Ranking of Beloved Hit Songs Among Women [2026]

NAOHY8rank/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 Ai9rank/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.

Happy Endingback number10rank/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.

Time Goes ByEvery Little Thing11rank/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.

Marigoldaimyon12rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Singer-songwriter Aimyon is loved by a wide range of generations for her nostalgic melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

Released in August 2018 as her fifth single, this song has become one of her signature tracks, surpassing 300 million streams.

The fact that it achieved such popularity without any tie-in is a testament to the song’s universal appeal.

Layering the peaceful everyday moments with a loved one over radiant memories of summers past, it expresses a powerful desire to never be apart.

The sound is catchy yet tinged with nostalgia, making it an easy crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

It’s a perfect classic for those who cherish time with their partners and for people in their twenties who want to bask in the memories of their youth.

366 daysHY13rank/position

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)

A signature “tearjerker” song known for its overwhelmingly relatable lyrics and heartrending vocals.

Though released in 2008, it became the motif for a TV drama in 2024 and a film in 2025, and vocalist Izumi Nakasone has collaborated with various artists—proof that the song has been loved for a long time.

It’s also famous as a “high-scoring” karaoke pick; I can actually score over 90 on it, so I highly recommend it.

While it’s on the longer side, the structure is easy to grasp, with clear peak moments that make expressive singing more attainable.

For the long tones, watch the pitch bar and sustain firmly to the end, and be mindful of switching between chest voice and falsetto.

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Kubota Mami

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bouquetback number14rank/position

back number – Bouquet (full)

This is back number’s second single, released in June 2011.

The lyrics, which vividly portray the bittersweet and heartrending emotions of love, leave a strong impression.

Lines like “I’ll apologize as many times as it takes, and I’ll never forget to say thank you” convey a powerful determination to overcome any hardship.

The song was selected as the ending theme for the TBS music program COUNT DOWN TV, and a short film produced based on the track and released on YouTube also drew attention.

It’s a perfect song to perform at a dear friend’s wedding as a heartfelt blessing to the bride and groom.

Why not share hope for their future with your warm voice?