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

Pixels of EmotionOkazaki Taiiku71rank/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 Yasuyuki72rank/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 Hironobu73rank/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.

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi74rank/position

Letter to Tomorrow – Aoi Teshima (Full) Theme song for the getsu9 drama “Someday I Will Surely Cry When I Remember This Love” cover

I think this song is crafted so that from the piano intro and the first verse, it already feels like the chorus is coming.

The piano and melody feel solid.

It’s arranged with a band sound.

I think it’s best when you listen to it again.

BANZAIKimura Kaera75rank/position

Kaela Kimura “BANZAI” [short ver.]

The lyrics use many positive expressions, and just listening to them makes me feel energized.

They remind me that my potential is limitless and that I can do anything.

It feels like I’m being told the future is bright, and my heart feels lighter.

Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken76rank/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.

Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke77rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfin' Johnny (Short ver.)

Just hearing that light, tinkling piano intro instantly brings back memories of those summers… It’s a Heisei-era masterpiece that colored the early 2000s! No explanation needed: “Naminori Johnny,” the smash hit released in 2001 under the solo name of Keisuke Kuwata, vocalist of Southern All Stars, is a karaoke staple and has been sung across generations.

With Kuwata’s signature style in full bloom and a wide vocal range, the melody darts busily between low and high notes, which might feel surprisingly challenging when you actually try to sing it.

At the same time, it’s so catchy you can memorize it right away just by listening.

If you sing it with clear contrast—keeping the soaring parts and the rhythmic parts in mind—you can aim for a high score at karaoke!

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