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

meteorKobukuro36rank/position

Kobukuro – Ryūsei (Meteor)

Kobukuro, a male duo with overwhelming popularity and a staple in the J-POP scene.

Their songs are also big hits at karaoke, with many go-to tracks that are often sung! Among them, Ryuusei was chosen as the theme song for the 2009 drama Nagareboshi, so many people who watched the show back then will likely recognize it.

The chorus has a beautiful, memorable melody, and if you sing this song earnestly, it’s sure to touch the hearts of the women listening.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon37rank/position

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

Released in 2015, this Sakanction track was created as the theme song for the film “Bakuman.” From the very first bars, a captivating guitar riff rings out, evoking an invitation to adventure.

The sound blends pop with alternative elements, gripping listeners and not letting go.

The lyrics are infused with the courage to move forward toward someone important or a meaningful promise, delivering a message that’s perfect for men in their twenties.

Sing it powerfully at karaoke and you’re sure to electrify the atmosphere.

Why not choose this song to create lasting memories with friends or a partner?

Future is YoursSambomasutā38rank/position

Sambomaster / Future is Yours MUSIC VIDEO

This is Sambomaster’s 23rd single overall, released in August 2023.

It was chosen as the theme song for the Toho-distributed animated film “SHIN Jigen! Crayon Shin-chan THE MOVIE: Super-Powered Great Battle ~Fly, Fly, Hand-Rolled Sushi~.” It’s an upbeat, lively pop-rock song that just makes you feel happy when you listen to it! The vocal melody is very simple and the vocal range used isn’t very wide, so I can confidently recommend it as a very easy song for anyone to sing! Ride the uptempo beat and have fun belting it out!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

Love songSambomasutā39rank/position

Sambomaster Love Song Live

Many men in Japan have probably shed tears over this song after a breakup.

It’s a classic breakup song and also one of the greats.

A tear-jerking ballad with lyrics that pierce the heart, it’s highly recommended for men who’ve gone through heartbreak.

The world calls it love.Sambomasutā40rank/position

The world calls it love. (Theme song of the Japanese drama 'Densha Otoko' with Chinese subtitles)

This is a song that could be called a signature track of Sambomaster, a three-piece band whose sound and vocals both convey a burning passion.

It’s a unique piece that not only expresses a form of love directed at a specific person, but also paints a broader message of love and peace to the world.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā41rank/position

Sambomaster / Starting to Shine and Run - MUSIC VIDEO

Their straightforward words are always encouraging, aren’t they? It’s an inspiring support song by the three-piece rock band Sambomaster.

It was released as a single in 2018.

Perhaps there’s something you can feel precisely because you’re a man.

It’s the theme song for the drama “Cheer☆Dan.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

single bedSha ran Q42rank/position

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

The song “Single Bed,” renowned as one of the great ballads of the Heisei era, is also a signature work of Sharam Q and is still frequently sung at karaoke today.

Its range spans mid1 C# to mid2 G#, so it’s not extremely low, but because the more energetic phrases can be delivered with a rich lower–mid register, it’s a piece that lets men with lower voices showcase their appeal.

Using the hiccup vocal technique further enhances a masculine quality, so give it a try for reference.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem