[20s] Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Rankings [By Generation]

My cutest partFRUITS ZIPPER78rank/position

[MV] FRUITS ZIPPER - My Cutest Part

This song by FRUITS ZIPPER is characterized by lyrics that boost self-esteem and a bright, upbeat melody.

It conveys the importance of recognizing and valuing your own charm.

Released as a digital single in April 2022, it became a huge hit on TikTok.

The number of plays has surpassed 900 million, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s perfect for people in their 20s, and is recommended for times when you want to reflect on yourself or get an energy boost.

It also sounds like a lot of fun to sing along with friends and get hyped together.

To Those Who Know the Blue of the Skyaimyon79rank/position

Aimyon – A Person Who Knows the Blue of the Sky [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is Aimyon’s ninth major-label single, released in October 2019.

It serves as the theme song for the animated film of the same name, “Her Blue Sky.” Over a medium-tempo, symphonic backing track, Aimyon’s slightly husky vocals sound especially captivating.

In the latter half, the melody develops in ways that are relatively complex compared to other songs featured in this article, so the difficulty level for singing may be somewhat high.

That said, if you study the song thoroughly beforehand, even those who aren’t confident singers should find it far from impossible—so definitely give it a try.

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Kei Takahata

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I LOVE…Ofisharu Higedan Dism80rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – I LOVE… [Official Video]

A song that delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist who struggles to convey their love to someone dear.

Released in February 2020 as the theme song for the TBS drama “Love Lasts Forever” (Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo).

It features Official HIGE DANDism’s signature polished sound and emotionally rich vocals in perfect harmony, gently embracing not only romantic love but also friendship, familial love, and every form of affection.

For this piece, it’s recommended to sing with a gentle, warm tone while valuing emotional expression.

By infusing the performance with the frustration of not being able to fully express one’s feelings and the pure affection for the other person, it will surely resonate with listeners.

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai81rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

A pop song overflowing with the joy and happiness of love.

It portrays the everyday life of a couple in their second year of dating and sings about the importance of smiles and bonds.

Like the fruit that inspired its title, the song compellingly conveys the pair’s intimacy.

Released in December 2003, it was chosen as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV.

It also achieved numerous accolades, including winning the Best New Artist Award at the 46th Japan Record Awards in 2004.

With its bright, catchy melody and relatable lyrics, it’s perfect for people in their twenties who want to get the crowd going at karaoke.

Combined with Ai Otsuka’s clear, translucent vocals, it’s a track that leaves you feeling pleasantly uplifted.

Thank youikimonogakari82rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

A signature ballad by Ikimonogakari, beloved as a classic song for expressing heartfelt thanks to those who’ve supported you.

It was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, starring Nao Matsushita as the heroine, and released as a single in May 2010.

Its warm message—portraying the love nurtured in everyday life and the resolve to walk hand in hand with someone precious into the future—resonates deeply with listeners.

Feelings that are clumsy and hard to put into words can be conveyed honestly when carried by the song’s gentle yet powerful melody.

So widely embraced that it’s even included in high school music textbooks, this masterpiece is perfect for expressing gratitude to teachers and friends at graduation ceremonies, or to family at thank-you gatherings.

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi83rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

You could introduce any of Kenshi Yonezu’s songs as ones that make you attractive, but how about this particular track, which is especially popular among women? It’s included on his first album, YANKEE, released in 2014.

The lyrics express a bittersweet yet warm wish to stay with someone until the day you inevitably have to part, making it a moving song that can bring you to tears before you realize it.

If you have someone you care about this much, try singing it in front of them.

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Araki Jakkan

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somedaySaucy Dog84rank/position

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

A straightforward, honest love song that brings the ache and poignancy of heartbreak right to your chest.

Through real-life scenes—like the deserted park at Tawarayama and the sloping road where you can see the starry sky—the memories woven together vividly portray feelings for a precious person you can never meet again.

Released in May 2017 as a track on the album “Country Road,” this piece gently embraces an unforgettable love with warm lyrics that blend in the local Shimane dialect.

Its softly resonant melody offers quiet comfort to those who want to hold their one-sided love close, and to those who can’t quite put an end to a past romance.