Top Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings by Generation: 30s

water lily blossomShonan no Kaze50rank/position

Shonan no Kaze “Suirenka” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a track that embodies the heat of summer and the passion of youth.

It features an impressive, innovative sound that blends Shonan no Kaze’s signature reggae and hip-hop with Caribbean SOCA.

The lyrics convey the strength to overcome tears and move forward, as well as the joy of living freely, inspiring courage in listeners.

Released in June 2007, it was also used as the theme for the commercial of the film “Shonan no Kaze 3D LIVE Gundan Densetsu 2010.” It’s a perfect pick for getting the crowd going at karaoke or when you need a boost of energy.

LOVE MachineMōningu Musume.51rank/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.

My WayDef Tech52rank/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 YouthFujifaburikku53rank/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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planetariumOtsuka Ai54rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A signature song by Ai Otsuka that delicately expresses a bittersweet love with a clear, translucent voice.

Comparing the pain of heartbreak to a starry sky, this moving piece overlays memories of a finished romance with the glow of a planetarium.

Included on the album “LOVE COOK” and released in September 2005, it’s also remembered as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi.” Beginning with a gentle piano melody, Ai Otsuka’s clear vocals resonate as if soaking into the listener’s heart.

While cherishing memories, it’s a song that inspires you to look ahead and keep moving forward.

Why not sing this memory-filled song for someone special, with all your heart?

FriendKetsumeishi55rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Tomodachi”

Released by Ketsumeishi in February 2002, this song is a masterpiece that extols the value of friendship.

It powerfully conveys the importance of bonds that remain unchanged even as times change.

Its lyrics, which depict days spent together, the process of growing up, and the enduring worth of friendship even when people drift apart, are sure to resonate with many.

Chosen as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” it also had a significant social impact.

It’s a perfect song for graduation season and for those facing life’s turning points.

Sing it at karaoke, and you’ll surely reaffirm the bonds you share with your friends.

INVOKE -Invoke-T.M.Revolution56rank/position

T.M.Revolution – INVOKE -Invoke- | Official Music Video (TV Anime “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” Opening Theme Song)

Characterized by powerful vocals and energetic music, this T.M.Revolution work is a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

The lyrics, filled with hopes and wishes for the future, portray people who strive to move forward despite loneliness and pain.

Released in October 2002, the song was used as the first opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and garnered significant attention.

Paired with the epic story, it captured the hearts of many fans.

It’s also perfect for karaoke—belt it out with friends from the same generation, and you’re sure to spark excitement along with a wave of nostalgia.