Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among People in Their 20s [2026]

March 9Remioromen64rank/position

Remioromen – March 9

When graduation season arrives, the familiar melody flowing through the streets—Remioromen’s “March 9th”—is a classic engraved in many people’s hearts.

Released on March 9, 2004, this song conveys friendship and hope for new beginnings, and gained even wider support through its use in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” As a song that colors the day of departure, it enriches irreplaceable memories.

How about listening again to Remioromen’s warm message that accompanies each person’s graduation? It will surely bring back memories of that day when you stood shoulder to shoulder and sang.

StoryAI65rank/position

AI – Story

AI’s “Story” is filled with messages that resonate with the heart.

Released in May 2005, this song gently wraps listeners in warmth.

With powerful vocals and relatable lyrics, it has continued to stay close to many people’s hearts.

In 2014, it was chosen as the Japanese end theme for the film Big Hero 6, bringing it even more love from a wider audience.

Sing it at karaoke, and memories with friends or words of encouragement for yourself will surely come flooding back.

It may be hard to imitate AI’s vocals, but the power of this song will undoubtedly come through.

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi66rank/position

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

A song by female singer DAOKO, chosen as the theme for the film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”.

The track was produced by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, who later made a self-cover version on his own album that also became well-known.

Carried by a blend of piano, strings, and electronic elements, her clear, translucent vocals create an atmosphere that evokes a lively yet somehow wistful summer night sky—making it a perfect number to listen to at summer’s end.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS67rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

This is a song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS that expresses gratitude as straightforwardly as possible.

Its warm melody, which gently envelops the listener’s heart, is also memorable, and it continues to be loved as a track that prompts us to reflect on our feelings for those who have supported us.

Released in February 2013, the song was chosen as the theme for MBS and GAORA’s broadcast of the 85th Senbatsu High School Baseball Tournament, as well as for Nippon TV’s “Akamru! Scoop Koshien.” The music video features Sanma Akashiya, which drew significant attention.

It’s a song to play when you want to convey your gratitude to someone important or to mark a milestone in life.

somedaySaucy Dog68rank/position

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

A straightforward, honest love song that brings the ache and poignancy of heartbreak right to your chest.

Through real-life scenes—like the deserted park at Tawarayama and the sloping road where you can see the starry sky—the memories woven together vividly portray feelings for a precious person you can never meet again.

Released in May 2017 as a track on the album “Country Road,” this piece gently embraces an unforgettable love with warm lyrics that blend in the local Shimane dialect.

Its softly resonant melody offers quiet comfort to those who want to hold their one-sided love close, and to those who can’t quite put an end to a past romance.

budKobukuro69rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

Released in March 2007 as the 14th single, this masterpiece was newly written as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Created by Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his late mother, the song won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards and was also selected as the entrance march for the 80th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Like a tiny bud before it blooms, it warmly portrays the power of growth even in an unfinished state, along with heartfelt gratitude to the loved ones who always cheered us on.

It is a gentle song that, when you remember someone precious you can no longer meet, lets you feel that they are still watching over you from somewhere.

Because you are hereUru70rank/position

[Official] Uru “Because You Are Here” — Theme Song for TBS Sunday Theater ‘Ship of Theseus’

This is a song by Uru that stands out for its warm hues woven by a touchable heart.

With a delicate singing voice, it portrays the light that the presence of a loved one brings into our lives.

The strength to overcome lonely nights together and the preciousness of those who give us hope for tomorrow are expressed through beautiful lyrics.

Written as the theme song for the TBS Sunday drama “Theseus no Fune” (Theseus’s Ship) and released digitally in February 2020, this piece is a ballad featuring Uru’s transparent vocals and profound lyrics that resonated with many listeners and earned Platinum certification.

When you want to express your gratitude to someone important, why not try singing it at karaoke?