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

toad lily [Tricyrtis]Kuwata Keisuke81rank/position

toad lily [Tricyrtis]

This commercial opens with Takahiro Miura giving his on-screen father, Ken Mitsuishi, a pair of “Kando Pants” and a single flyer as a 60th-birthday gift.

The flyer turns out to be for a rescue dog adoption event, and Mitsuishi heads there right away wearing his new pants.

At the event, he meets a dog that, in human years, is about the same age as he is, and they begin living together.

While showcasing the light, comfortable feel of the Kando Pants, the ad warmly depicts how a lighter heart can inspire someone to take a new step forward.

The background music is Keisuke Kuwata’s 2017 song “Hototogisu [Tricyrtis],” whose graceful melody and beautiful vocals gently seep into the heart.

Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love)Kuwata Keisuke82rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love) (Full ver.)

It depicts a day in the life of Haruka Ayase, introducing the bralettes she wears in each scene.

From relaxing at home and having breakfast, to an important work moment, to fun after-work time—its message that every version of yourself in each scene is still wholly you really hits home.

The BGM features Keisuke Kuwata’s “Kanashii Kimochi (Just a man in love),” released in 1987 as his solo debut.

The song delicately portrays a man who can’t forget the woman he parted ways with.

Young PlazaKuwata Keisuke83rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Wakai Hiroba (Full ver. + “Garakuta” album trailer)

Keisuke Kuwata’s “Wakai Hiroba” was released in 2017 and is included on the album “Garakuta.” With a sound that evokes a retro feel inspired by kayōkyoku (Japanese pop of past eras), the song proceeds with a gentle tone throughout.

The lyrics are sprinkled with retro words that reflect the times, giving the impression of a passionate romance being expressed.

As a commercial song, it was used in a UNIQLO ad promoting jeans, brightly conveying how attractive the jeans are through Haruka Ayase’s “binge buying” portrayal.

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Distant Street Corner (The Wanderin’ Street)Kuwata Keisuke84rank/position

Distant Street Corner (The Wanderin’ Street)

This commercial portrays the casual, everyday life of a cohabiting couple and introduces AIRism innerwear as a constant, everyday staple.

It shows them spending time together in a way that looks very happy, and combined with the gentle visuals, it’s a spot that makes viewers feel happy too.

Of course, the BGM also plays a role in enhancing that mood—the song is Keisuke Kuwata’s “Tooi Machikado (The wanderin’ street).” Released in 1988, it was also used in a Fujifilm commercial in the past.

youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran85rank/position

Koichi Morita and Top Gallant “Youthful Days” 1976 (original audio)

Koichi Morita and Top Gallant’s “Seishun Jidai” (Youthful Days) was released in 1976 and gained popularity for its skillful portrayal of the feelings of youth.

The group also performed the song on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it continues to be remembered as one of their signature tracks.

The sound has the light touch of group sounds, and the overlap between this buoyant feel and the youthful lyrics vividly evokes a fulfilling youth.

The song was also used in a Sumitomo Trust commercial, which gives the impression of aligning with the idea of building toward the future.

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