10 Recommended Artists for J-POP Beginners
If you’re new to J-POP, it’s much better to explore the distinct styles of different artists rather than just listening to a single famous song and calling it a day. This article compiles a list of 10 J-POP artists who are great for beginners—they’re easy to get into, have well-known hits, and are relatively accessible to Korean listeners.
If you first discovered these artists through anime theme songs, are looking for emotional Japanese bands, or are curious about artists who are frequently appearing on Japanese charts these days, I recommend listening to them in the order listed below. I’ve organized this list so you can focus on the sound, vocals, rhythm, and atmosphere before delving into the lyrics.
Hanip Summary
| Where to Start | Artists to Check Out First | Why We Recommend Them |
|---|---|---|
| Current J-POP Trends | YOASOBI, Ado, Vaundy | You can really feel the sensibilities of the online generation, anime tie-ins, and catchy choruses. |
| Emotional singer-songwriters | Kaze Fujii (藤井 風), Kenshi Yonezu (米津玄師) | The melodies and vocal delivery are excellent, making it a great way to experience the wide spectrum of J-POP. |
| Band Sounds | King Gnu, Mrs. GREEN APPLE, Official Hige Dandism, RADWIMPS | A great playlist for listening to a variety of genres, from rock and pop to ballads and film scores. |
| Introduction to Anime Songs | LiSA, Ado, Kenshi Yonezu | Many of these songs are already familiar from anime, making it easy to get started. |
Recommendation Criteria
This list isn’t just a compilation of popular artists. We selected them based on whether someone new to J-POP could easily get a feel for the genre—thinking, “So this is what it’s like”—whether their representative songs are easy to find on official YouTube channels and music streaming platforms, and whether their unique style is immediately apparent after listening to just one or two songs.
Also, rather than focusing on artists with overly niche appeal, I prioritized groups whose music would make it easy to branch out into similar genres later on. For example, if you like YOASOBI, you can naturally move on to Vocaloid-based pop or anime theme songs, and if you like RADWIMPS, you can naturally move on to Japanese bands and film scores.
Points that beginners often find confusing
- J-POP is less a specific genre and more of a broad term used to refer to Japanese popular music as a whole.
- Even songs that are famous as anime songs actually span a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, ballads, and electronic music.
- At first, it’s less overwhelming to focus on the melody, vocal tone, and the richness of the arrangement rather than trying to interpret the lyrics.
- The official YouTube channel features a mix of music videos and live performances, while Spotify is organized primarily around official tracks.
10 J-POP Artists
1. YOASOBI
YOASOBI is the best group to recommend to those new to J-POP. With their distinctive clear melodies, catchy choruses, and story-driven song structures, you can immediately get a feel for the atmosphere of their songs even on first listen.
- Recommended Songs for Beginners: "Idol," "Running Through the Night," "Monster," "Ultramarine"
- Highlights: The way ikura’s clear vocals are layered over bright synth sounds and a tight rhythm is impressive.
- Recommended for: Fans of anime theme songs, fast-paced storytelling, and vibrant pop sounds
At first, we’ll start with a song that’s great for beginners, like “Running Through the Night” (夜に駆ける), and
After that, whenever I listen to “Guncheong” or “Idol,” I can feel YOASOBI’s unique emotional tone even more clearly.
2. Ado
Ado is a vocalist who leaves a strong impression with her voice alone. With her raw, explosive delivery, theatrical vocal style, and distinct characterization that changes with each song, she really makes you realize just how powerful Japanese vocal music can be.
- Recommended Songs for Beginners: "It's Noisy" (うっせぇわ), "Show" (唱), "Dance" (踊), "New Era" (新時代)
- Highlights: Whispers, screams, and rap-like delivery shift rapidly within a single song.
- Recommended for: Fans of powerful vocals, dark atmospheres, and anime film soundtracks
Ado's songs vary greatly in mood. Rather than listening to all of them at once from the beginning,
It’s less stressful if you start by listening to a popular song like “New Era” and get energized by “It’s So Loud (Ussseewa)” before moving on.
3. Kaze Fujii (藤井 風)
Kaze Fujii (藤井 風) is a singer-songwriter who effortlessly blends piano-driven ballads with R&B, jazz, and pop. Even without overdoing it, his songs sound sophisticated, and his relaxed vocal delivery is a major part of his appeal.
- Recommended Songs for Beginners: "I'd Rather Die" (死ぬのがいいわ), "What's Up? lol" (何なんw), "Matsuri" (まつり), "Garden" (Garden)
- Highlights: Piano chords, a groove, and a smooth vocal tone form the core of the song.
- Recommended for: People looking for emotional pop, R&B, and music perfect for listening to at night
When listening through the Fujii Kaze earphones, you can really sense the spatial separation between the vocals and the instruments.
It’s best to listen to it at a moderate volume rather than at a very high volume.
