Male Singer-Songwriters of the 2000s: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
Around this time of year, acoustic-style singer-songwriters start to draw attention again.
It may also have been around this period that the image of singer-songwriters as refreshing began to take hold.
Here’s a ranking of popular songs by male singer-songwriters from the 2000s.
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Male Singer-Songwriters of the 2000s: Popular Song Rankings [2026] (11–20)
Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa11rank/position
This is a song long beloved as a quintessential Heisei-era ballad.
Released in February 1991 as Kazumasa Oda’s sixth solo single, it became a major talking point as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Love Story.” Its poignant chorus and memorable melody have resonated with many listeners, eliciting deep empathy.
Its distinctive emotional quality also seems to strongly draw in younger generations.
Used effectively as background music during the drama’s climactic scenes, it left a profound impression on viewers.
The song portrays the delicate shifts in feeling between two people who are not quite lovers, celebrating the importance of the changes brought about by their encounter.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to immerse yourself in bittersweet memories and the ache of unrequited love.
Close your eyesHirai Ken12rank/position
This is the theme song of the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World.” Many people probably have someone they can’t forget, even if they wish they could.
The lyrics about how your heart and body remember the one you love are very romantic.
It’s a song I’d like those with someone unforgettable to listen to.
wandererOkuda Tamio13rank/position
When it comes to classic songs that make you feel open and ready to hit the road, this is the one! “Sasurai,” the eighth single released in 1998 by Tamio Okuda—who secured an unshakable place as a solo artist after his work with Unicorn.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Days” and also drew attention as the lead single from the album “Matatabi.” The band sound, with its warmly resonant acoustic guitar strumming, is so comforting it lightens your heart just by listening.
Covered by artists like Akiko Yano and Spitz, this track has long been beloved as background music for travel shows.
Its groove is easy to convey even with just an acoustic guitar, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone who wants to sing and play with ease.
cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro14rank/position
This is one of Naotaro Moriyama’s signature songs, which likens cherry blossoms—blooming in splendor with the arrival of spring and eventually falling—to farewells and new beginnings in life.
Released as a single in 2003, it was used as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaki.” The lyrics depict scenes of friends promising to meet again along a road lined with cherry trees, and saying their goodbyes while accepting the fleeting fate of petals falling, yet holding steadfast to unchanging feelings.
It is a timeless piece that we hope those facing life’s milestones—such as graduation or job transfers—will listen to.
The warm arrangement of piano and strings, together with Moriyama’s clear vocals, resonates deeply with listeners.
cherry blossomKawaguchi Kyogo15rank/position
It’s a classic that won the Wired Music Award at the 36th Japan Cable Awards in 2003 and the Gold Prize at the Japan Record Awards the following year.
As one of Kyogo Kawaguchi’s signature works, it’s cherished as a springtime standard.
At first listen, the lyrics seem to depict a breakup between a man and a woman, but it was actually created with the relationship between Doraemon and Nobita in mind.
Its warm message, imbued with the deep bond and mutual care between them, gently resonates with those facing graduation or a new departure.
MelodyTamaki Kōji16rank/position
Koji Tamaki has produced numerous masterpieces as a solo artist while working in parallel with the rock band Anzenchitai.
The single I’d like to recommend, which fully captures his acoustic charm, was released in May 1996.
Selected as the ending theme for TBS’s “Tetsuya Chikushi NEWS23,” the track is also included on the album CAFE JAPAN, and is notable for its warm acoustic guitar tones and wistful melody.
Its pared-down, unadorned arrangement lets the singer’s emotions come through directly.
The song’s world is fully conveyed even in a simple voice-and-guitar performance, making it perfect for times when you want to immerse yourself in the music.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.
Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta17rank/position
Released in May 2009, this is a bittersweet R&B love song by Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.
The lyrics unfold as a duet from both male and female perspectives, portraying the joy and sorrow of love at the same time.
The contrast between the happiness of meeting and the pain of parting is interwoven, with the imagery of memories continuing to shine like stars leaving a strong impression.
The song won Best Collaboration Video at the MTV VMAJ 2010.
It’s a perfect track for when you want to feel the poignancy of romance or look back on memories with someone special.
SUNHoshino Gen18rank/position
It’s a masterpiece with a bright, forward-looking melody and a refreshing rhythm that resonates pleasantly.
Released in May 2015 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kokoro ga Pokitto ne,” Gen Hoshino’s work is a warm track that incorporates elements of ’70s dance classics and disco.
The song also contains an homage to Michael Jackson, weaving a positive message into its joy-filled tone.
The music video, directed by Akira Sekine, features striking dance scenes choreographed by MIKIKO.
It’s the perfect encouragement song for anyone taking their first step in a new environment or hoping to start a new chapter with a bright outlook.
To all living thingsMoriyama Naotaro19rank/position
Singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama is widely known for the smash hit “Sakura (Dokusho)” and for songs with powerful messages that captivate fans and never let go.
His 5th single “To All Living Beings,” used as the theme song for the TV drama “Beloved You” and as an insert song in “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3B, Series 8,” features striking, philosophical lyrics sourced from the Kokin Wakashu.
The opening, which begins with a weighty choral arrangement, seems to link perfectly with its message depicting life and existence.
Cynical yet imbued with truth, it’s a masterpiece that blends simplicity with grandeur.
At all times.Makihara Noriyuki20rank/position
A highly recommended, easy-to-sing song by Noriyuki Makihara is “Donna Toki mo.” Its charm lies in a simple yet moving melody and, above all, uplifting lyrics that value staying true to yourself.
You might find the key a bit high, but by adjusting it, it becomes easy for anyone—regardless of gender—to sing.
That’s why, if you sing this at karaoke, others will surely start humming along!
