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

backlightSakamoto Maaya64rank/position

Maaya Sakamoto “Backlight” Music Video (Short ver.)

The strings create a dreamy atmosphere.

It’s sung by Maaya Sakamoto, who is also popular as a voice actress, film actress, and radio personality.

Released in 2018 as her 29th single, it was chosen as the theme song for the smartphone game Fate/Grand Order – Cosmos in the Lostbelt.

Recommended for men who enjoy games and anime.

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Araki Jakkan

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cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai65rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

A pop song overflowing with the joy and happiness of love.

It portrays the everyday life of a couple in their second year of dating and sings about the importance of smiles and bonds.

Like the fruit that inspired its title, the song compellingly conveys the pair’s intimacy.

Released in December 2003, it was chosen as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV.

It also achieved numerous accolades, including winning the Best New Artist Award at the 46th Japan Record Awards in 2004.

With its bright, catchy melody and relatable lyrics, it’s perfect for people in their twenties who want to get the crowd going at karaoke.

Combined with Ai Otsuka’s clear, translucent vocals, it’s a track that leaves you feeling pleasantly uplifted.

SunnyYasuda Rei66rank/position

Rei Yasuda “Sunny” Music Video (Fuji TV Tuesday 9 pm drama “An Inherently Human, Minimal Life” opening theme)

It’s the theme song for the drama “An Encouragement of Climb: A Healthy and Cultural Minimum Standard of Living.” It’s sung by Rei Yasuda, a U.S.-born singer who is also active as a fashion model.

It was released as a single in 2018.

Her gentle vocals slip softly into your heart.

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Araki Jakkan

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Your SongYasuda Rei67rank/position

Rei Yasuda 'Kimi no Uta' Video Clip – TV Anime 'Natsume's Book of Friends Roku' Ending Theme

It starts off with a drama-like atmosphere, then the quiet first verse comes in.

It flows into the pre-chorus and smoothly reaches the chorus.

It’s sung by a female vocalist, but the lyrics resonate with men as well, and even when you’re tired, it gives you a little boost.

It’s the kind of song you want to listen to when you’re in that mood, time and again.

Serenade of the Ginkgo AvenueOzawa Kenji68rank/position

Kenji Ozawa - Ginkgo Avenue Serenade (Live at Budokan)

A sweet and bittersweet love song about a farewell along a ginkgo-lined avenue.

Although it was the B-side to Kenji Ozawa’s single “I Can’t Say Goodbye,” it’s a masterpiece that surpasses the A-side.

Ozaken’s delicate singing style conveys the song’s sense of heartbreak even more deeply.

One more time, One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi69rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

This is Masayoshi Yamazaki’s fourth single, released in 1997.

It’s a true tear-jerking classic, with both the melody and the lyrics.

The melody loosens your tear ducts right from the intro, and the sound of the acoustic guitar cuts straight through.

It was also used as the theme song for the film Moon and Cabbage, starring Masayoshi Yamazaki himself.

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utatane

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MUSIC VIDEOOkazaki Taiiku70rank/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.