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

Time Goes ByEvery Little Thing8rank/position

Time goes by – Every Little Thing (Full)

A gemlike love ballad that embraces everyone’s sense of incompleteness and loneliness with universal kindness.

Released by Every Little Thing in February 1998, this song beautifully portrays how lovers may hurt each other yet grow together through the experience of love.

Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday 10 p.m.

drama “Amai Kekkon” (“Sweet Marriage”), it went on to sell over 1.4 million copies.

It has since become familiar as a commercial song for numerous brands, including Toyota and SoftBank.

With its gentle melody and lyrics whose depth resonates more and more with life experience, it’s sure to move you.

Happy Endingback number9rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

This work was released in 2016 as the 16th single by back number, a three-piece rock band from Gunma.

It was chosen as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” While the title might seem contradictory because the lyrics portray the bittersweet feelings of a protagonist trying to accept a breakup, in English it can carry the nuance of “a happy time coming to an end,” which deepens the meaning of the words.

Even as the singer tells themselves it’s going to be okay, they can’t sever their feelings for the other person deep down, and that inner conflict comes through almost painfully.

The majestic strings layered over the band sound are also beautiful, and just following the melody can bring you to tears.

Anyone who has experienced a breakup may find their emotions from that time coming back as they listen.

PrologueUru10rank/position

[Official] Uru “Prologue” YouTube ver. — Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Chugakusei Nikki (Junior High School Diary)”

The unrequited love song sung by Uru, who has a beautifully clear and pleasant voice, is “Prologue.” From the gently beginning, the intro tinged with sorrow tightens your chest.

It depicts how “you,” someone I found myself constantly following with my eyes, gradually come to fill my heart.

Uru’s voice slips straight into the heart and brings tears to your eyes.

It’s a ballad you’ll want to listen to when you’re so in love with someone that you can’t help yourself.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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bouquetback number11rank/position

back number – Bouquet (full)

This is back number’s second single, released in June 2011.

The lyrics, which vividly portray the bittersweet and heartrending emotions of love, leave a strong impression.

Lines like “I’ll apologize as many times as it takes, and I’ll never forget to say thank you” convey a powerful determination to overcome any hardship.

The song was selected as the ending theme for the TBS music program COUNT DOWN TV, and a short film produced based on the track and released on YouTube also drew attention.

It’s a perfect song to perform at a dear friend’s wedding as a heartfelt blessing to the bride and groom.

Why not share hope for their future with your warm voice?

Marigoldaimyon12rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Singer-songwriter Aimyon is loved by a wide range of generations for her nostalgic melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

Released in August 2018 as her fifth single, this song has become one of her signature tracks, surpassing 300 million streams.

The fact that it achieved such popularity without any tie-in is a testament to the song’s universal appeal.

Layering the peaceful everyday moments with a loved one over radiant memories of summers past, it expresses a powerful desire to never be apart.

The sound is catchy yet tinged with nostalgia, making it an easy crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

It’s a perfect classic for those who cherish time with their partners and for people in their twenties who want to bask in the memories of their youth.

frecklesJUDY AND MARY13rank/position

3. Freckles – JUDY AND MARY – The Power Source – 1997 – JAM

A classic by JUDY AND MARY that colors the days of youth.

Its appeal lies in the high-velocity, up-tempo melody and catchy lyrics about the strength to overcome heartbreak.

Released in February 1996, this song is also known as the theme song for the anime Rurouni Kenshin.

It was included on the album THE POWER SOURCE and achieved an astonishing 2.8 million in sales.

YUKI’s distinctive vocals leave a strong impression, and at around three minutes long, it’s easy to sing along to.

Highly recommended for women who want to appeal to men who love rock.

This song might be the spark that gets you both excited talking about rock music!

366 daysHY14rank/position

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)

A signature ballad by HY, released in 2008 and widely known as the theme song for the film “Red Thread.” “366 Days” has been covered by many artists and is especially popular.

It’s basically composed in a lower range; if you resonate in your mouth and sing with a deep tone, you can achieve a powerful voice like Izumi Nakasone’s.

The key is switching to falsetto in the pre-chorus—if you don’t nail that, it feels hard to flow smoothly into the chorus.

Aim gently and accurately for the pitch bar there.

The chorus builds up a lot, so singing with an explosive burst of emotion should also help enhance your expressiveness!

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Kubota Mami

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