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

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN22rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

How about lifting your spirits with a lively tune? This is a signature song by the popular rock band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, released in May 2015 as their 10th single.

Chosen as the ending theme for the anime Blood Blockade Battlefront, it became a hot topic and marked the band’s first entry into the top five of the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The funky rhythm, sharp guitar and bass, and Saito’s soaring vocals are simply irresistible! At first glance the song feels poppy and cheerful, but its lyrics portray both the sweetness and bitterness of life.

It’s a wonderful track that blows away everyday frustration and helps you face forward.

Be sure to feel the sound with your whole body!

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa23rank/position

Lord of Major / Precious Things

This is a track that could be called the very origin of Road of Major, a rock band formed from a TV show concept! Released in September 2002 as their indie debut single, it set a remarkable record by entering the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks despite having no tie-in.

It has continued to be loved over the years, later even being used in a car commercial in Taiwan.

With its exhilarating, fast-paced sound and lyrics that depict an unshakable bond with irreplaceable friends, it’s a song that makes your heart burn every time you hear it.

Also included on the classic album “ROAD OF MAJOR,” this track is perfect for throwing your arms around your friends at karaoke and singing together as you each set off on different paths after graduation.

Its melody, where overflowing passion coexists with a touch of bittersweetness, vividly brings back the shining memories of youth.

Loverssumika24rank/position

sumika / Lovers【Music Video】

This is “Lovers” by sumika, a song that expresses a man’s feelings but ends up reflecting more of a woman’s view on love than a man’s.

Its pleasantly bouncy rhythm is striking, and despite the lyrical content, it has a bright vibe that seems easy to sing at karaoke.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro25rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

Himawari no Yakusoku, popular as a Doraemon movie theme song, gives the impression that a wide range of people sing it.

The overall vocal range is D#3 to A#4, so men should be able to handle it without strain if they sing calmly.

Since it’s a ballad, the melody line is simple and easy to remember, and the more carefully you sing, the more accurately you can hit the notes—making it a good choice for scoring systems.

There are many long tones, so if you focus on the pitch bar and sustain to the end, your score will go up.

For the chorus’s highest note, A#4, lift your facial muscles and aim to produce it easily without forcing or belting—think of delivering it lightly and gently.

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Kubota Mami

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SHAMROCKUVERworld26rank/position

UVERworld　『SHAMROCK』

Released in 2006 and also used as the theme song for the drama “Dandori ~Dance☆Drill~,” this track remains one of their most popular songs even today! Back when it came out, UVERworld was already in the spotlight for doing themes for the anime “BLEACH,” among other things.

Still, I think many people found this particular song especially memorable.

With its bright yet heavy sound, exhilarating vocal parts, and contrasting rap sections, there’s so much to enjoy—listening to it again after a while really makes your heart race.

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Hane Keisuke

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Spring Dayaimyon27rank/position

Aimyon – Harunohi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This song served as the theme for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Honeymoon Hurricane ~The Lost Hiroshi~.

Aimyon, who has long been a big fan of Crayon Shin-chan, crafted a gentle song that begins with “Kitasenju Station,” tying together the fact that Hiroshi proposed to Misae on the platform at Kitasenju Station and the film’s storyline.

While many of Aimyon’s songs can sometimes carry a prickly edge, this one fully draws out her tender side to portray Shin-chan’s warm worldview.

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SAKI

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silhouetteKANA-BOON28rank/position

KANA-BOON “Silhouette” Music Video

This song resonates with a refreshing band sound that evokes the feeling of youth.

Released by KANA-BOON in November 2014, it drew attention as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.

Its driving rhythm and powerful performance leave a strong impression.

The lyrics, themed around growth, change, and unforgettable memories, express both the brilliance and transience of youth.

It’s also known as a popular karaoke track and is a number that has left a deep mark on people in their twenties.

It’s perfect for livening up gatherings with friends or coworkers.

If everyone sings along together, it’s sure to become a wonderful memory!