Popular Japanese songs among men in their 20s. Recommended masterpieces and classic tracks.

Team friendsYuki Chiba

Yūki Chiba – Team Tomodachi (Official Music Video)

The release Team Tomodachi sent shockwaves through the hip-hop scene.

It’s an essential work when discussing Japan’s J-trap movement—hugely popular in Japan and it sparked major hype overseas as well.

People in their 20s are the generation that lived through the peak of the MC battle boom.

A lot of them probably became heads from there and were quick to check out this project.

As a trap track, it’s put together with an especially singable flow, so be sure to rap it with your my men!

MONSTER DANCEKEYTALK

KEYTALK/「MONSTER DANCE」MUSIC VIDEO

This is a song by the Tokyo-based rock band KEYTALK.

It was released in 2014 as their third single.

It’s an incredibly uplifting, high-energy track.

Highly recommended especially for men who like four-on-the-floor dance rock.

You're no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "You’re Not Here Anymore"

This is a gem of a ballad that sings of the sweet, aching pain of heartbreak.

The farewell scene on the station platform and the memories the two shared are delicately portrayed and delivered with a melody that pierces the heart.

Among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ works, it stands out for its rich emotional expression.

Released in October 2007, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Otona no Shikaku,” earning broad support across generations.

The song is also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 2,” and has been covered by Mariko Takahashi.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays by your side when you sense the end of a romance or go through a farewell with someone dear.

Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Unrequited Love” MV

SUPER BEAVER is a four-piece rock band that has been active since the 2000s—a renowned name any Japanese rock fan will know.

Recently, with the release of their new song “Kataomoi” (Unrequited Love), they’ve once again drawn national attention.

This track, which sparked their renewed breakout, features an emotional melody that blends orthodox J-pop with a touch of rock.

The vocals sit mostly in the low-to-mid range throughout, but near the end of the chorus there’s a high, belted shout delivered in chest voice.

Aside from that section, it’s very singable overall, so if you’re good at shouting, consider adding it to your repertoire.

180°mountain monkey

180°

A heart-wrenching love ballad by Yamasaru that tugs at the listener’s heartstrings.

Its words quietly resonate, asking what true kindness really is.

Released in February 2016, it stands out as a memorable piece in his musical career.

The song portrays the conflict of a love that must end and the delicate feelings of not wanting to hurt the other person, showcasing Yamasaru’s refined sensitivity and expressive power.

The warm tone of the acoustic guitar and his unique blend of rap and singing deepen the story’s impact.

It is a heartwarming ballad that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or a farewell to someone dear.

LOSERKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – LOSER

A vivid portrayal of the feelings of young people struggling with self-loathing and how to face society, this is one of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature works.

While self-deprecatingly accepting the label “loser,” the protagonist’s determination to rise from that state is deeply moving.

Released as a double A-side single in September 2016 and later included on the 2017 album BOOTLEG, the song also drew attention for its music video, in which Yonezu himself tried dancing for the first time.

In 2018, it was featured in a Honda JADE car commercial, earning widespread support across diverse audiences.

It’s a track not only for those who want to look back on their youth, but also for anyone who feels they haven’t found their place or who harbors anxiety about the future.

After-school[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – After School (MV)

[Alexandros] is a rock band known for a wide range of sounds—from classic rock to alternative and emo.

They’ve been active since the 2000s, but their momentum has only grown in the 2020s.

Among their songs, the one I particularly recommend is Afterschool.

It’s a British-style alternative rock track with a consistently gentle vocal line throughout.

While it features many long tones, the vocal range is quite narrow, making it easier to track the pitch accurately—another reason it’s a strong candidate for a high score.