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

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci36rank/position

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

Wacci, known for delivering music that fits closely with everyday life, sparked buzz with “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend,” whose lyrics are written from a woman’s perspective.

She breaks up with “you” to face forward and for her own shining future, becoming someone else’s girlfriend.

Yet, pulled back by memories of how she could be her true self with “you,” she can’t help comparing her current boyfriend to you—something many listeners can relate to.

The climax, depicting the moment when she can’t hold back the feelings that overflow despite wanting to forget quickly, is enough to make you cry.

Try listening while thinking of the “you” you still can’t forget.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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loveHoshino Gen37rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Koi (Official Video)

It’s an irresistible song that captures the hearts of those in love.

It affirms diverse forms of love and carries a powerful message that you can choose your own path freely.

It drew attention as the theme song for the drama “We Married as a Job!” and was released in October 2016.

The “Koi Dance,” which became a social phenomenon, further boosted its popularity, making it one of Gen Hoshino’s signature songs.

It’s perfect for livening up a karaoke session or when you want to get into a romantic mood.

This track lets you fully enjoy its pop, upbeat rhythm and profound lyrics.

Unrequited loveAimer38rank/position

Aimer “Kataomoi” MUSIC VIDEO (FULL ver.)

“Kataomoi” has a distinctive rhythm and leans more toward “speaking” than “singing,” but this song was often sung by one of my voice-training students who wasn’t confident in singing and didn’t have a very wide range.

If you’re going to sing it, you’ll probably struggle with the rhythm first, so practice by listening to the song over and over.

Aside from the chorus, you don’t need to worry too much about pitch at the beginning.

If the rhythm doesn’t lock in first, it’ll feel off when you sing, so pay attention to where the phrases are cut and when each entry comes in, and maybe start with humming.

Humming will help you carry that same feeling into light singing, letting the sound resonate between your eyebrows without tension.

Once you’re used to it, keep that resonance in the brow area and shift into your singing voice.

If you can keep resonating in the same spot while you sing, you’ll capture a really nice vibe!

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Kubota Mami

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Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO39rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

SHISHAMO’s hit song “Ashita mo.” The key change in the chorus feels incredibly satisfying, and thanks to its exhilarating vibe, this J-rock number gained popularity nationwide.

The vocal range is standard, spanning mid1F# to hiC.

The highest note, hiC, appears frequently in the chorus, so it’s a song that requires a bit of stamina.

If it feels tough, try lowering the key.

If the lowest notes are hard to hit, you can alternatively shift them up to around mid1G#.

It’s a track that’s sure to hype up any J-rock fan, so definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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cloudy skyDOES40rank/position

DOES 'Donten' (TV Tokyo anime 'Gintama' opening theme)

This song, Donten, is famous and very popular as an opening theme for the anime Gintama.

With a melody, lyrics, and even a title that evoke gritty, hard-hitting rock, it’s the sixth single by DOES, released in 2008.

It wasn’t written specifically for Gintama, apparently, but it fits so well that it stands out as one of the series’ signature themes.

When it was a hit, it was also popular at karaoke—many of you probably sang it, right? It’s a number that lets you sing your heart out and blow off pent-up stress!

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utatane

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I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa41rank/position

Aoyama Thelma feat. SoulJa / I'm by Your Side

Thelma Aoyama’s signature song “Soba ni Iru ne.” Released in 2008, it’s a track that will likely make anyone in their twenties exclaim, “So nostalgic!” It’s a bittersweet love song that tightens your chest, and it has long been a karaoke favorite.

Many people probably find themselves reminded of the time when it was all the rage.

Packed with memories of past romances and feelings of sadness and longing, it’s a number known across a wide range of generations.

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utatane

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HeroAmuro Namie42rank/position

Hero – Namie Amuro (Full)

This song is widely recognized as NHK’s theme song for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, and many people likely remember it from being performed during her final appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen before her retirement in 2017.

Its powerful message and melody feel great to sing at karaoke, and singing it as if you were Namie Amuro herself leaves you feeling wonderfully refreshed!