Male Singer-Songwriters of the 2000s: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi92rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

A Heisei-era classic whose transparent acoustic guitar tone and sentimental melody strike straight to the heart.

It’s a signature early hit by Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who leads the J-pop scene.

Included as the fourth track on the album YANKEE, released in April 2014, it also gained wide attention as a Tokyo Metro commercial song.

It delicately portrays complex emotions—a mix of the joy of meeting someone precious and the anxiety of a parting that may come someday—leaving your heart trembling with every listen.

Though it was never released as a single, it has remained beloved for years, with the music video garnering hundreds of millions of views.

It’s perfect for a solo acoustic performance as well; why not try singing it while laying bare your vulnerabilities yet striving to look ahead with earnest resolve?

Go Go Ghost ShipYonezu Kenshi93rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu MV 'Go-Go Ghost Ship'

It’s a song by Kenshi Yonezu, the hitmaker behind numerous popular tracks, that you’ll want to play during the Halloween season! It’s an early work from when he shifted from releasing music under the name “Hachi” to using his real name in earnest, and its pop yet slightly warped, experimental sound is incredibly addictive.

The lyrics liken the lonely feeling of not fitting into society to a “ghost,” creating a mysterious atmosphere.

The track is included on Diorama, a seminal album from his indie era released in May 2012.

For many listeners, this was the song that got them hitting repeat.

Its distinctive sense of speed and eerie mood are a perfect match for Halloween TikTok videos featuring costumes and makeup!

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi94rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This work is striking for its lyrical melody and overlapping vocals.

The collaboration between Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda drew a lot of attention.

Released in October 2017 as an advance track from the album “BOOTLEG,” it captured the hearts of many listeners.

Since both vocal parts sit in a low key with little melodic fluctuation, it’s easy to sing at karaoke.

Splitting the parts with a friend makes it even more fun.

The lyrics, which depict memories of school days and youth, carry a universal message that anyone can relate to.

It’s a heartwarming number that conveys feelings of treasuring friendship, growth, and something unchanging.

Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō95rank/position

Unchanging Love Forever (21st Century Ver.)

Many people probably still vividly remember it from the refreshing visuals of the Pocari Sweat commercial, don’t they? Sung by Tetsuro Oda himself—the legendary hitmaker who underpinned the Being boom—it became his first song to top the Oricon charts.

The glittering sound that follows the wistful saxophone captures the bittersweetness and exhilaration of summer to perfection.

While the lyrics may sound like a breezy love song, there’s an anecdote that they actually carry his feelings for his late brother.

Knowing that background makes the phrase “unchanging love” resonate even more deeply, turning it from a simple love song into something profoundly moving.

Birthday SongOchiai Wataru96rank/position

Wataru Ochiai – Birthday Song (Music Video)

This is a warm, celebratory song by Wataru Ochiai, an artist who delivers lyrics that speak straight to the heart.

Set to a gentle acoustic sound, the track reminds us that the presence of someone by our side is the greatest gift of all.

Its unadorned, straightforward words have the power to convey feelings to anyone.

Released in October 2019, it even topped the J-pop charts in Vietnam—no surprise that it’s loved across borders.

It’s perfect for giving to someone special—friends, family, or anyone dear—on their special day as a token of gratitude.

It also makes a wonderful BGM choice for a surprise video, sure to create a moving moment.

ginkgoYūsuke97rank/position

Yusuke 'Ginkgo'

This song gently wraps the bittersweet feelings of autumn—something everyone has experienced—in warm, tender lyrics and melody.

Carried by Yusuke’s vocals, a love story unfolds beautifully across the four seasons.

Released in November 2009 as Yusuke’s third single, it was also featured in a commercial for Marukome’s “Liquid Miso.” Its melody line, reminiscent of the classical masterpiece “Canon,” leaves a strong impression and, together with its deeply moving lyrics, stirs the listener’s emotions.

It’s a track you’ll want to hear on a slightly lonely autumn evening.

Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)Takahashi Yuu98rank/position

Yu Takahashi - Fukuwarai

Singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi masterfully weaves together social perspectives and personal emotions.

The title track of the single he released in February 2011 is a masterpiece featuring pleasantly resonant acoustic guitar strumming.

It carries a simple yet incisive message: even if words don’t get through, a smile can connect hearts—wrapping listeners in warmth.

The song also became widely beloved as the CM song for Tokyo Metro’s “TOKYO HEART.” There’s also a lovely anecdote that he drew inspiration from a listener’s submission on a radio program he appeared on New Year’s Day in 2010.

The arrangement conveys the song’s quality even with just an acoustic guitar, making it perfect for anyone who wants to try a solo performance.

Why not aim for a warm rendition that brings smiles to those around you?