Recommended Japanese Music Artists and Popular Song Rankings for Men in Their 30s [2026]

God Knows…Hirano Aya71rank/position

God knows… “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” [Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu] Kadokawa-licensed MAD [Bass Performance]

As an insert song from the anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, this is the track Haruhi and the others perform during the cultural festival live show.

It’s a fast-paced band sound and a genuine rock number, so it might be challenging at first glance, but with practice I think it’s quite singable.

The “A” section’s laid-back timing (the held-back feel) is very important, so be careful not to slip off the beat.

The “B” section progresses without much change in range, but keep your eyebrows lifted to prevent your pitch from dropping.

Also, the chorus goes into higher notes with an image of an emotional outburst—if you project your voice energetically into the distance, you should be able to sing without straining your throat!

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Kubota Mami

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CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LAKageyama Hironobu72rank/position

Hironobu Kageyama – CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA .Live.mp4

It’s the opening theme from the anime Dragon Ball Z—something almost everyone in their 30s has probably heard.

It’s a blast whether you sing it solo or with a group, and that chorus feels absolutely amazing.

You’ll find yourself humming it even without a mic.

Let’s reminisce about our Dragon Ball memories together.

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi73rank/position

Letter to Tomorrow – Aoi Teshima (Full) Theme song for the getsu9 drama “Someday I Will Surely Cry When I Remember This Love” cover

I think this song is crafted so that from the piano intro and the first verse, it already feels like the chorus is coming.

The piano and melody feel solid.

It’s arranged with a band sound.

I think it’s best when you listen to it again.

homeKiyama Yusaku74rank/position

Yusaku Kiyama - Home

A moving ballad filled with warm father-to-child love and hopes for growth has been delivered by Yusaku Kiyama.

His gentle, calm voice conveys deep affection for family, and despite its straightforward storytelling, it leaves a lasting resonance in the listener’s heart.

Released in February 2008, the song was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya,” and it also led to his appearance at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.

For karaoke, it’s recommended when you want to reflect on family memories or express gratitude to someone special.

It’s a tender, warmth-filled song—like softly returning someone’s hand squeeze under a bright sky.

Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke75rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfin' Johnny (Short ver.)

Just hearing that light, tinkling piano intro instantly brings back memories of those summers… It’s a Heisei-era masterpiece that colored the early 2000s! No explanation needed: “Naminori Johnny,” the smash hit released in 2001 under the solo name of Keisuke Kuwata, vocalist of Southern All Stars, is a karaoke staple and has been sung across generations.

With Kuwata’s signature style in full bloom and a wide vocal range, the melody darts busily between low and high notes, which might feel surprisingly challenging when you actually try to sing it.

At the same time, it’s so catchy you can memorize it right away just by listening.

If you sing it with clear contrast—keeping the soaring parts and the rhythmic parts in mind—you can aim for a high score at karaoke!

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KOH-1

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White LoversKuwata Keisuke76rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A gem of a ballad, richly expressing the bittersweet feelings of winter love, has been delivered by Keisuke Kuwata.

It’s a moving piece that looks back on warm memories of love, as if wrapped in snow, with a sense of blessing.

Rather than lamenting a past romance as a mere failure, it impressively celebrates the moments of that love from the heart.

Accompanied by a beautiful, resonant melody, it conveys a gentle warmth within the chill of winter.

Released in October 2001, the song was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial and sold 520,000 copies on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a perfect choice for winter karaoke with family and close friends when you want to share heartwarming memories.

After the FestivalKuwata Keisuke77rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – After the Festival (Short ver.)

I like how it shows a heartbroken man becoming self-destructive or crying alone in his dreams—just the way he is.

When you’re lovesick, sometimes everything feels unbearable, right? The lyrics are really appealing because they strip away pretense and coolness, laying bare the embarrassing parts of oneself.