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

I won’t forget who you are now.Naoto Intiraymi57rank/position

Naoto Inti Raymi – I Won’t Forget You As You Are Now [With Lyrics]

It was released in 2011 as Naoto Inti Raymi’s fourth single.

The song, featuring actress Keiko Kitagawa, was used as the theme for the Sony Ericsson “Cyber-shot Phone S006” commercial.

The lyrics and music were written by Naoto Inti Raymi, and it’s said that when composing the song, he placed a photo of Keiko Kitagawa from the commercial on his piano’s music stand for inspiration.

To say goodbyebiriibanban58rank/position

To Say Goodbye – by Billy BanBan (1972)

Billy BanBan’s “Sayonara o Suru Tame ni” (“To Say Goodbye”) is a song released in 1972 as the theme for the TV drama “3-Chome 4-Banchi.” Thanks to this song, they made their first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it was even included in music textbooks, making it one of Billy BanBan’s signature tracks that garnered attention in many ways.

Its gentle, characteristically Billy BanBan sound and poignant lyrics themed around farewell make it especially appealing.

As a commercial jingle, it was used in ads for Sanwa Shurui’s iichiko shochu, where the expansive sound underscores and promotes the depth of iichiko.

For now, just like this.biriibanban59rank/position

[High Quality Audio] Billy BanBan - For Now, As It Is

This commercial layers iichiko over the world’s beautiful landscapes, gently expressing the richness contained within it.

Here, it portrays the scenery of England, and as we journey through its lush greenery, it evokes the idea that iichiko supports the traveler.

Further emphasizing the gentle atmosphere of this leisurely journey is Billy BanBan’s “Ima wa, Kono Mama.” Both the sound and the vocals feel like a soft, intimate whisper, and that calm air creates a distinctive sense of weightlessness.

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kappamaki

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Half-baked starFankī Katō60rank/position

[Funky Kato] “Half-Baked Star” MV short ver.

It was released in 2016 as Funky Kato’s fifth single.

Chosen as the theme song for the Mynavi Job Change commercial, its lyrics draw on Funky Kato’s own experiences—multiple setbacks and struggles, life’s paralyzing crossroads, and dreams and aspirations he still can’t let go of.

It’s an uplifting anthem that listeners can relate to, delivering courage through his powerful vocals.

School HeavenFingā 561rank/position

School Heaven

Set in a snack bar with Takanori Nishikawa singing, this is a commercial for Asahi’s GINON.

In a snack bar run by Michiko Kichise, Nishikawa passionately performs a parody of “Gakuen Tengoku,” showcasing his outstanding vocal prowess to the fullest.

He’s basically just singing, but somehow it’s so entertaining that you want to watch it over and over.

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Hane Keisuke

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Morning of PartingPedoro & Kapurishasu62rank/position

Morning of Parting

Pedro & Capricious’s “Wakare no Asa” (Morning of Parting) was released in 1971 and is known as one of the group’s signature songs.

The original is “Was Ich Dir Sagen Will” by Austrian singer Udo Jürgens, to which Rei Nakanishi added Japanese lyrics for this version.

The sound leans strongly toward kayōkyoku, giving it a different vibe from the original, and over this powerful arrangement the sorrow of parting is sung.

Because the song conveys a kind of strength that tries to shake off loneliness, when it’s used in commercials it tends to create an impression of emphasizing the power to move forward.

Hungry PrideMakishimamu Za Horumon63rank/position

Maximum the Hormone 'Hungry Pride' music video nearly full ver.

This is one of the “HUNGRY DAYS” series commercials, known for its youth-anime style, created in collaboration with ONE PIECE.

It depicts ONE PIECE characters taking part in a cavalry battle at a school sports festival, delivering a sense of immediacy and making for a highly engaging piece.

With popular characters appearing one after another, it’s a must-watch for fans of the original.

The background music features Maximum the Hormone’s “Hungry Pride,” whose heavy, loud rock sound paired with distinctive lyrics creates a truly one-of-a-kind world.

In this commercial, the characters’ dialogue takes center stage, so the song is hard to hear—be sure to check out the music video or other sources to listen to the track as well.