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

balladKetsumeishi50rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

Speaking of Ketsumeishi, they’re strongly associated with hip-hop, but this song is what you could call a quintessential ballad.

It’s about an unrequited love and is utterly heartrending.

If you sing it softly and tenderly, it’s a song that will captivate women listeners.

If possible, I’d love for you to watch the music video too, which features a story that matches the song.

To all my ex-girlfriendsKoresawa51rank/position

Koresawa - To All My Ex-Girlfriends [Lyric Video]

Koresawa, who enjoys overwhelming popularity especially among younger generations, is a singer-songwriter from Osaka known for basically not showing her face and appearing as “Reko-chan,” a bear girl, in MVs.

Her songs—sung with outstanding melodic sense and lyrics that skillfully, and at times candidly, express women’s true feelings—are also hugely popular at karaoke.

The track we’re introducing this time, the impressively titled “To All My Ex-Girlfriends,” is a digital single released in 2024 and a hit distinguished by its MV set in a karaoke box.

Its country-flavored, upbeat sound, lyrics that keep slightly hard-to-say emotions bright, and catchy melody all showcase her impeccable taste.

While the overall pitch sits a bit on the higher side, the melodic line is easy to sing, and those with lower voices can handle it just fine by adjusting the key.

Be mindful of the bouncy rhythm, and make sure to bring out the contrast between smoothly connected sections and crisply articulated parts!

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KOH-1

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SenbonzakuraKurousa-P52rank/position

"MV" Senbonzakura WhiteFlame feat. Hatsune Miku

This work, notable for its Japanese-style rock sound and a world that evokes the Taisho Romantic era, is a signature VOCALOID piece by KuroUsa-P.

Set in a time when Western and Japanese cultures fused, it skillfully depicts the contrast between technological progress and tradition, as well as the struggles people faced amid rapid social change.

Released in September 2011, the song was included on the album “1st Anniversary Album ALL THAT Senbonzakura!!,” and numerous arranged versions were produced.

In 2015, Wagakki Band’s cover was broadcast on television, and that same year Sachiko Kobayashi performed it in a special segment on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

With its driving melody and incorporation of traditional Japanese elements, the song continues to be cherished—especially by younger audiences—as a piece that resonates with nostalgic memories.

ConnectClariS53rank/position

Connect / ClariS (Cover)

A number with a refreshing melody and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

Known as an anime opening theme, this piece has captured the hearts of many.

It reached No.

5 on the Oricon weekly chart and ranked 93rd on the 2011 year-end chart.

It also received Gold Disc certification, making it a major topic of conversation.

Sing it with friends, and it’s sure to become a fun memory.

The positive message in the lyrics gives courage to listeners.

It’s a perfect song when you want to hype up a karaoke session.

If everyone raises their voices together, you’re sure to have a wonderful time.

migratory bird[Alexandros]54rank/position

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

Released in June 2015, many of you probably listened to this song often during your school days.

It carries a powerful message that gives listeners courage by contrasting loneliness with hope.

It has been used as a movie theme song and in commercials, and has been loved by a wide audience.

It’s also popular at events like sports days and school festivals, and it’s a hit at karaoke.

It’s recommended when you need the courage to carve out your own path or when you want to start a new challenge.

Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterHilcrhyme55rank/position

Hilcrhyme – “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter” Music Video

Hilcrhyme is a music duo that has gained popularity with a sound that fuses hip-hop beats and delicate textures.

Their major second single, “Shunkashuto,” landed numerous tie-ins and became the track that brought the name Hilcrhyme to a wide audience.

As the title suggests, its message centers on the four seasons, emotionally portraying time spent with someone special.

It’s a hip-hop number with a relaxed shuffle beat that feels great—one that men in their twenties, the group’s generation, in particular will want to sing.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Heart Throbsnobobyknows̟+56rank/position

nobodyknows+ “Kokoro Odoru” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a punchy, feel-good upper tune! A signature track by the hip-hop group nobodyknows+, released as their third single in 2004.

It was used as the ending theme for the anime SD Gundam Force.

From the very start it ramps up the energy, building a sense of excitement.

Its snappy lyrics and flow are also big reasons for its popularity.

I bet some of you often sing it at karaoke, right? It’s perfect for everyone to sing together when you go to karaoke!

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Araki Jakkan

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