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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cloudy skyDOES39rank/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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Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO40rank/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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broad daylightKing Gnu41rank/position

King Gnu – Hakujitsu

When we watch the snow falling hard, a bittersweet yet beautiful melody comes to mind.

It’s a signature song by King Gnu, released digitally in 2019 and written as the theme for the drama “Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer.” The lyrics depict a heartfelt wish to have an irreparable past and one’s mistakes concealed beneath pure white snow.

No matter how much we regret, time won’t turn back; all we can do is keep walking through the continuous present—a painful truth most of us have felt at least once.

Begun by Daiki Tsuneta at the end of 2018, the track went on to set astonishing streaming records.

It’s also an indispensable winter soundtrack on TikTok.

Listening to it in the cold air might be a good chance to face your own heart.

UNDEADYOASOBI42rank/position

[Mirror 100%] YOASOBI – UNDEAD

An energetic track woven from the driving rush of EDM and Ikura’s shape-shifting vocals.

Released in July 2024 as the theme song for the anime “Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season,” its lyrics strikingly emphasize the importance of living powerfully in the present, unbound by past or future, insisting that constant change is proof of being alive.

The up-tempo dance beat brims with vitality that makes your body move naturally—perfect for amping up a Halloween party.

Its bright, irresistibly danceable sound makes it a great pick for events everyone can enjoy together.