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

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro8rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

When you listen to Motohiro Hata’s beautiful singing voice, it feels as if your heart is being cleansed, doesn’t it? This piece, perfectly suited to his clear vocals, is a comforting ballad featuring the gentle tones of acoustic guitar and a warm melody.

The lyrics portray a deep bond with a loved one, conveying that hearts remain connected even when apart.

Released in August 2014, the song drew significant attention as the theme for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon.

Many listeners were likely moved to tears by its touching worldview, which resonates with the friendship depicted in the movie.

It’s a song that can gently embrace your heart when you’re feeling vulnerable or when you want to find calm.

Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke9rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfing Johnny (Full ver.)

Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars released his sixth solo single, “Naminori Johnny.” Isn’t it a song that everyone knows? With a melody that makes you hum along, it’s the kind of track you want to play on a drive to the beach.

A wonderful song that’s perfect for summer.

Lifetime RespectMiki Dōsan10rank/position

[Official] Miki Dōsan “Lifetime Respect”

A hit song by Dozan Miki, known as a representative reggae number of the Heisei era.

With lyrics themed around lifelong love and respect, it captured the hearts of many listeners and has become a staple at weddings.

Released in May 2001, the track reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and had a major impact on Japan’s reggae scene.

Its lyrics, expressing deep affection for a loved one, make it a popular choice for wedding performances and karaoke.

It’s a perfect song for those who want to celebrate a new chapter in life.

Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa11rank/position

Love Story Suddenly – Kazumasa Oda

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

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

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

Tamio Okuda 'Sasurai' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

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 blossomKawaguchi Kyogo14rank/position

Kyogo Kawaguchi – Sakura

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.