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

Heroineback number85rank/position

back number – Heroine (full)

A hit song by back number that portrays a bittersweet unrequited love against a wintry backdrop.

Through the image of snow falling and gently piling up, the narrator’s feelings and affection for their loved one are expressed.

Used as the theme song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercials and Kirin’s “Tanrei Green Label” commercials, the song sold approximately 29,000 copies in its first week, surpassing the previous release and setting a new personal best.

If you sing it at karaoke with someone you’re interested in, your feelings—likened to the beauty of snow—might come across.

Why not let the gentle melody softly carry your heart to them?

One Lovearashi86rank/position

One Love – Arashi

This is a mutual-love song by Arashi, a group renowned as a leading example of Johnny’s idols who are highly active on television as well.

With its powerful sound and easy listenability, the piece contributes to elevating the romantic sensibilities of women in their twenties.

fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi87rank/position

DAOKO × Kenshi Yonezu 'Uchiage Hanabi' MUSIC VIDEO

A song by female singer DAOKO, chosen as the theme for the film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”.

The track was produced by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, who later made a self-cover version on his own album that also became well-known.

Carried by a blend of piano, strings, and electronic elements, her clear, translucent vocals create an atmosphere that evokes a lively yet somehow wistful summer night sky—making it a perfect number to listen to at summer’s end.

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Hoshino Takashi

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broad daylightKing Gnu88rank/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.

Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)89rank/position

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]

This song became an instant sensation through au’s “Santaro Series” commercials and has since been cherished as a karaoke staple.

Released in 2015 by actor Kenta Kiritani under the name Urashima Taro, it conveys a heartfelt longing for Otohime.

Its emotionally rich world, where the sounds of the sky, wind, and sea are overlapped with the voice of a loved one, deeply resonates with listeners.

The Okinawan-influenced melody crafted by BEGIN’s Yu Shimabukuro blends beautifully with the sanshin played by Kiritani himself, resulting in a piece that feels warmly nostalgic.

In 2016, it topped the annual karaoke rankings for both JOYSOUND and DAM, winning fans across generations.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing and perfect for everyone to hum along together.

for YOU。haji→90rank/position

Haj→ – for YOU.

Packed with heartfelt messages of love, this song is a powerful piece in which Hajime→ sings of gratitude and resolve toward the person he loves.

You can feel the small joys of everyday life and the importance of the time the two of them spend together.

Released in July 2013, this single became Hajime→’s first entry into the Oricon Top 10 and was also used as the CM song for Fuji Television Flower Center’s “Fuji TV Flower Net.” This work is recommended not only for couples but also for those who find it hard to put their feelings for someone special into words.

Its warm melody and lyrics are sure to give your feelings a gentle push.

UNDEADYOASOBI91rank/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.