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

SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism8rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Subtitle [Official Video]

A heart-touching ballad that portrays the difficulty of expressing love in words and the fragility of feelings that melt away like snow.

Released digitally in October 2022 as the theme song for the drama “silent,” the song expresses the earnest attempt to convey one’s feelings of love through a delicate, piano-centered melody.

It achieved its first overall No.

1 on Billboard JAPAN’s JAPAN HOT 100, and surpassed 21 million streams.

When you’re frustrated because you can’t put your feelings for someone special into words, this song is sure to be by your side.

Starlight ParadeSEKAI NO OWARI9rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Starlight Parade” Music Video

This song, which makes you feel as if the space before you lights up and fills you with brightness, is SEKAI NO OWARI’s second major-label single, released in 2011.

Its sound conveys the warmth and splendor that perfectly match the title “Starlight Parade,” and you can’t help but feel excited, right? The lyrics capture not only the sparkle of Christmas but also a hint of bittersweet romance.

Although the song has a high vocal range and is quite challenging, try singing it while imagining vocalist Fukase’s sweet voice!

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yuri

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The BeginningONE OK ROCK10rank/position

ONE OK ROCK – The Beginning [Official Music Video]

ONE OK ROCK is a four-member rock band that now represents Japan’s rock scene and enjoys popularity overseas.

Their 7th single, “The Beginning,” which was used as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin, kicks off with a chorus over a piano and guitar ensemble that immediately amps up the energy.

The powerful melody riding on the fast-paced rock sound is sure to hype up any karaoke session.

However, the key is higher and the melody more intricate than it sounds, so make sure to practice thoroughly beforehand to sing it coolly at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION11rank/position

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite (2016 ver.)”

One of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s signature songs, it was also the theme song for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist, which most people of this generation likely watched—so many of you probably know it.

The basic melody sits in a low key, making it especially recommended for men.

And in the song’s biggest highlight—the chorus—don’t be shy: belt it out.

You’re sure to get the crowd going regardless of your singing skill.

Perfect for those who say, “I’m not great at singing, so I can’t handle gentle, tender songs.”

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Hane Keisuke

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My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS12rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

Among RADWIMPS’s songs, “Zenzenzense” is one of their biggest hits.

If you were born in the Heisei era, you’ve almost certainly heard it at least once.

The song spans from a lowest note of mid2 F# to a highest note of mid2 F#, making it a very comfortable range for male singers.

Although there’s a somewhat rapid rise and fall in pitch at the beginning, there are no other particularly tricky parts, and the vocal line is easy to sing throughout.

Since there are relatively few rests, it’s recommended to identify your own breathing breakpoints to make it easier to sing.

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Ryo

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Spot the differenceSuda Masaki13rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

In addition to his overwhelming presence as an actor, Masaki Suda also proves his solid talent as a singer.

Released as a digital single in May 2019, this gem of a ballad was written, composed, and produced by Kenshi Yonezu.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” it portrays a protagonist who has long felt like a “mistake” gradually regaining self-worth through meeting someone special.

While expressing the anxieties and doubts that come with love, the song also conveys unwavering feelings for the other person—making it a track that will especially resonate with people in their twenties.

Try listening to it while thinking of someone important to you.

A life-sized love songAqua Timez14rank/position

Aqua Timez “Life-Size Love Song” Music Video

The straightforward, real-life lyrics hit home no matter when you listen! “Tōshin-dai no Love Song” (A Life-Sized Love Song) is a track from Aqua Timez’s debut mini-album, “Sora Ippai ni Kanaderu Inori.” It’s incredibly famous as a love song, so it’s surprising it was never released as a single, right? The buzz around this track led the album—despite being released during their indie days—to become a huge hit, selling 800,000 copies.

The lyrics say, “It’s embarrassing to say these words directly, so I’ll put them into a song,” and it’s true—expressions of love this straightforward aren’t easy to use in everyday life, are they?

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yuri

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