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

Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi50rank/position

Happy ending

As the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama, this is a gem of a love song that Eiichi Ohtaki released for the first time in 12 years.

Its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics that carefully weave the feelings of a woman in love blend beautifully, leading to a massive hit of 970,000 copies sold since its release in November 1997.

Used in Love Generation, the song also marked Ohtaki’s first-ever Top 10 entry as a solo artist, showcasing his rich musicality to the fullest.

Portraying a sweet yet bittersweet love story, this track is highly recommended for those harboring feelings for someone special or wishing for a happy future with a loved one.

MarshmallowOkuda Tamio51rank/position

Tamio Okuda “Mashimaro” (Official Music Video)

This is the 10th single by Tamio Okuda, the vocalist of Unicorn.

It was also used as a commercial song for Suntory’s Kakubin whisky.

It’s a track brimming with unwavering positivity in the face of anything.

The song is also unique in that it clearly states within the track that the title and the lyrics are unrelated.

Brave RaideenShimon Masato52rank/position

Brave Raideen

Set to a march-like midtempo that lifts the spirit, the song—paired with Masato Shimon’s expansive vocals—feels as if it portrays a radiant guardian of the skies soaring through the light.

Its friendly, accessible melody, beloved by children and adults alike, vividly depicts a righteous hero’s bravery, infused with a sense of duty to protect peace and a steadfast resolve to carry the hopes of the people.

Broadcast as the opening theme for a robot anime that began in April 1975, it earned high acclaim as a masterpiece that perfectly captured the show’s worldview.

In November 1980, a soundtrack album was released by Nippon Columbia, and it continues to captivate many fans.

It’s a track that, when played during your morning commute to work or school, makes you feel like the protagonist yourself and gives you the courage to face a brand-new day.

LovelyOzawa Kenji53rank/position

LOVELY by Kenji Ozawa

This is one of Kenji Ozawa’s signature songs from the album “LIFE,” released in August 1994, depicting the joy of love and the pleasures of everyday life.

Carried by a light, sprightly rhythm and a vibrant melody, it conveys the exhilaration of a protagonist falling in love.

Members of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra also took part in the recording, with the brass adding a lively sense of motion.

After appearing on the album, it was released as a single in November of the same year and has been cherished by many listeners.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to feel the spark of new love and the brilliance of life.

Tonight is Boogie BackOzawa Kenji feat. Suchadarapaa54rank/position

Kenji Ozawa featuring Scha Dara Parr – Tonight is Boogie Back (nice vocal)

This work is known as a groundbreaking track that fuses hip-hop and J-pop.

It’s a classic born from the collaboration between Kenji Ozawa and Scha Dara Parr.

Released in March 1994 by Toshiba EMI, it was featured as the campaign CM song for Ikebukuro’s P’PARCO and used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Tamori no Super Vocabulary Heaven.” It’s a perfect pick when you want to light up the dance floor or have fun at a party with friends.

Immerse yourself in its funky, energetic world wrapped in dazzling lights and harmonies.

sparklingOda Kazumasa55rank/position

Glittering – Kazumasa Oda

This is Kazumasa Oda’s 21st single, which reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and ranked 33rd on the year-end chart.

It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Koi no Chikara.” In the chorus, at the “kira kira kira” section, the top line descends in a cliché pattern while the final note rises, balancing the characteristically heavy yet dramatic feel of a cliché with the brighter, gentler impression created by the rising pitch—an arrangement that reflects his seasoned artistry.

We’ll always be together.Yamashita Tatsuro56rank/position

“Zutto Issho sa” by Tatsuro Yamashita / Michiru Uotaka, which was played at the wedding reception

The song is very gentle and easy to listen to.

Its style resonates with many people, not just the young.

It’s also a song often used at weddings.

Because it appeals to people of all ages, it often brings listeners to tears.

Tatsuro Yamashita’s voice is wonderful as well.