4. Kenshi Yonezu
Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter I highly recommend to anyone new to J-POP. His music combines the sensibilities he developed through the Vocaloid culture with catchy melodies, making each song both unique and easy to remember.
- Recommended Songs for Beginners: "Lemon," "KICK BACK," "Peace Sign," "Eine Kleine"
- Highlights: Many of the songs feature melodies with unexpected twists, but the choruses leave a strong impression.
- Recommended for: Fans of anime songs, drama soundtracks, and unique melodies
Start by listening to the emotional side of "Lemon," and then,
When you listen to the energetic side of "KICK BACK," you can really see the breadth of Kenshi Yonezu's talent.
5. Vaundy
Vaundy is an artist who moves freely between pop, rock, punk, and R&B. Although the style of each song is different, his distinctive vocal texture and sense of melody ensure that even new listeners won’t get bored.
- Recommended Songs for Beginners: "The Monster's Flower Song" (怪獣の花唄), "Tokyo Flash" (東京フラッシュ), "The Dancing Child" (踊り子), "The Power of Misfortune" (不可幸力)
- Highlights: The guitar riffs, sense of rhythm, and power of the vocals come through in different ways in each song
- Recommended for: People who enjoy music that blends genres, trendy band pop, and music for driving
With Vaundy, it’s more fun to listen to his music by asking, “What kind of vibe does this song have?” rather than “What genre is this artist?”
6. King Gnu
King Gnu is a band that blends J-POP, rock, R&B, and alternative sounds. Their songs are densely layered, and the vocals often overlap in a rich, full-bodied way, so while their music might seem intense at first, once you get hooked, you’ll find yourself listening to them for hours on end.
- Recommended Songs for Beginners: "Baekil" (白日), SPECIALZ, "Il-do" (一途), "Yeokmong" (逆夢)
- Highlights: The song features both delicate high-pitched vocals and a powerful band sound
- Recommended for: People who enjoy sophisticated band sounds, a dark atmosphere, and powerful arrangements
"Baekil" showcases King Gnu's emotional side, while "SPECIALZ" highlights their powerful and edgy side. Listening to both songs together gives you a quick sense of the band's range.
7. Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs. GREEN APPLE is a band that offers a wide range of music, from bright and refreshing tracks to grand ballads. With their approachable melodies and vocals that build to a satisfying climax, they’re a great choice for those new to J-POP.
- Recommended Songs for Beginners: Lilac (ライラック), Blue and Summer (青と夏), Inferno (インフェルノ), Song of Pointillism (点描の唄)
- Highlights: The bright chord progression, powerful vocals, and youthful, movie-like atmosphere really come through.
- Recommended for: People looking for refreshing band pop, high-pitched vocals, and upbeat Japanese music
To start, I recommend refreshing songs like “Lilac” (ライラック) or “Blue and Summer” (青と夏). After that, if you listen to “Song of Pointillism” (点描の唄), you can also experience its emotional depth.
8. Official Hige Dandism
Official Hige Dandism is one of the Japanese bands that Korean listeners find relatively easy to listen to. With its piano-driven pop rock, smooth melodies, and steady vocals, it’s easy to get into even on first listen.
- Recommended Songs for Beginners: Pretender, I LOVE…, Mixed Nuts, Subtitle
- Highlights: Band instrumentation, brass, and piano blend seamlessly with pop-style melodies.
- Recommended for: Fans of emotional band pop, drama OST vibes, and smooth high notes
"Pretender" is a very safe choice for a first listen. Once you listen to "Mixed Nuts" afterward, you'll immediately realize that this band isn't just a ballad band.
9. LiSA
LiSA is a familiar name to anyone who has been introduced to J-POP through anime theme songs. She is known for her powerful rock vocals and crisp high notes, and her songs have a clear structure that allows even first-time listeners to immediately feel their energy.
- Recommended Songs for Beginners: "Hongryeonhwa" (紅蓮華), "Flame" (炎), "Crossing Field," "ADAMAS"
- Highlights: The guitar-driven rock sound and clear vocals propel the song forward.
- Recommended for: Fans of anime songs, female rock vocalists, and catchy choruses
LiSA has many songs that are great to listen to while working out or on the go. However, since the high notes can be quite intense, it’s best not to turn the volume up too high when listening with earbuds.
10. RADWIMPS
RADWIMPS is a band that offers a great way to appreciate both Japanese rock music and film scores. Many people have discovered them through the works of director Makoto Shinkai, and their band sound and lyrical melodies blend seamlessly.
- Recommended Songs for Beginners: "Jeon Jeon Jeon Se" (前前前世), "Sparkle," "Nothing at All" (なんでもないや), "Suzume"
- Highlights: The melody, which evokes scenes from a movie, blends perfectly with the band's emotional expression.
- Recommended for: Fans of movie soundtracks, Japanese bands, and melodic rock music
With RADWIMPS, it's better to listen to their movie soundtracks and studio albums separately rather than just listening to a single song.
