Ranking of Male J-Pop Singers’ Best-Lyric and Most Popular Songs [2026]

Tangerine-Colored Summer VacationFukuyama Masaharu91rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Tangerine-Colored Summer Vacation (Fukuyama☆Great Summer Founding Festival, Inasayama)

This song by Masaharu Fukuyama, with its gentle acoustic guitar tones, awakens nostalgic memories of summer.

It was included on the album “f,” released in April 2001, and was re-recorded in 2015 as the theme song for the insect documentary film “Being Just Like Ants.” It depicts his own boyhood riding a train to his grandmother’s house, vividly conveying everything from the dazzling sunlight to the chorus of cicadas.

It’s a perfect track for those moments when you want to forget your busy daily life and immerse yourself in the sparkling summer vacations of your childhood.

WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro92rank/position

Kobukuro – WINDING ROAD (Ayaka × Kobukuro)

Since its 2007 release, “WINDING ROAD” has cheered on countless new students, making it a perfect anthem for entrance ceremonies.

Co-written by singer-songwriter Ayaka and the musical duo Kobukuro, the song’s uplifting message and beautiful harmonies strongly support that first step into a new chapter.

For listeners embarking on a fresh start, the lyrics—teaching the importance of moving toward the future one step at a time—will surely resonate.

Especially in moments when anxiety and anticipation are intertwined, this song will give you the courage to carry on.

2018.3.2hannya93rank/position

Hannya / 2018.3.2 / Official Music Video

Hannya’s masterpiece “2018.3.2” is a song about an experience he actually lived through.

As the title suggests, it centers on the child abuse death case in Meguro Ward on March 2, 2018.

At the time of the incident, Hannya was living right across from the victim’s and perpetrator’s families.

He had been so close by, yet didn’t even know they existed.

He couldn’t notice, couldn’t help.

The song portrays those raw emotions.

It’s a real tearjerker—have a handkerchief ready.

Be sure to check it out.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

to livehannya94rank/position

Hannya / Live / Official Music Video

Hannya is a legend in the hip-hop scene—arguably the worst and best MC in rap history.

His tracks are packed with lyrics that pierce the heart, and even his comedic songs carry deep messages.

One of his masterpieces is “Ikiru” (To Live).

It highlights the so-called “ordinary” things hidden in everyday life, and teaches us—through punchlines—that the only way to achieve growth and success is by tackling each of those ordinary tasks, one by one.

If you need something to fire you up, definitely give it a listen.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Life ~Memory of Sakura~wakadanna95rank/position

Wakadanna / Life ~Memory of Cherry Blossoms~ Final Ver.

A digital single released in 2011.

Born in 1976.

A Tokyo-born musician and member of Shonan no Kaze.

This is his debut single as a solo artist.

Set to a slow, relaxed rhythm and melody, it’s a song that passionately expresses gratitude to his parents.

A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki96rank/position

Masaki Suda “A Scenery I’ve Never Seen”

You’ll be gripped by his masculine singing voice—this is the first single Masaki Suda, who also thrives as an actor, released in 2017.

The song was created to cheer on Japan’s national soccer team and drew attention after being featured in a commercial.

It’s a rock number that gives you the courage to take on challenges.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

true loveFujii Fumiya97rank/position

TRUE LOVE / Fumiya Fujii

It’s a song whose lyrics call her “kimi,” and it really resonates.

Distant seasons, the days of youth, and now—he looks back on everything from when they met to the present, and ties his feelings to the future ahead.

It’s a love song filled with the man’s feelings.

Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu98rank/position

Yū Takahashi’s directorial debut MV “Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day” — Omokuri Director Edit Version (Short Size)

I can’t sleep because I’m anxious about tomorrow…

That’s exactly when you should listen to “Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day.” Its relatable, down-to-earth lyrics are really appealing, and it’ll give you the boost you need for your daily work or studies! Give it a listen and welcome tomorrow with a positive mindset, believing that tomorrow will surely be a good day.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

zunx2P

Report a problem

Wonderful EverydayTakahashi Yuu99rank/position

Yu Takahashi “Wonderful Everyday”

Takahashi Yu’s first single, “Subarashiki Nichijou” (“Wonderful Everyday”).

The song’s driving energy and razor-sharp lyrics, which seem to cut into the spirit of the times, leave a strong impression.

Yet the lyrics aren’t merely an outlet for pent-up frustration; they also sing of the great love people seek in one another, conveying the strength to face a big theme head-on.

As the title suggests, it seems to urge us—amid the ordinariness of everyday life—to think of others and to cherish ourselves.

rainbowTakahashi Yuu100rank/position

Yuu Takahashi “Niji (Rainbow)” MV – YouTube Limited Edit Version

Rainbow is a song written by Yu Takahashi as a cheer anthem for summer high school baseball.

The lyrics carry two major messages: one is a push for those who are hesitating—“Go on, give it a try.” The other is a call to live for tomorrow without being bound by past glory.

Takahashi wrote these messages based on what he felt when he actually visited the ballpark.

Try listening to it not only with baseball in mind, but by applying it to whatever you’re working hard at in your own life!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem