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

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION1rank/position

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite (2016 ver.)”

One of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s signature songs, it was also the theme song for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist, which most people of this generation likely watched—so many of you probably know it.

The basic melody sits in a low key, making it especially recommended for men.

And in the song’s biggest highlight—the chorus—don’t be shy: belt it out.

You’re sure to get the crowd going regardless of your singing skill.

Perfect for those who say, “I’m not great at singing, so I can’t handle gentle, tender songs.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

A life-sized love songAqua Timez2rank/position

Aqua Timez “Life-Size Love Song” Music Video

The straightforward, real-life lyrics hit home no matter when you listen! “Tōshin-dai no Love Song” (A Life-Sized Love Song) is a track from Aqua Timez’s debut mini-album, “Sora Ippai ni Kanaderu Inori.” It’s incredibly famous as a love song, so it’s surprising it was never released as a single, right? The buzz around this track led the album—despite being released during their indie days—to become a huge hit, selling 800,000 copies.

The lyrics say, “It’s embarrassing to say these words directly, so I’ll put them into a song,” and it’s true—expressions of love this straightforward aren’t easy to use in everyday life, are they?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN3rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature song “Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing).

Watching this music video reminds me of how I used to look up at the sky over and over with the telescope we had at home, almost every night.

Even though it’s a song from the very beginning of the 21st century, it’s a timeless classic!

~asterisk~ORANGE RANGE4rank/position

ORANGE RANGE – *Asterisk*

ORANGE RANGE is a five-member mix-genre band that gained popularity with party songs featuring three vocalists with different vocal ranges.

Their ninth single, “*~Asterisk~,” was used as the opening theme for the TV anime BLEACH and became a major hit rock tune.

If you’re in your twenties—the generation that likely watched the anime—the story may overlap with your memories and make your heart race.

Its driving, fast-paced melody lifts your spirits—an uptempo crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for firing up karaoke sessions with friends of the same generation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

CHE.R.RYYUI5rank/position

YUI　『CHE.R.RY-short ver.-』

The song I’d recommend for a scene where people in their twenties reminisce about their youth is “CHE.R.RY.” It was released in 2007 by the singer-songwriter YUI and is known as one of her signature tracks.

Some listeners may feel nostalgic about the au by KDDI “LISMO!” commercial it featured in.

The song portrays a cute crush—liking someone but not quite being able to take that first step—and evokes the sweet-and-sour feeling of youthful days.

Its lively sound features bright synth tones.

Why not give it a listen as you look back on the romances of that time?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa6rank/position

Road of Major / Kokoro-e

This is one of the signature songs by Road of Major, a band that started from a TV show concept.

It was also used as the opening theme for the anime Major and is beloved as an anime song that evokes the world of sports.

With its straightforward band sound and refreshing sense of speed, it conveys the youthful momentum of dashing under a clear blue sky.

The lyrics powerfully portray striving toward one’s dreams, making it a track packed with youthful spirit.

It’s a song you’ll want to perform with strength and sincerity so that its message of youth comes through loud and clear.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Starlight ParadeSEKAI NO OWARI7rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Starlight Parade” Music Video

This song, which makes you feel as if the space before you lights up and fills you with brightness, is SEKAI NO OWARI’s second major-label single, released in 2011.

Its sound conveys the warmth and splendor that perfectly match the title “Starlight Parade,” and you can’t help but feel excited, right? The lyrics capture not only the sparkle of Christmas but also a hint of bittersweet romance.

Although the song has a high vocal range and is quite challenging, try singing it while imagining vocalist Fukase’s sweet voice!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem