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

Spot the differenceSuda Masaki1rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

A life spent feeling like a mistake begins to find meaning through a meeting with someone precious.

Imbued with such a bittersweet yet warm message, this work is a gemlike ballad created by two extraordinarily talented artists, Masaki Suda and Kenshi Yonezu.

Kenshi Yonezu wrote and composed the song especially for Suda, pursuing a piece that could only be expressed through his voice.

Released digitally in May 2019, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” and is included on the album “LOVE.” When you are suffering from self-denial or inferiority, or when you are lost in life’s choices, this song will surely stay close to your heart.

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki2rank/position

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

When it comes to the most popular actor among Gen Z, wouldn’t Masaki Suda be the top pick? He’s also thriving as an artist and has dropped several hit tunes.

Among his many standout songs, the one I especially recommend for teenage boys is Sayonara Elegy.

This track features a style that combines folk and rock, reminiscent of Kazuyoshi Saito.

While it has intensity, the overall melody stays within a narrow vocal range.

There are few long notes and no sudden jumps in pitch, making it a perfect choice for teenage boys whose voices may still be unstable.

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Ryo

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rainbowSuda Masaki3rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Niji' (Rainbow)

Released in November 2020 by Masaki Suda, who is also active as an actor, this song drew attention as the theme for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2.

It features a gentle melody and warm lyrics filled with feelings for someone special.

On Billboard Japan, it reached No.

2 in downloads and No.

18 in streaming.

In March 2021, it achieved the remarkable milestone of surpassing 100 million total streams.

It’s a perfect pick for men in their 20s to sing at karaoke with friends or a partner.

Try singing its heartwarming, message-filled lyrics to someone important to you.

Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu4rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Let’s Become a Family (Full ver.)

“Let’s Become a Family,” a perennial wedding favorite, is also highly popular.

Released in 2011 as a double A-side single alongside “fighting pose,” the song drew further attention when it was featured in a commercial for the wedding magazine Zexy.

Although there are a few parts—such as the chorus and the ending—where the key goes a bit higher, it’s fundamentally a song in which men with lower voices can really showcase their vocal appeal.

With its gentle, unhurried tempo and flowing melody, it’s easy on the ears, helps you get into the song, and is exceptionally easy to sing.

Try it at karaoke, or practice it and sing it at a friend’s wedding.

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SAKI

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Rhyme Wave Phrase DisciplesCHEHON5rank/position

CHEHON – Inpakutto / THE FIRST TAKE

Osaka reggae anthem “Inbakuto.” I think it’s rare for people who were in their 20s to have enjoyed it in real time when it was released, but there are probably many who discovered it through CHEHON’s participation in MC battles.

Although the track is structured with few break points, its vocal range is narrow, so as long as you memorize the lyrics and flow, you should be able to sing it without any issues.

It’s a sure-fire hit for guys’ karaoke, so definitely add it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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I like you.Shimizu Shota6rank/position

Shota Shimizu - I Love You

Singer-songwriter Shota Shimizu, who captivates fans with tracks infused with influences from Black music and powerful vocals that even handle rap, delivers exactly that.

His 5th single, “Kimi ga Suki” (“I Love You”), is a love song that expresses the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love, just as the title suggests.

If you can sing it sweetly and soulfully like the original, you’re sure to catch the attention of any woman you go to karaoke with.

If the person you’re interested in is there with you, this is a number you should definitely sing to them with all your heart.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro7rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

A massive hit by Naotaro Moriyama, an artist admired across genders for his overwhelming vocal power and delicate vibrato that draws listeners into the world of his music.

The song captures the emotions of parting from friends at graduation, and its slow tempo makes it an easy ballad for anyone to match the pitch.