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

Secret of my heartKuraki Mai41rank/position

Mai Kuraki 'Secret of my heart'

Mai Kuraki, a singer-songwriter who drew attention when her first single “Love, Day After Tomorrow” became a million seller despite being a debut track with no tie-in, continued to impress with her second single “Secret of my heart,” used as the ending theme for the TV anime Detective Conan.

The song showcases an overwhelming expressive power and delicacy that belies her teenage years.

Its many subtle nuances make it difficult to sing well, but performing it at karaoke is likely to captivate men in their 40s who probably heard it in real time.

With its catchy melody that energizes any karaoke session, it’s a highly recommended number.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Unfit to be a loverKoresawa42rank/position

Koresawa “Unqualified as a Lover” [Music Video]

A breakup ballad from a male perspective that portrays the anguish and regret of the one who said goodbye.

It’s a self-cover sung from the viewpoint of the man who leaves the room in Koresawa’s signature song “Tabako.” Released as a digital single in June 2019, it was later included on the concept mini-album “Heartbreak Scrap” in January 2020.

Originally written for Miyuhan, the track drew attention with its music video featuring Ryusei Yokohama.

The song movingly captures the conflict of a man who ends the relationship precisely because he loves her, blaming not her but his own shortcomings.

Listening to it alongside “Tabako” deepens your understanding of the couple’s emotional misalignment.

Highly recommended for anyone who’s experienced the end of a cherished relationship or carries guilt over having hurt someone they love.

moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro43rank/position

Chihiro Onitsuka – Gekkou (Moonlight)

The song released by Chihiro Onitsuka in 2000 is a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

It delicately expresses a lack of self-confidence and feelings of loneliness, while conveying a strong will to face harsh realities.

Released on March 7, 2001, the song was also used as the theme for the TV drama “TRICK,” generating a huge response.

Combined with Onitsuka’s overwhelming vocal performance, it captured the hearts of many.

This work is a perfect fit for women in their 40s leading busy lives with work and childcare.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to elicit empathy across generations.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto44rank/position

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” Music Video

This song is packed with the charms of Mayo Okamoto as a singer-songwriter and has long been loved as a message song that delivers hope and courage.

It gently conveys the importance of believing in yourself and the bravery to take a step toward tomorrow—a timeless classic.

With calm piano tones and a warm, heartfelt vocal, it resonates deeply.

Since its 1995 release, it has moved many as the theme song for the drama “Second Chance” and was included on the album of the same name, “TOMORROW.” This work will surely give you a gentle push when you feel lost in life or are about to take a new step forward.

User ManualNishino Kana45rank/position

Kana Nishino “Torisetsu” MV Full

Kana Nishino’s “Torisetsu” is a unique love song that likens me, the person, to an instruction manual.

I felt it’s a song that seems like it existed before, yet didn’t! Aside from the chorus, it’s more spoken than sung, so even those who are tone-deaf can enjoy it without worrying much about the melody line.

However, because there are a lot of words, where you breathe and where you break the phrases is important.

It might be good to sing as if you’re actually talking to someone! If you sing with no expression, your vocal placement drops into your throat and becomes straining, so try raising your eyebrows and bringing your vocal placement up to eyebrow level.

Aim to sing as lightly as possible.

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Kubota Mami

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HeroAmuro Namie46rank/position

Hero – Namie Amuro (Full)

A rousing cheer song by Namie Amuro that powerfully sings of the “courage” and “hope” needed at every stage of life.

Released in July 2016 as NHK’s broadcast theme for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics, it captured the hearts of a wide audience—from athletes to the general public.

When she made a special appearance at the 68th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2017, her stunning performance set a remarkable peak viewer rating of 48.4%.

If you choose this song when enjoying karaoke with someone special, you’ll surely share a moment of true connection.

Having someone you likeJY47rank/position

JY 'Have Someone You Like' Music Video Short Ver.

JY’s hit number is perfect for capturing his heart at karaoke! Released in August 2016, the song was chosen as the theme for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama and created a huge buzz, winning 12 crowns across charts like iTunes and RecoChoku.

The track features JY’s clear, translucent vocals and lyrics that weave together regret with a forward-looking spirit.

It captures the delicate emotions of a woman in love, so if you sing it sincerely at karaoke, it’s sure to make you shine in his eyes.

How about choosing this song for a drinking party or date with the guy you’re interested in?

I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa48rank/position

Aoyama Thelma feat. SoulJa / I'm by Your Side

Centered on the heartache of a long-distance relationship, this work features Thelma Aoyama’s gentle, delicate vocals that leave a strong impression.

The lyrics, depicting the intertwined feelings of a man and a woman, resonated with many listeners and turned the song into a hit.

Released in January 2008, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was also selected as NTT Docomo’s spring campaign song, drawing even more attention.

Known as one of Thelma Aoyama’s signature tracks, it remains a popular choice for karaoke.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to feel the bond with someone special or reflect on memories of love.

This heartwarming love song is beloved by listeners across generations.

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly49rank/position

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

It’s a signature work by Superfly, whose soul-stirring, powerful vocals deliver love straight to the listener’s heart.

In this song, the many emotions of life—joy, sorrow, gratitude—are expressed like a colorful bouquet of flowers, carrying a warm yet strong message that, no matter how many detours we take, our feelings return to the ones we cherish.

The protagonist, awkward yet earnest in trying to convey love and thanks, will move many listeners and give them energy for tomorrow.

Released in February 2008 as the fourth single, it stirred great emotion as the theme song for the drama “Edison no Haha” (Edison’s Mother).

Step a little away from the everyday, sing your heart out with all your feelings, and this is sure to lift your spirits!

Snow WhiteFlower50rank/position

Flower “Snow White” — 2nd album “Hanadokei (Flower Clock)” out 3/4

A quintessential winter love song, “Snow White.” It’s a love song inspired by the fairy tale Snow White and was used as the theme song for the drama “We’re All Dead♪.” The song portrays a deeply devoted love, waiting for someone you love even while knowing the feelings will never be returned.

It’s also popular as a song about forbidden love, resonating with many women who, due to circumstances, cannot be with the person they love.

Winter is a season that makes us long for others, so if you listen when you can’t easily see the one you love, the tears you’ve been holding back might start to fall.

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sasashina

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