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

Starlight ParadeSEKAI NO OWARI8rank/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!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

The BeginningONE OK ROCK9rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki10rank/position

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

When it comes to the most popular actor among Gen Z, wouldn’t Masaki Suda be the top pick? He’s also thriving as an artist and has dropped several hit tunes.

Among his many standout songs, the one I especially recommend for teenage boys is Sayonara Elegy.

This track features a style that combines folk and rock, reminiscent of Kazuyoshi Saito.

While it has intensity, the overall melody stays within a narrow vocal range.

There are few long notes and no sudden jumps in pitch, making it a perfect choice for teenage boys whose voices may still be unstable.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

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.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

A life-sized love songAqua Timez12rank/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?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS13rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN14rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature song “Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing).

Watching this music video reminds me of how I used to look up at the sky over and over with the telescope we had at home, almost every night.

Even though it’s a song from the very beginning of the 21st century, it’s a timeless classic!