Recommended Japanese Music Artists and Popular Song Rankings for Men in Their 20s [2026]

MUSIC VIDEOOkazaki Taiiku64rank/position

Okazaki Taiiku 'MUSIC VIDEO' Music Video

A single packed with classic tropes from various Japanese bands’ music videos.

This track isn’t just fun to listen to—it’s even more enjoyable to watch.

Okazaki Taiiku himself is a born-and-bred Kansai native and a hilarious character.

His appearance on Music Station was also shocking.

Pixels of EmotionOkazaki Taiiku65rank/position

Okazaki Taiiku “Pixel of Emotions” Music Video

When you think of Okazaki Taiiku, you think of “Music Video,” but I decided to pick this one on purpose.

The intro is so cool that I started thinking, “Huh? Is this a serious one? Maybe he even throws in a bit of English,” and then the chorus hits, and I’m like, yep—he never lets you down.

I wonder what kind of face that girl would make if I sank a long shot.Okamura Yasuyuki66rank/position

Yasuyuki Okamura: I wonder what kind of face that girl would make if I scored a long shot.

This is a youthful love song by the prodigy Yasuyuki Okamura, released in 1990 as his 13th single.

The very long title is striking, and the song imagines how, if only things were different, he could look cooler in front of that girl.

When you think about what lies behind the lyrics, it evokes a strangely poignant feeling—it’s a song that can move you to tears.

CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LAKageyama Hironobu67rank/position

Hironobu Kageyama – CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA .Live.mp4

It’s the opening theme from the anime Dragon Ball Z—something almost everyone in their 30s has probably heard.

It’s a blast whether you sing it solo or with a group, and that chorus feels absolutely amazing.

You’ll find yourself humming it even without a mic.

Let’s reminisce about our Dragon Ball memories together.

Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken68rank/position

PV Ken Matsudaira - Matsuken Samba II

More than ten years have passed since it was produced, and as it aired in TV commercials and on period drama channels, its popularity gradually surged with people asking, “What is that song?!” It’s the very epitome of a dazzling, showy piece.

Watching it gets you hyped up, and it makes you wonder what kind of festival it is.

A million years of happiness!!Kuwata Keisuke69rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – 1,000,000 Years of Happiness!! (Short ver.)

This is the song used as the opening theme for the anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

It’s an uptempo track, but with the theme of “a million years of happiness,” it’s a wonderful song that really makes you think about what happiness is.

The beautiful melody matches the gentle vocals perfectly—I highly recommend it!

End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro70rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Natsuno Owari

A song with a gentle melody that evokes the end of summer and lyrics that resonate deep in the heart.

Released in August 2003, this track was also used as the ending theme for Asahi Broadcasting/TV Asahi’s “Nettou Koshien,” and it became a piece that connected with many listeners.

Its melody line, imbued with a sense of traditional Japanese flavor, is sure to make you hum along after just one listen.

It’s one of those songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke.

The song’s charm shines even more when the singer cherishes their emotions.

Why not captivate the room on the karaoke stage by making full use of your expressiveness? It’s especially recommended for those with strong vocal skills.