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

Loverssumika22rank/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 Motohiro23rank/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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SHAMROCKUVERworld24rank/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 Dayaimyon25rank/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-BOON26rank/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!

Love so sweetarashi27rank/position

ARASHI – Love so sweet [Official Music Video]

There’s a perfect song for those in their twenties who spent their youth in the 2000s to early 2010s: Arashi’s “Love so sweet.” Released in 2007, it was beloved by many as the theme song for the hit drama Boys Over Flowers 2 (Hana Yori Dango 2).

With Arashi’s signature pop melodies and catchy sound, it still resonates with countless listeners today.

It’s a nostalgia-packed track that brings back memories from that time.

With its gentle, refreshing vibe, the song is sure to give listeners energy and hope.

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki28rank/position

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

When it comes to the most popular actor among Gen Z, wouldn’t Masaki Suda be the top pick? He’s also thriving as an artist and has dropped several hit tunes.

Among his many standout songs, the one I especially recommend for teenage boys is Sayonara Elegy.

This track features a style that combines folk and rock, reminiscent of Kazuyoshi Saito.

While it has intensity, the overall melody stays within a narrow vocal range.

There are few long notes and no sudden jumps in pitch, making it a perfect choice for teenage boys whose voices may still be unstable.

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Ryo

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