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

Sūdara-bushiUeki Hitoshi71rank/position

Sudarabushi / Hitoshi Ueki (COVER)

This song was sung by Hitoshi Ueki of the Crazy Cats.

It became hugely popular in the early Showa era.

Originally, Ueki reportedly got furious, saying, “How could I sing such a silly song?” But his father, a temple priest, told him that the song contained teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, and after that he felt inclined to sing it.

Voice of the Seaurashima tarou72rank/position

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]

Released in 2015, this song was used in an au commercial, so many of you have probably heard it.

The singer is Urashima Taro, played by actor Kenta Kiritani.

It’s a well-known and popular track, and a karaoke staple! Besides the fact that everyone knows the lyrics and can sing along, it’s also highly recommended because it’s easy to sing: it has a relaxed tempo and is composed in a vocal range that’s comfortable for the average male voice.

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Hane Keisuke

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My BooShimizu Shota73rank/position

Shota Shimizu 'My Boo' Short Ver.

It’s a song by singer-songwriter Shota Shimizu.

It was released in 2016.

You can really feel the affection from the lyrics.

The melody and overall vibe are cool and great.

Any girl would be happy if her boyfriend sang this to her.

SyrupShimizu Shota74rank/position

Shota Shimizu “Syrup” MV

Shota Shimizu’s new song “Syrup.” Shimizu is known for his music that prominently incorporates authentic R&B, and while this track retains those elements, it’s shaped into a lighter, more modern R&B style.

He isn’t necessarily a low-voiced artist, but since most of this song sits in the mid-to-low range, it should really showcase the appeal of male singers with lower voices.

It’s also recommended to intentionally lower the key to emphasize the low end even more.

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Ryo

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A melody instead of a bouquetShimizu Shota75rank/position

Shota Shimizu 'A Melody Instead of a Bouquet' MV (Full Size)

A love song written from a male perspective that’s also popular at weddings is Shota Shimizu’s “Hanataba no Kawari ni Melody wo” (“A Melody Instead of a Bouquet”).

Released as a single in 2015, it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Designer Baby – Detective Hayami’s Tough Case Before Maternity Leave.” It’s a ballad that begins with piano accompaniment and vocals, and Shimizu’s sweet voice is just wonderful.

It’s the perfect song to play for a woman, so if there’s someone you’re interested in among the group when you go to karaoke together, definitely give it a try!

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Hamada Takuya

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Open the doorKanda Sayaka76rank/position

Sayaka Kanda × Eisuke Tsuda / Love Is an Open Door (Frozen) FNS Music Festival Summer 2014 YouTube

It was used as an insert song in the Disney movie Frozen.

The melody line, starting with the bass in the intro, is so catchy it makes you feel excited.

It may seem difficult, but once you try singing it, it’s easier than you’d expect—so sing it while fully acting out the roles with your friends and acquaintances!

SquallFukuyama Masaharu77rank/position

Squall (Sukōru) – Masaharu Fukuyama [with lyrics]

It was originally a song that Masaharu Fukuyama wrote for Eiko Matsumoto in 1998, and the following year he self-covered it as the B-side to “HEAVEN.” It’s a love song from a woman’s perspective, but it suits Fukuyama perfectly when he sings it—very sensual, too.

The piano backing is really beautiful.