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

You…Nishino Kana36rank/position

Kana Nishino “You” Live Performance - Kana Nishino “Kimitte”

A ballad released in November 2010 that gently sings of gratitude and love for a significant other.

Its lyrics speak for those who, despite unwavering feelings, aren’t the best at expressing themselves, and they blend beautifully with Kana Nishino’s clear, pure vocals.

The song was featured as an insert track in the Fuji TV drama “Freeter, Ie wo Kau.” and was also included on the 2011 album “Thank you, Love.” It’s a classic you’ll want to listen to when you want to convey your feelings honestly or feel the bond with someone special.

The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE37rank/position

The Future Projection II

DREAMS COME TRUE’s signature song “Mirai Yosouzu II.” When it comes to DCT ballads, this is the one, right? Lots of people probably sing it at karaoke.

First, since the opening notes are quite high, be careful not to let your guard down from the very start.

If you listen closely to the intro and form a clear image of the pitch, you should be fine.

Also, because the tempo is relaxed, try to sing carefully without letting phrases run together, almost as if you’re placing each note.

In the chorus, the melody goes into a higher range, so sing boldly and hit the pitches with a grand, expansive feel.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell38rank/position

Supercell – The Story You Don't Know

Isn’t this the generational anthem packed with the golden age of late-night anime × Nico Nico culture × the bittersweetness of youth—the ending theme of the anime Bakemonogatari? The overall vocal range is A3 to D5 and stays fairly high throughout.

In particular, the top note D5 appears frequently in the chorus, so it’s best to sing it without straining by incorporating falsetto.

The tempo isn’t too fast and should be easy to groove to while singing, so try to feel it with your body as you listen closely to the backing band.

In the chorus, be mindful of accents and align your vocal timing to hit the pitch bar!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

BeautifulSuperfly39rank/position

Superfly『Beautiful』Music Video

A medium-tempo ballad by Superfly featuring melancholic guitars, driving drums, and a strikingly grand string arrangement.

It sings of the strength and gentleness to accept oneself as is and move forward step by step.

Included on the album “WHITE,” released in May 2015, it was selected as the theme song for the TBS drama “Mother Game: Kanojo-tachi no Kaikyū.” Shiho Ochi’s powerful yet delicate vocals tenderly envelop feelings of blessing and gratitude toward someone dear in this song.

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko40rank/position

“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” MUSIC VIDEO (HD ver.) / Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

The anime tie-in song performed by Yoko Takahashi, whose charismatic vocals are captivating, tells a grand story of a boy’s growth and his challenge toward a new world.

It’s a compelling track filled with dramatic expression and a determined drive to move forward.

Released in October 1995, the song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and caused a major sensation.

It consistently ranks high on karaoke popularity charts, making it a song that bridges generations without creating a gap, even in mixed-age gatherings.

It’s a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of anime songs—one you should definitely sing at karaoke.

Unfit to be a loverKoresawa41rank/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.

Secret of my heartKuraki Mai42rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem