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

Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuFIELD OF VIEW57rank/position

FIELD OF VIEW – Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku (QHD Remastered Video)

With its refreshing and powerful melody—and being the opening theme of the anime Dragon Ball GT—the lyrics evoke youth and adventure.

The fact that ZARD’s Izumi Sakai provided the lyrics is also a big hit with fans! The song’s overall vocal range spans from G#2 to A4, extending into the lower register.

The chorus consistently gives a high-register impression.

Since karaoke scoring focuses mainly on pitch, make sure to lock in both the low and high notes.

When singing, keep your eyebrows and facial muscles lifted to prevent the pitch from dropping into your throat.

Generally, imagine projecting your voice “in front of your eyebrows”: for low notes, release a steady mass of breath slowly; for high notes, use quick, explosive power to produce the sound.

This approach should make it easier to stay on pitch!

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Kubota Mami

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A third of pure-hearted feelingsSIAM SHADE58rank/position

A third of pure-hearted feelings

Although they disbanded once in 2002, SHIAM SHADE has captivated fans with several temporary reunions.

This signature song of theirs is widely known as the ending theme for the TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.

Its structure is very straightforward: the chorus comes first, followed by verse A and verse B, building excitement.

The beginning of verse A hits the song’s lowest note, D#3, which might be a bit low even for male singers.

Be careful not to let your voice get muffled in this part.

Another challenging aspect of the song is the rhythm.

In the chorus, if you sing it in a typical 4/4 feel, it won’t lock in with the backing drums and will sound flat.

Try singing it with a driving triplet feel instead—you’ll sound much cooler! It may be difficult until you get used to it, but definitely give it a try.

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Kubota Mami

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instinctShiina Ringo59rank/position

Ringo Sheena – Instinct

Shiina Ringo’s signature song “Honnō.” These days, “Marunouchi Sadistic” is often cited as her representative work, but for women in their 30s, this piece might be considered Shiina Ringo’s flagship song.

Although her vocal timbre can make it less obvious, this song actually has a fairly narrow range.

As a result, it’s arranged in a way that’s easy to sing even for women with lower voices.

If you want to make it sound even better, try singing it in a key where your edge voice comes out most naturally.

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Ryo

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Go for it!Urufuruzu60rank/position

Ulfuls Gatsu Daze

An energetic cheer song by Ulfuls, with powerful shouts and an up-tempo melody that resonates in the heart.

Its theme is walking forward with confidence and courage, carrying a message to face difficulties with a positive attitude.

Upon its release in December 1995, it took the music scene by storm, as if casting new light on the spirit of the times.

The album “Banzai” also became a massive hit, selling over one million copies, and the band went on to perform in the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

This work is truly a song of encouragement for the heart, gently giving you a push when you need a little boost in everyday life or want to rally yourself.

A life-sized love songAqua Timez61rank/position

Aqua Timez “Life-Size Love Song” Music Video

Aqua Timez, who captivated many fans with lyrics and melodies that resonate with the heart.

This work is a song that deeply expresses the bond and emotions shared with a loved one.

It sings about the importance of showing love not only through words but through actions, and about walking together through life’s ups and downs.

Released in August 2005 as part of the indie mini-album “Sora Ippai ni Kanaderu Inori,” it became a major hit, selling over 800,000 copies.

It was also chosen as the opening theme for the TV program “Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHTER,” helping to raise the band’s profile.

This song, which conveys down-to-earth emotions, is perfect for moments when you want to deepen your bond with someone special or express your feelings honestly.

My WayDef Tech62rank/position

Def Tech – My Way【Official Music Video】

This song passionately sings about the importance of walking your own path.

It conveys a powerful determination to keep moving toward lofty ideals while staying grounded, offering strong encouragement to listeners.

The warmly enveloping melody and its positive message blend beautifully.

Featured on the album “Def Tech,” released in January 2005, the track garnered numerous tie-ins, including a Yokohama Tires commercial song, a theme song for high school baseball, and an insert song for the film “Crows Zero II.” Def Tech’s signature Jawaiian reggae sound will be a reliable companion when you need the courage to chase your dreams or a boost to fire yourself up.

All of the YouthFujifaburikku63rank/position

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

Released in October 2007, “Wakamono no Subete” is one of the signature songs of Fujifabric from the period when the late Masahiko Shimura was a member, and it’s still fresh in our memory that it surpassed 100 million streams on the Oricon Weekly Streaming Ranking in 2024.

It’s a defining classic of the 2000s, and many people in their 30s today likely have it in their karaoke repertoire.

The song’s structure is essentially classic J-pop, with clear sections and no surprising high notes or long sustained tones, making it generally easy to sing.

If you sing with an awareness of the contrast between the restrained first half and the soaring chorus, it will sound even better!

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KOH-1

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