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

frecklesJUDY AND MARY85rank/position

Freckles – JUDY AND MARY (Full)

This song, which was the opening theme for the anime version of Rurouni Kenshin, is Sobakasu by JUDY AND MARY, the rock band led by YUKI.

When you think of Judy and Mary, this is the song that comes to mind! It’s a mischievous and cute rock tune.

The key is quite high, so it’s a perfect track for those who are good at hitting high notes!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Crimson Bow and ArrowLinked Horizon86rank/position

Crimson Bow and Arrow

This is Linked Horizon’s signature song that took the era by storm as the first cour opening theme of the TV anime Attack on Titan.

From the very start, the resounding German phrases fused with weighty orchestration create a symphonic rock sound that instantly draws listeners into the story’s world.

Perfect for a work depicting a fierce battle for humanity’s survival, its dramatic melodic lines and powerful guitar sound really set your heart ablaze.

Released in July 2013 as a track on the single Jiyuu e no Shingeki (Advancing Toward Freedom), it reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and earned the group their first appearance at the 64th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.

Belting out the chorus at karaoke is a great stress reliever, and it’s the perfect song to get everyone hyped with your friends.

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu87rank/position

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

When it comes to signature songs by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, this track surely comes to mind.

Released in June 2014, it features a refreshing sound that fuses dance music with pop.

The lyrics convey themes of dreams, hope, friendship, and the courage to take on challenges, resonating with many people—especially young listeners.

It was also selected as the 2014 campaign song for Tokyo City Keiba, helping it gain widespread popularity.

The “Running Man” dance showcased in the chorus is something nearly everyone has tried to imitate at least once.

With its dance-inducing rhythm and uplifting message, this song is perfect for energizing events like parties and school sports days.

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy88rank/position

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

Vaundy’s hugely popular song “Kaijuu no Hanauta” is one my students—regardless of gender—have practiced many times in vocal lessons! It’s a bit high for male singers, but it seems quite comfortable for female singers.

It’s definitely a song worth knowing.

The overall range spans two octaves from D3 to D5, and the pitch climbs significantly toward the latter half.

There are plenty of falsetto parts throughout, so those who are good with falsetto should be able to sing it smoothly.

Just be careful not to forget to breathe, since there are almost no breaks.

The sustained long note in the last chorus feels great, and there are chorus sections as well, making it perfect for getting everyone hyped!

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Kubota Mami

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Night Sky Patrol of TomorrowOrangestar89rank/position

Orangestar – Asunoyozora Shoukaihan (feat. IA) Official Video

This song, filled with nostalgia and bittersweet emotion, is a youth anthem that really seeps into your heart when you listen to it.

The lyrics, which sing of anxiety and hope for the future, are sure to resonate strongly with people in their twenties.

Released in April 2015, this track is one of Orangestar’s signature works.

It was so popular on Niconico that it racked up over 10 million views.

The song is also included on the album “Mikanzensei Eight Beats.” Its refreshing sound that evokes the end of summer is another big draw.

It’s the perfect track to listen to while chatting with friends or thinking about someone you like.

Highly recommended for when you want to reminisce about your youth!

The summer you gave meieiri reo90rank/position

Leo Ieiri - “The Summer You Gave Me” (Full Ver.)

This song poignantly captures the bittersweet feeling of summer love, highlighted by Leo Ieiri’s clear, crystalline vocals.

The lyrics, which depict memories and growth from one’s youth, are sure to resonate with many listeners.

Released in August 2015, it also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Koinaka.” It’s a perfect karaoke choice for women in their 20s, recommended for girls’ nights out or when you want to look back on summer memories.

For women with an average vocal range, it’s comfortably singable, and since it’s a slow-tempo ballad, try singing it while checking each pitch and rhythm step by step.

Partneryuka91rank/position

Yuka “Partner” Music Video

Yuka is a singer-songwriter who studied piano and vocal music from a young age and conducted music therapy at kindergartens and senior care facilities during her university years.

Her seventh indie release, the digital-only single “Partner,” became a hit tune, surpassing 300 million total plays on social media just one month after its release.

The lyrics, which sing of straightforward affection, are perfect for conveying messages that are usually hard to say.

However, because the melody is challenging—with fast phrases over a bouncy shuffle beat—be sure to listen closely to the ensemble when singing it at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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