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

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number15rank/position

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

Back number is well-known for their love songs.

Their vocals and melodies are undeniably romantic.

Among them, the unrequited love song “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” expresses a bittersweet longing for someone you cherish.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love.” The spot-on words and feelings about unrequited love likely pierce the hearts of those experiencing it.

When you delve into the lyrics, you’ll find negative expressions scattered throughout, which only heighten the sense of poignancy.

When you’re in unrequited love, you may feel restless and frustrated with your own emotions.

This is a song I’d like you to listen to when you feel that way.

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gummy

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SoupFujihara Sakura16rank/position

Soup

This is Sakura Fujiwara’s debut single, released in June 2016.

Incidentally, the lyrics, composition, and production were handled by Masaharu Fukuyama.

The vocal melody doesn’t use extremely low or high notes throughout the song, so it might be an ideal karaoke choice for women who feel hesitant about singing due to a limited vocal range.

The song maintains a relaxed, heartwarming mood from start to finish, so while keeping a slightly bouncy groove, be careful not to rush the vocals or make the pronunciation of the lyrics sound rough.

It seems there’s also a version sung by Masaharu Fukuyama, who produced the track, so it could be helpful to check that out as a reference.

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Kei Takahata

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JupiterHirahara Ayaka17rank/position

[Ayaka Hirahara] 'Jupiter' MV Full Ver.

Ayaka Hirahara’s debut song presents a grand classical masterpiece theme with approachable lyrics and a brilliant arrangement.

Its beautiful melody and crystal-clear vocals offer deep comfort to those facing loneliness or anxiety, making it a moving piece.

Since its release in December 2003, it has remained a long-selling favorite and was also used as an insert song in the TBS drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B.” With Masayuki Sakamoto’s elegant arrangement and Hirahara’s expressive singing, the track is crafted to be easy and pleasant for anyone to sing.

Why not try it at karaoke when you want to cherish bonds with friends or need the courage to believe in yourself?

threadNakajima Miyuki18rank/position

thread

It’s a classic song that likens the ties between people to a woven textile, portraying the warmth of living while supporting one another.

Its profound message—that the mystery of encounters and even painful experiences will someday transform into the power to embrace someone—gently resonates in the listener’s heart.

This song by Miyuki Nakajima is included on the celebrated album “EAST ASIA,” released in October 1992.

It later became widely known when it was used as the theme song for the 1998 TV drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints).

It has enjoyed enduring support, including a film released in 2020 that was inspired by the piece.

It’s especially recommended for Mother’s Day, when feelings of gratitude toward parents abound, to listen to together with older adults and savor its content.

First LoveUtada Hikaru19rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A signature ballad by Hikaru Utada that offers a rewarding challenge for low-voiced women in their 40s.

The range spans E3–F5, with plenty of high notes, but it captivates with a conversational verse and expressive emotion.

Many people will know this song.

Because it’s sung with a whispery tone, it likely brings to mind a kind of head-voice feel.

Basically, head voice requires steady breath support.

If you tense up when taking a breath, you’ll end up chest breathing and won’t inhale enough air.

Diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing is crucial.

Also, since the song builds up a lot toward the end, be mindful of balancing your volume.

For the English parts, try singing fluidly along the melodic line to lock into the rhythm.

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Kubota Mami

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Because I fell in loveaimyon20rank/position

Aimyon “Because I Fell in Love” Studio Recording Scene

It’s a gem of a ballad by Aimyon that not only conveys the aching sense of loss after love ends, but also evokes gratitude for having met that special person.

Included on the album “Shunkanteki Sixth Sense,” released in February 2019, this piece captivates with its stripped-down, unadorned arrangement.

Known for being recorded in a single take, the acoustic guitar tones and her raw vocals resonate as if speaking right beside the listener.

It leaves you with a warm feeling, one that makes you cherish how your view of the world has changed through knowing love.

Perfect for a quiet night when you want to shed a few tears and detox your heart.

Unrequited lovemiwa21rank/position

miwa 'Unrequited Love' 2026 ver. Music Video

How about turning your overflowing feelings for that special someone into song? Singer-songwriter miwa, whose crystal-clear voice captivates listeners, released this as her 8th single back in February 2012.

This release includes, as a B-side, the opening theme for a Nintendo 3DS title, and the track is also featured on the acclaimed album “guitarium.” It’s a ballad that carefully weaves the tremors of a wavering heart, with the charm lying in the delicacy of breath and the spaces between words.

Waves of earnest emotion—so intense they tighten your chest—reach straight into the listener’s heart.

Set to a beautiful melody with piano and strings, this adorable piece is recommended when you want to express your true self at karaoke with friends your age.