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 song, “Kabutomushi.” I’m sure many people sing it at karaoke.

If you’re going to sing anyway, it’d be nice to score high with a song you’re good at.

First, to score 90 in karaoke scoring, pitch accuracy is crucial.

“Kabutomushi” has a ballad-like, relaxed tempo, so you can sing calmly and it’s easier to match the pitch bar.

Adding dynamics is also a good idea.

If you build the intensity step by step—A melody to B melody to chorus—it tends to boost the expressiveness score, so it’s recommended.

The chorus sits a bit on the higher side, so if you sing lightly as if resonating in your head, you can avoid straining and it should be easier to hit the notes.

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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.