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

crescent moonayaka50rank/position

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

A signature song by Ayaka that sings of feelings for a loved one far away.

The gentle ballad’s lyrics portray a poignant image of a woman living bravely while battling loneliness.

Released in September 2006, it topped the Oricon Weekly Chart and was featured as the theme song for NHK’s “Mirai Kansoku: Tsunagaru TV @ Human” as well as in an au commercial.

Keep a clear, composed vocal tone and pour your feelings into the simple melody as you sing.

If you perform it toward the end of a karaoke session, just when everyone’s in the mood for something a bit calmer, you might even captivate the men in the room.

I’m ProudKahara Tomomi51rank/position

Tomomi Kahala - I’m Proud

A masterpiece of self-affirmation from 1996 and one of Tomomi Kahala’s signature songs, featuring a powerful yet wistful melody and emotionally rich lyrics.

It vividly portrays a protagonist grappling with loneliness and anxiety who confronts herself and reexamines her identity through encounters with others.

Chosen as the song for a TBC commercial, it also led to an appearance at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

This legendary track reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart and topped the annual karaoke rankings.

Though it’s a song that tests one’s vocal ability, it’s highly recommended for moments when you want to boost your confidence or take a new step forward.

Spring ~spring~Hysteric Blue52rank/position

Haru ~spring~ (春~spring~)

A signature song by Hysteric Blue that opens with scenes stirring up old memories.

It breezily portrays the protagonist facing a breakup and stepping forward toward new dreams.

Set against the backdrop of spring, it melodically depicts the conflicting emotions of lingering attachment to the past and hope for the future, beautifully expressing the delicate feelings unique to adolescence.

Released as a single in January 1999, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and earned the group a spot on that year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

A heartwarming number recommended for those whose youthful memories resurface with the arrival of spring.

The strong and fleeting onesCocco53rank/position

Cocco “The Strong and Ephemeral Ones” Music Video

Cocco is a female singer-songwriter who was active from the late 1990s to the 2000s.

She is known for a style that incorporates alternative rock and grunge into J-pop, and she excelled at soft, delicate vocals.

Among Cocco’s songs, the one I especially recommend is “Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi” (“The Strong and the Fragile”).

The vocal line has gentle rises and falls, and the range isn’t very wide, so even women in their 30s with lower voices can sing it without any trouble.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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if…DA PUMP54rank/position

DA PUMP / if… (short ver.)

Released in September 2000, this song is quintessentially DA PUMP.

The lyrics, themed around love and farewell, express deep feelings for the other person and anxieties about the future.

Using the darkness of night and the light of the moon as symbols, the striking choice of words portrays a struggle against fate and the passage of time.

It was also used in a Sharp “Mebius” commercial, leaving a lasting impression on many listeners.

This work showcases DA PUMP’s ballad side, characterized by a catchy melody and profound emotional expression.

The dance performance for the ballad is cool and captivating as well.

When you find yourself at a crossroads in love or life, why not listen to it as a song that can support your heart?

deep forestDo As Infinity55rank/position

Do As Infinity / Deep Forest (Fukai Mori)

Do As Infinity is a male-female rock duo that was hugely active in the 2000s.

While they’re categorized as a rock band, most of their songs are J-pop, and they’ve produced several classics leveraging their catchiness.

Among them, Fukai Mori stands out as one of their signature tracks.

Its vocal range, from mid1 G to hi C#, is relatively narrow and slightly high, suited for female singers, and the tempo is relaxed.

Women in their 30s should be able to sing it without difficulty.

However, because the song leaves a somewhat dark impression, it’s important to pay attention to delivering clear dynamics.

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Ryo

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Moonlight LegendDALI56rank/position

Moonlight Legend

Anyone woman in her 30s will surely know Moonlight Densetsu.

I still love Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon so much that I’m even in the fan club! The song has romantic, mysterious lyrics and melody, and the vocal line itself is simple and easy to remember, making it easier to score a high pitch-accuracy rate.

The overall vocal range is G3–C5, which is very comfortable to sing if you go at it with some energy.

It might help to focus on resonating in your chest.

Even just keeping a hand on your chest lets you feel the vibration, which should increase your volume and make it easier to sing.

Give it a try!

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Kubota Mami

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