Ranking of Commercial Songs and Popular Tracks by Male Japanese Artists [2026]

Stop the night once moreSakiya Kenjirō76rank/position

Kenjiro Sakiya / Stop the Night Once More [Official Video]

This is a commercial for Lighthouse, known for its appealing simple, traditional design, which had been on sale since 1986.

The scene where a woman extends her arm wearing a Lighthouse watch out of a car window to call out to a man is especially striking, isn’t it? The BGM in this commercial is Kenjiro Sakiya’s 1987 song “Mou Ichido Yoru o Tomete” (“Stop the Night Once More”).

Its lyrics, poignantly depicting a couple drifting apart against their true feelings, captured the hearts of many listeners.

After being featured in this commercial, the song went on to be used as a theme and insert song in numerous dramas and films.

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Hane Keisuke

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In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu77rank/position

In the Great Sky and on the Vast Earth

Set against the majestic nature of Hokkaido, this gem of a masterpiece sings of a powerful way of life.

Its lyrics, which stress the importance of continuing to look forward even while facing the setbacks and hardships everyone experiences at least once, are filled with the unique depth of insight and warmth characteristic of Chiharu Matsuyama.

Especially in moments when your heart feels like it might break, the song embodies the will to seize happiness with your own hands, gently giving listeners a reassuring push forward.

Included on the June 1977 album “Kimi no Tame ni Tsukutta Uta” (A Song Made for You), it was later featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “The Ugly Duckling” and used in a Snow Brand Milk Products commercial.

This is a song to hear when you stand at a crossroads in life or are about to take a new step.

Matsuyama’s clear, pure voice will surely kindle a light of courage and hope in your heart.

Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken78rank/position

[Official] Ken Matsudaira “Matsuken Samba II” MV

This is a comical commercial that shows how Bold Sun Gel Ball can eliminate the musty odor of laundry dried indoors.

Ken Matsudaira appears before Fuma Kikuchi’s character, the “Laundry Daimyo,” and uses a mysterious beam to solve the odor problem.

The way he silently resumes firing the beam even when asked for an explanation, and Fuma Kikuchi’s screams as the laundry is being zapped, really heighten the comedy.

The glamorous song that plays when Ken Matsudaira’s character appears is “Matsuken Samba II.” Because it’s a dazzling track evocative of a samba carnival, you can feel the fun the moment the intro starts to play.

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kappamaki

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Sexual Violet No. 1Kuwana Masahiro79rank/position

Sexual Violet No. 1 – YouTube.flv

Masahiro Kuwana’s “Sexual Violet No.

1” was released in 1979 and is one of his signature songs.

The lyrics have a sexy vibe, seemingly singing about a man–woman relationship, and combined with the guitar-driven, powerful sound, they convey a unique, forceful image.

One reason the song became a hit was its use in a Kanebo commercial, which is said to have boosted Kuwana’s popularity.

The structure, with the title repeated in the chorus, leaves the song name firmly imprinted in your mind.

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kappamaki

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Go for it, baby!!Kuwata Keisuke80rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Go For It, Baby!! (Full ver.)

“Go for it, Baby!!” by Keisuke Kuwata serves as the theme song for UNIQLO’s AIRism commercial “Life and Wear / For Any Kind of Day,” featuring Haruka Ayase and Kohei Matsushita.

The track is included on his 2011 album MUSICMAN and is also known for being performed after his recovery at the 61st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Packed with Kuwata’s signature style, it’s a song that has surely encouraged many, and one I’d highly recommend as an uplifting anthem.

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utatane

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