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

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.

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Ryo

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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.

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Ryo

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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.

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Araki Jakkan

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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.

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zunx2P

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