Japanese Pop (J-Pop) Rankings Popular Among Women [2026]

Message of RougeMatsutōya Yumi78rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Rouge no Dengon (Yumi Matsutoya Concert Tour The Universe Library 2016-2017)

For women in their 40s, Studio Ghibli’s “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is probably right on the mark for their generation.

“Rouge no Dengon” is a famous song by Yumi Matsutoya, and it was chosen as the theme song for Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Since it was released in the 1970s, the piece as a whole has a bright, nostalgic melody.

Because it’s an older song, it can be said to be fairly easy to sing.

However, the vocal range is quite wide, from mid1 F# to high D#, and the pitch goes up and down a lot in the chorus, so you need to thoroughly learn the vocal line to avoid going off pitch.

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Ryo

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Robinsonsupittsu79rank/position

Spitz / Robinson

Released in 1995 and quickly becoming a million-seller, Robinson is one of Spitz’s signature songs.

Its lyrics depict scenes like riding a bicycle and small moments of everyday life.

Rather than simple nostalgia, it expresses a universal feeling that anyone can relate to, conveyed through Spitz’s uniquely gentle sound.

In particular, the fact that this song was released in 1995—against the backdrop of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake—left a deep resonance in people’s hearts.

Their music transcends time and is moving even for women in their 50s.

It’s also a perfect choice for karaoke—a nostalgic classic that’s fun to sing.

BibbidebaHoshimachi Suisei80rank/position

Bibideba / Hoshimachi Suisei (official)

Suisei Hoshimachi’s “Bibideba” became a hot topic on YouTube in 2024 as an “insanely difficult rap” and a “top-tier challenge” song—have you heard of it? Some of my students actually tried it, and when I taught it, I felt that on a first pass it’s quite hard and the melody is tough to anticipate.

Beyond rhythm and pitch, it includes rapid-fire sections and rap parts—there are lots of elements packed in.

If you can master it, it’s a super fun and satisfying song to sing! In the chorus, many phrase endings switch to head voice, so lift your facial muscles and keep centering your pitch between the eyebrows, imagining the sound traveling from the brow up through the head as you transition to head voice.

Raising your hand toward your head while singing can make the visualization easier and help the voice come out more freely.

For the word-heavy sections, don’t try to articulate every syllable crisply; instead, let the words flow so they ride the melody as you sing.

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Kubota Mami

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Girls don’t cry.katahira rina81rank/position

Rina Katahira - Girls Don’t Cry (Music Video)

“Girls Don’t Cry” is a track released by Rina Katahira in 2014 that sings about the feelings of a girl who fell in love with the wrong person.

Even though she knew it probably wouldn’t be a happy love, she stepped in anyway and ended up getting hurt.

The song portrays her being filled with the urge to cry, yet striving to face forward with strength.

Its pop vibe makes it approachable, and the key isn’t too high, so it’s an easy song to take in and sing.

It’s recommended to sing it while channeling the strong side of a girl.

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SAKI

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MPRINCESS PRINCESS82rank/position

M – PRINCESS PRINCESS (Princess Princess) (Full)

One of PRINCESS PRINCESS’s signature songs, passionately singing about the pain of heartbreak.

The sense of loss after losing a lover, paired with the strength to keep looking forward, rides on the members’ earnest vocals and strikes straight to the heart.

Included on the 1988 album “LET’S GET CRAZY” and released as a single the following year, the song was also featured in NHK’s morning drama “Dan Dan,” and is beloved across generations.

It’s a track that resonates not only when you want to get fired up at karaoke, but also when you need to soothe the wounds of a broken heart.

It might be nice to sing it together while reminiscing about a love from the past.

Love WindIkuta Rira83rank/position

Lila Ikuta “Koikaze” Official Music Video

A single with a refreshing feel, like a gentle breeze blowing through.

Released by YOASOBI’s vocalist, Lila Ikuta, in April 2025, this song was written as the theme for ABEMA’s show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: New Zealand Edition.” It marks her third time handling the theme song for the series, making it a familiar presence for fans of the program.

The lyrics capture the mix of hope and anxiety at the start of love, gently giving listeners a push forward.

Carried by her translucent voice, it’s a cheering song that gives you the courage to take a new step.

Try singing it with your feelings for someone special in mind, or to rally yourself.

Song of PointillismInoue Sonoko84rank/position

Inoue Sonoko “Tenbyō no Uta” (Solo ver.) Music Video

“Tenbyō no Uta,” released as a collaboration between the rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE and singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue.

The original showcases a stunning harmony between Daiki Omori and Sonoko Inoue, but there’s actually a solo version by Sonoko Inoue as well.

It’s a beautiful piece featuring her delicate vocals over a piano accompaniment.

Being a gentle ballad that expresses straightforward feelings, performing it at just the right moment might make the men present skip a heartbeat.

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Hane Keisuke

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