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

“Ito” is a song sung by every generation.

It was released in 1992, but it’s often used at weddings and in TV dramas, making it a ballad loved across generations.

The vocal range isn’t very wide—F3 to A#4—centered in the midrange, with the low notes being key.

If you sing it in a speaking voice, you’ll end up straining your throat, so aim to sing with a proper singing voice.

The tempo is very slow, so stay calm and take a breath at the end of each phrase.

Instead of “pushing out your voice,” focus on “using your breath” to project forward.

In fact, every consonant in the Japanese ha-row (ha, hi, fu, he, ho) uses breath in its articulation.

If you try singing everything with the “ha” sound for clarity, you might grasp the feeling of “Oh, so this is what it means to use breath!” Give it a try as a reference.

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Kubota Mami

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Because I fell in loveaimyon19rank/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.

First LoveUtada Hikaru20rank/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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Unrequited lovemiwa21rank/position

miwa 'Unrequited Love'

A ballad that portrays a heartrending love, seeping into the heart with its translucent vocals and the warm sound of the piano.

Included on the March 2012 album “guitarium,” it was selected as the ending theme for the music information program “saku saku” in February 2012.

The lyrics delicately express the feelings of a secret, unspoken crush and the bittersweet pain of being unable to get closer the more you care.

With a heartwarming melody that gently embraces the frustration of being unable to confess and the anxiety that everyone experiences when they fall in love, this song offers solace and support.

It’s a track we especially recommend to those who are keeping their feelings for someone special tucked away in their hearts.