Once you start with OSTs and then move on to traditional band songs, you'll find that the musical spectrum broadens.
Recommended order for first-time listeners
You don’t need to dive deep into all 10 groups right from the start. If you’re new to J-POP, just listening to two or three songs from each group in the order below will help you figure out your preferences pretty quickly.
- Let's Start Light: YOASOBI – "Idol," "Running Through the Night"
- Powerful Vocals: Ado – “Show,” “It’s Too Loud”
- Emotional Pop: Kaze Fujii (藤井 風) – What's Up? lol (何なんw), Garden
- Singer-Songwriter Sensibility: Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon, KICK BACK
- Getting Started with Bands: Official Hige Dandism – “Pretender,” Mrs. GREEN APPLE – “Lilac (ライラック)”
- A Little More Intense: King Gnu – "White Day," RADWIMPS – "Sparkle"
If you like upbeat, fast-paced songs, I recommend starting with YOASOBI, Mrs. GREEN APPLE, and Vaundy. If you're looking for music with distinctive vocal styles, Ado, LiSA, and King Gnu might be a good fit.
Listening Environment and EQ Tips
Many J-POP songs feature vocals, high-pitched instruments, and intricate arrangements. Therefore, if you listen to them with earphones that overemphasize the bass, the vocals may be pushed into the background, or the sound of the cymbals may come across as harsh.
If you're new to this, earphones or headphones with a flat sound profile or clear vocals are a safe bet. If you're using an EQ program like FxSound, it's safer to make only very slight adjustments to the vocal presence in the 2 kHz–4 kHz range and the airiness in the 8 kHz–16 kHz range, rather than boosting the bass significantly.
- YOASOBI, Ado: Since their music features high notes and strong vocals, it’s best not to boost frequencies above 8 kHz too much.
- Kaze Fujii, Official Hige Dandism: Since the mix is centered around vocals and piano, it sounds more natural not to cut the 500 Hz to 1 kHz range too much.
- King Gnu, RADWIMPS: If the band's sound is too thick, the 125 Hz to 250 Hz range may sound muffled.
- LiSA, Mrs. GREEN APPLE: While high-pitched vocals sound crisp, turning up the volume too high can be tiring, so a moderate volume is best.
EQ isn't about finding the "right" answer; it's more about adjusting the sound to your personal preference. Since the same song can sound different depending on your earphones, speakers, and volume, I recommend starting with the default settings and then gradually adjusting only the frequency ranges that sound off.
Official YouTube and Spotify Links
The links below provide access to the content via official channels and legitimate music streaming platforms. Depending on your country, account, and platform policies, some videos or songs may appear differently.
| Artist | Official YouTube Channel | Spotify |
|---|---|---|
| YOASOBI | Official YouTube Channel | Spotify |
| Ado | Official YouTube Channel | Spotify |
| Kaze Fujii (藤井 風) | Official YouTube Channel | Spotify |
| Kenshi Yonezu (米津玄師) | Official YouTube Channel | Spotify |
| Vaundy | Official YouTube Channel | Spotify |
| King Gnu | Official YouTube Channel | Spotify |
| Mrs. GREEN APPLE | Official YouTube Channel | Spotify |
| Official Hige Dandism | Official YouTube Channel | Spotify |
| LiSA | Official YouTube Channel | Spotify |
| RADWIMPS | Official YouTube Channel | Spotify |
Frequently Asked Questions
When I'm just starting to listen to J-POP, is it okay to start with anime songs?
That's fine. In fact, many people get into J-POP through anime theme songs. However, rather than judging J-POP as a whole based solely on anime songs, you'll gain a broader understanding if you also listen to the tracks on the artist's albums and watch their live performances.
Can you enjoy J-POP even if you don't know Japanese?
You can definitely enjoy it. At first, try listening with a focus on the melody, vocal tone, arrangement, and rhythm rather than the lyrics. Once you find a song you like, it’s less overwhelming to look up the meaning of the title, the official translation, or an interpretation at that point.
Which should I listen to first, YOASOBI or Ado?
If you're looking for a bright and vibrant pop sound, start with YOASOBI; if you prefer powerful vocals and dramatic performances, start with Ado. Both artists are frequently recommended for those new to J-POP these days, so it's a good idea to listen to them together.
If I like band music, which bands should I start with?
For smooth, mainstream pop, start with Official Hige Dandism; for a refreshing vibe, try Mrs. GREEN APPLE; for a rich, dense sound, check out King Gnu; and for a cinematic feel, give RADWIMPS a listen.
Which is better for listening to music—Spotify or YouTube?
If you want to listen to a continuous playlist of official tracks, Spotify is the most convenient option, but if you want to watch music videos and live performances as well, the official YouTube channel is the best choice. Whenever possible, it’s safer to use official channels and legitimate music streaming platforms rather than unofficial uploads.
