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

instinctShiina Ringo29rank/position

Ringo Sheena – Instinct

Ringo Sheena’s songs, which depict instinctive human desires, impulses, and inner conflicts, are captivating for their distinctive sound grounded in alternative rock and interwoven with elements of jazz and classical music.

Candidly portraying emotions such as jealousy and narcissism, they also express an adult reality that has shed the moratorium of youth.

Released in October 1999, this work was selected as the ending theme for the Nippon TV music program “FUN” and reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Its music video—set in a hospital with innovative direction—also drew attention, winning the BEST FEMALE VIDEO award at the SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS.

With powerful vocals and highly message-driven lyrics, it’s a recommended track for those who want to enjoy self-expression at karaoke.

God of RomanceHirose Kōmi30rank/position

Kohmi Hirose – God of Romance (Official Video)

Kohmi Hirose is a singer-songwriter from Fukuoka Prefecture.

Her signature song, “Romance no Kamisama” (God of Romance), released on December 1, 1993, is a bright, uplifting track that portrays the feelings of a woman trying to find her ideal partner at a group dating party.

The song centers on the everyday life and love of an office worker, reflecting the realities of working women in the 1990s, and it became Hirose’s first single to top the Oricon charts.

For many women in their 50s, the song evokes memories of their youth and can provide strength and courage.

Thanks to its tie-in with an Alpen commercial, its charming melody and positive message are sure to energize you today.

ORIONNakajima Mika31rank/position

Mika Nakashima 'ORION' Music Video

Released in November 2008, it became a big hit as an insert song for the drama “Ryusei no Kizuna.” The overall vocal range of the song is fairly wide, from G#3 to D#5, with the chorus’s peak being the highest note.

Mika Nakashima is known for her whispery, breathy tone, so there’s no need to belt.

Since the top note D#5 is quite high, use head voice and send a thin, upward-focused tone.

Imagining your voice being pulled up from above your head may help.

If you lift your eyebrows in time as well, it becomes easier to hit and adds to the vibe.

Once you get used to it, focus on expressiveness to boost your score.

It also helps to gradually increase your volume with each melodic phrase!

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Kubota Mami

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Hey,SHISHAMO32rank/position

SHISHAMO “Hey,”

Set to a breezy melody that captures the bittersweetness of unrequited love, this piece is included on SHISHAMO’s album “SHISHAMO 5,” released in June 2018.

It delicately portrays the urge to call out “Hey” to the one you like and the inner conflict of not quite having the courage to do so, resonating with many listeners.

Chosen as the commercial song for “Calpis Water” starting in July of the same year, the track greatly boosted the band’s recognition and is perfect for getting hyped with friends! If you find it hard to honestly express your feelings of love, this song might be a great way to put your emotions into words.

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa33rank/position

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

A song characterized by a melody that seeps in with the quiet tones of an acoustic guitar.

The lyrics delicately express the pain and regret of a broken heart, resonating deeply.

Koresawa’s translucent voice echoes gently, as if wrapping those bittersweet feelings.

Released in March 2017 as her final indie single, this track serves as a culmination before her major-label debut.

It’s packed with relatable elements that we hope women in their twenties, struggling with love, will connect with.

A perfect song for when you want to heal the wounds of heartbreak or look back on memories with someone special.

Happinessback number34rank/position

Happiness / back number (cover)

Speaking of tear-jerking love songs, you can’t leave out back number.

Their song “Shiawase” was included as the B-side to their major-label debut single “Hanabira,” released in 2011.

Few songs pack so much unrequited love—so sad, so heartrending, it brings you to tears.

It’s a track you can’t listen to without crying: the person you love has someone else they love, and you choose to support that romance—wishing for their happiness while tucking away your own feelings.

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utatane

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dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo35rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

It’s a renowned ballad whose prayer for universal love and peace truly strikes a chord.

Written by Yo Hitoto in response to a tragic event in the United States and with wishes for her friend’s happiness, the lyrics gently and warmly resonate with listeners.

Released in February 2004 as her fifth single, the song was also used as the theme for Nippon TV’s “Tuesday Suspense Theater” and as a movie theme.

It became a long-running hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 125 consecutive weeks, and is known for being covered by many artists.

With its relaxed tempo and comfortable vocal range, it’s perfect for singing your heart out at karaoke.

On a calm spring day, why not sing it while thinking of someone special?