

It was even featured in an NHK drama, making it a national anthem that people of all ages can hum along to.

Belt it out at karaoke with friends from your generation, and that excitement from back then will come rushing back—perfect for creating the best memories.

READY STEADY GOL’Arc〜en〜Ciel48rank/position

READY STEADY GO [WORLD TOUR 2012 LIVE at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN]

This is the 22nd single by L’Arc~en~Ciel, whose ever-evolving, uniquely creative musical style has garnered popularity not only in Japan but around the world.

Serving as the opening theme for the TV anime Fullmetal Alchemist and marking the band’s first single after resuming activities, it became a major talking point.

Its high-level performance shines in a fast-paced arrangement, and the melody—both catchy and grand—feels quintessentially L’Arc~en~Ciel while also suggesting a new direction for the band.

For those in their thirties, it’s the kind of track that will get your spirits up instantly.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Heart Throbsnobobyknows̟+49rank/position

nobodyknows+ “Kokoro Odoru” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A track that exquisitely fuses hip-hop and J-pop.

It was released in May 2004 and included on the album “Do You Know?”.

The lyrics depict the small joys of everyday life and the positive power of music, uplifting the hearts of listeners.

The unique worldview created by nobodyknows+’s distinctive lineup of five MCs and one DJ is truly captivating.

From performing on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen to a resurgence via the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE, this song continues to be loved across generations.

It’s an energizing tune that makes both your heart and body want to dance.

Perfect for busy mornings or when you need a change of pace—put it on whenever you want your spirits to soar.