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

FanfareTamaki Kōji85rank/position

Koji Tamaki “Fanfare” MUSIC VIDEO (Theme song for TBS Sunday Theater ‘The Royal Family’)

An encouraging song written by Koji Tamaki, who was born and raised in Hokkaido, for a drama set in the world of horse racing.

The melody has a driving sense of speed, as if a horse is galloping, and it’s a song that lets you sing freely! The overall vocal range is C3 to B4, and the structure gradually builds in emotion and excitement.

For the A and B sections, put your voice firmly into the mic as if you’re speaking, and for the chorus, imagine singing in a wide-open space and let your voice out fully—this will help your voice come out comfortably and make it easier to stay on pitch.

For karaoke scoring, watch the pitch bar and check each note as you sing!

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Kubota Mami

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countrysideTamaki Kōji86rank/position

Koji Tamaki “Rural Landscape” (HD)

This is a gem of a masterpiece by Koji Tamaki, depicting people who, while facing the weaknesses and conflicts hidden within, live with strength.

The song richly portrays life as it is: a solitary soul kicking a stone, eyes gazing at the night sky in prayer, and an oil-stained back fallen silent.

Its melody gently teaches the importance of not overreaching, but simply taking one step at a time and steadily doing what you can.

Released in July 1996, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Coach” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who feels lost or anxious in daily life, or who is searching for a way of living that is true to themselves.

milk teaFukuyama Masaharu87rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – milk tea (Full ver.)

This is Masaharu Fukuyama’s 21st single overall, released in May 2006.

It was issued as a double A-side single together with “Utsukushiki Hana,” which was included on the CD at the same time, and it was used as the theme song for the TBS variety show “Koisuru Hanikami!” It’s a slow-tempo ballad where the beautiful acoustic guitar sound and Fukuyama’s mature vocals are exquisitely matched.

There’s nothing particularly demanding in terms of vocal technique or complexity in the melody, but when singing this at karaoke, the most important thing is how you handle the spaces between phrases—how skillfully you “sing” the rests.

Cherish each word of the lyrics, study his original performance well, and then give it a try.

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Kei Takahata

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universal gravitationFukuyama Masaharu88rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Universal Gravitation (Theme song for Nippon TV’s information program “DayDay.”)

Masaharu Fukuyama’s song “Universal Gravitation,” released in September 2025, was written specifically as the theme song for Nippon TV’s information program DayDay.

On the recording, the guitar is played by the show’s announcer Shinichi Takeda, while the xylophone parts are handled by announcer Kuroda and Ryota Yamazato.

Since the song is performed by Masaharu Fukuyama, it’s arranged predominantly in the low-to-mid vocal range.

It shouldn’t be particularly difficult to sing, but there is a falsetto passage in the pre-chorus (B section), so take care there.

It’s best to set your key with the B section as the reference point.

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Ryo

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rainbowFukuyama Masaharu89rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Rainbow (Full ver.)

Masaharu Fukuyama is a singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for his cool looks and funny personality, and he is also active as an actor and photographer.

His 18th single “Niji,” released as a triple A-side along with “Himawari” and “Sore ga Subete sa,” was used as the theme song for the TV drama WATER BOYS.

Its refreshing melody and ensemble, which evoke a tailwind at your back, are likely to give courage to those in their thirties in the prime of their working years.

With an overall low key, it’s an easy pick for karaoke—a crisp, refreshing pop tune.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro90rank/position

Motohiro Hata / Promise of a Sunflower (Short Ver.)

Singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata, known for his gentle vocals and endearing persona, has won listeners across a wide range of demographics.

His 17th single, “Himawari no Yakusoku,” chosen as the theme song for the 3DCG animated film STAND BY ME Doraemon, became a long-running hit, earning numerous additional tie-ins.

Its lyrics and melody, which resonate with the world of the anime, are sure to add a tender touch to any karaoke gathering.

While the frequent melodic leaps make it challenging, its relaxed tempo makes it a karaoke song you’ll want to practice and add to your repertoire.

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Hoshino Takashi

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WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro91rank/position

Kobukuro – WINDING ROAD (Ayaka × Kobukuro)

This song captivates with its beautiful, resonant harmonies and powerful message.

It sings of the journey of life and the courage to overcome hardships, giving listeners hope.

Co-written by Ayaka and Kobukuro, it was released as a single CD in February 2007.

It was also featured in a Nissan Cube commercial, making it well-known to many people.

The track is included on the albums “Sing to the Sky” and “ALL SINGLES BEST 2,” and continues to be loved in the Japanese pop music scene.

For karaoke, if you have a female partner to sing Ayaka’s part, you can recreate the duo’s beautiful harmonies.