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

yes. I. doElefanto Kashimashi29rank/position

Elephant Kashimashi 'yes. I. do' Music Video

Elephant Kashimashi is a band that has enjoyed long-lasting popularity thanks to its powerful vocals and passionate messages.

Lately, perhaps due to a revival boom, they’ve been gaining support from younger generations as well.

Their new song “yes.

I.

do” reflects that momentum.

When you think of Elephant Kashimashi, you often picture striking long notes and strong vocal projection, but this track settles into a moodier, downbeat vibe reminiscent of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” I think even those who struggle with breath control can sing it, so give it a try.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

LIFEkimaguren30rank/position

Kimaguren – LIFE

This work, with its exhilarating sound and catchy melody, immediately brings to mind the summer seaside.

Released in July 2008, the track reached No.

14 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit, surpassing one million downloads in digital distribution.

It was featured as a TV program theme song and in commercials, and it’s even used as the station jingle on the Keikyū Zushi Line.

It’s a perfect pick for men in their 20s who want to liven up a karaoke session.

Since it contains lots of English phrases, it might take a bit of practice, but it’s a song everyone can enjoy while clapping along—so give it a try!

subculture girlKyūso Nekokami31rank/position

Kyuso Nekokami - “Subculture Girl” PV

A band formed at Kwansei Gakuin University.

Yamazaki Seiya, who writes the lyrics and handles vocals, has many songs about things that made him angry in everyday life or topics everyone has thought about at least once.

“Subculture Girl” is one of them—it’s a song about how you’ll always spot at least one girl, whether among friends or out in the city, with a bob haircut and non-prescription glasses.

The idea that people want to be popular without making any effort to become populargurūpu damashii32rank/position

Group Tamashii: The Theory of Wanting to Be Popular Without Making Any Effort

A comedy rock band with actor Sadao Abe as the vocalist.

The lyrics are exactly what the title says.

They sing about every desire under the sun—wanting to be popular without making any effort, wanting to kiss, and so on.

If you put in a little effort, you should definitely become popular, but that’s not how it is at all! In that case, no effort! They go all in on that stance.

the red threadKobukuro33rank/position

Kobukuro “Red Thread”

“Akai Ito” is a track from Kobukuro’s indie days, included on their 2000 independent album “Root of my mind.” It’s characterized by its crystal-clear vocals and the duo’s intertwined harmonies.

The song has a relaxed feel, so you can sing it without worrying about the tempo.

However, if high keys are challenging for you, lowering the key by about two semitones makes it easier to sing and is recommended.

In 2008, Yui Aragaki—who appears in the music video—covered the song, so women should definitely give it a try too!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

romantic feelingsKobukuro34rank/position

Kobukuro – Koigokoro (Love Heart / Feelings of Love)

Kobukuro is very popular at karaoke.

This song is unusual for Kobukuro in that it was written by Kuroda, and it’s also a fan favorite.

It portrays the feelings of a man struggling with unrequited love, so men in their twenties are sure to relate.

The tempo is slow, making it easy to sing.

Together foreverKobukuro35rank/position

Kobukuro - Together for Eternity

This is a highly recommended, moving song for weddings.

Both the lyrics and the melody really tug at the heart, and the harmony woven by the two voices is truly beautiful.

It’s a popular tear-jerking ballad, so be sure to listen to it while thinking of someone special.