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

Bunny GirlAKASAKI92rank/position

[AKASAKI] Bunny Girl (Lyric Video)

AKASAKI’s hit song “Bunny Girl,” which went viral nationwide.

The vocal range in this track is from mid1 C to mid2 G, which is quite narrow for recent Japanese pop.

There’s a key change in the final chorus, but even so, the overall pitch movement is minimal, making it exceptionally easy to sing.

The vocal line also has gentle rises and falls, so it’s recommended for people who want to get the crowd going even if they’re not very confident in their singing.

If you want to sound more polished, try incorporating overtone techniques to add richness to the low–mid range.

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Ryo

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StarmineDa-iCE93rank/position

Da-iCE / “Star Mine” Music Video

Like fireworks blooming gloriously in the night sky, Da-iCE’s track fires up our summer.

Crafted with TikTok virality in mind, this song grabs you from the very start with a powerful, unforgettable chorus.

As you listen, you’ll likely feel a natural surge of strength.

Released in August 2022, it won “MTV Breakthrough Song” at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan and also received an Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.

It’s included on the album SCENE.

Perfect for making summer memories—and for those moments when you need the courage to take on a challenge.

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS94rank/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.

Star Lablationkerakera95rank/position

Kerakera – Star Liberation

The theme song for the Fuji TV drama Last Cinderella, which portrays adult romance, is Star Love Ration by the three-member music unit Kerakera.

Its lyrics, depicting an awkward kind of love, tie in with the drama’s storyline.

The title seems to be a coined word, conveying something like “a radiant love that makes your heart tremble.” With its upbeat rhythm and happy sound, it’s perfect for weddings and could be used for just about anything—from the entrance and the toast to the cake cutting.

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Hamada Takuya

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It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu96rank/position

Macaroni Empitsu “It’s Nothing,” MV

“Nandemonai yo” is a perfect song for wedding BGM.

Its lyrics remind us that the true, irreplaceable happiness lies in the ordinary moments shared with the one you love.

Included on Macaroni Empitsu’s major-label first album, “Happy End e no Kitai wa,” released in January 2022, the song quickly climbed to high positions on various charts right after its release.

It has also been featured in films and on television, earning support from a wide audience.

It’s a recommended wedding song that matches the feelings of newlyweds who want to walk forward while connecting heart to heart, carrying pure affection for their partner.

evening primroseNovelbright97rank/position

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

This ballad, which portrays a love you can’t forget even after a breakup, was released by Novelbright in December 2020.

It was selected as the Monthly Song for the weather segment of Fuji TV’s information program “Tokudane!” in February, and the band also appeared live on the show.

The grand arrangement woven by piano and strings is layered with Yudai Takenaka’s emotional high-tone vocals, creating a world that is both heartrending and beautiful.

The lyrics, which reflect on memories spent in a city at dusk and feelings for someone you can no longer meet, will deeply resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

When you face parting with someone dear—carrying loneliness and regret yet trying to look forward—this song will gently stay by your side.

Like the shining moonSuperfly98rank/position

Superfly “Like the Shining Moon” Music Video

It has become a classic wedding song.

Although the lyrics are written from a woman’s perspective, it’s a track I also recommend to men.

With “gratitude” as its theme, I’d like people who have a long-term partner to give it a listen.