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

orionYonezu Kenshi1rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Orion, Kenshi Yonezu

It is a song that earnestly longs for a connection with someone far away, like constellations shining in the winter night sky.

Created by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, it was released in February 2017 as his sixth single.

It was used as the ending theme for the TV anime March Comes in Like a Lion.

Its absorbing sound and a melody that hides fierce emotion within quietness create a profoundly rich world.

Take your time and immerse yourself in this musical realm.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko2rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

Aiko’s signature love song “Kabutomushi.” The overall vocal range is quite wide, from F3 to F5, but it’s very easy to sing if you switch between chest voice and falsetto.

The A and B sections sit firmly in a lower range, and while the chorus climbs higher than you might expect, it may help to switch decisively to a falsetto base from there.

To switch smoothly between registers, stable pitch is essential.

If you keep your eyebrows raised or make a surprised face, you can maintain accurate pitch centered between your eyebrows without letting it drop into your throat.

Also, when singing high notes, if you hold back and produce the sound halfway, it will definitely be harder to hit, so try projecting your voice solidly!

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Kubota Mami

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You don’t listen to rock.aimyon3rank/position

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyon’s major-label third single.

The lyrics, told from a male perspective about unrequited love for a woman, are something many men can relate to, recalling their youth.

Released in August 2017, the track earned power-play rotation at 42 radio stations nationwide and has surpassed 300 million streams.

With a straightforward, mid-tempo 8-beat rock melody, it’s easy for many listeners to get into.

Adjusting the key makes it easier to sing thanks to a melody centered in the low-to-mid range, and because it’s widely known across generations, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

CHE.R.RYYUI4rank/position

YUI　『CHE.R.RY-short ver.-』

This is YUI’s eighth major-label single, written with a modern take on the heart-fluttering thrill of unrequited love.

Released in March 2007, it became widely known as the CM song for au by KDDI’s “LISMO!” The lyrics vividly capture youth communication of the time—emoji in mobile emails, the timing of replies—and overflow with pure feelings for someone so strong there’s no room for mind games.

The message about the bittersweet start of love will bring back the thrills of youth just by listening.

With light acoustic guitar and YUI’s clear, transparent vocals evoking the freshness of spring, this pop number is sure to be a hit at girls’ nights and karaoke.

StoryAI5rank/position

AI – Story

A memorable ballad featuring AI’s powerful yet gentle husky voice.

The moment the piano intro begins, you can imagine the entire venue being enveloped in a moving atmosphere.

It conveys a deep love and desire to support someone precious, and it’s a song that makes your heart swell every time you listen.

Released as a single in May 2005, it was a long-running hit that stayed on the charts for over 20 weeks.

It’s also well known for being used as the ending theme for the Japanese version of the film Big Hero 6.

This piece is popular for wedding performances and as BGM when the bride leaves the reception to change outfits.

Why not gift it to a friend who’s always been by your side, along with your heartfelt thanks?

NAOHY6rank/position

HY – NAO (Official Music Video)

For women in their 30s, HY’s “NAO” might leave a stronger impression than “366 Days”! I used to sing it a lot, and it was the kind of song where I could easily score 90 points, so if you want to aim for a high score, I highly recommend it.

It’s a ballad with a calm, narrative feel overall, and the vocal range isn’t high, so you can sing it without overexerting yourself.

The key is whether you can transition smoothly into head voice in the chorus.

Also, that distinctive head voice from Nakasone shows up at the end of the last chorus.

If you don’t conserve your breath, your voice won’t come out, so be careful not to sing everything in one go.

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Kubota Mami

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planetariumOtsuka Ai7rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.

Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.

Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.

Time Goes ByEvery Little Thing8rank/position

Time goes by – Every Little Thing (Full)

A gemlike love ballad that embraces everyone’s sense of incompleteness and loneliness with universal kindness.

Released by Every Little Thing in February 1998, this song beautifully portrays how lovers may hurt each other yet grow together through the experience of love.

Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday 10 p.m.

drama “Amai Kekkon” (“Sweet Marriage”), it went on to sell over 1.4 million copies.

It has since become familiar as a commercial song for numerous brands, including Toyota and SoftBank.

With its gentle melody and lyrics whose depth resonates more and more with life experience, it’s sure to move you.

Happy Endingback number9rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

This work was released in 2016 as the 16th single by back number, a three-piece rock band from Gunma.

It was chosen as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” While the title might seem contradictory because the lyrics portray the bittersweet feelings of a protagonist trying to accept a breakup, in English it can carry the nuance of “a happy time coming to an end,” which deepens the meaning of the words.

Even as the singer tells themselves it’s going to be okay, they can’t sever their feelings for the other person deep down, and that inner conflict comes through almost painfully.

The majestic strings layered over the band sound are also beautiful, and just following the melody can bring you to tears.

Anyone who has experienced a breakup may find their emotions from that time coming back as they listen.

PrologueUru10rank/position

[Official] Uru “Prologue” YouTube ver. — Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Chugakusei Nikki (Junior High School Diary)”

The unrequited love song sung by Uru, who has a beautifully clear and pleasant voice, is “Prologue.” From the gently beginning, the intro tinged with sorrow tightens your chest.

It depicts how “you,” someone I found myself constantly following with my eyes, gradually come to fill my heart.

Uru’s voice slips straight into the heart and brings tears to your eyes.

It’s a ballad you’ll want to listen to when you’re so in love with someone that you can’t help yourself.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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