Ranking of Male J-Pop Singers’ Best-Lyric and Most Popular Songs [2026]
The appeal of music may lie in the world of its lyrics.
The lyrics an artist sings create a special world that belongs only to that artist.
That’s why we empathize with those lyrics, feel moved by them, and find encouragement in them.
Here, we introduce a ranking of songs with great lyrics and popular tracks by male Japanese artists.
We hope you’ll discover songs with wonderful lyrics that resonate in your heart!
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Top 10 J-Pop Male Singers’ Best-Lyric/Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki8rank/position
A song by Masaki Suda, who is also active as an actor, and it was used as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World.” The lyrics and composition were done by Kenshi Yonezu, and the song was born out of their collaboration on “Gray and Blue,” released under Yonezu’s name in 2017.
It portrays a strong sense of inferiority stemming from the belief that one is not a righteous person, as well as the jolt that seems to shake off that feeling.
It expresses a major shift in mindset—believing that it was precisely because one isn’t a ‘righteous’ person that they were able to meet someone important—and the resolve to keep thinking of that precious person.
cherry blossomKobukuro9rank/position
This is a song by Kobukuro that depicts the gradual accumulation of memories, like cherry blossoms that bloom each time spring arrives.
Its gentle sound—centered on piano, acoustic guitar, and strings—evokes both the melancholy of graduation ceremonies and the bright, hopeful feeling of setting off on a new journey.
Like winter plants storing strength for spring, the experiences we’ve built up become the power that propels us toward the future.
It’s a tender yet powerful song imbued with an encouraging message that sweeps away the anxieties of the springtime turning point.
Protect you, love youSambomasutā10rank/position
Sambomaster is known for lyrics so passionate they can feel almost embarrassingly intense.
Their song “Kimi wo Mamotte, Kimi wo Aishite” is a love song packed tight with that very intensity and emotion, delivered with disarming directness.
It’s a hot-blooded track that makes you feel this person will accept all of you with everything they’ve got—and protect you, too—while overflowing with love.
It’s also well-known for having been used as an ending theme for the popular anime BLEACH.
Best Lyrics and Popular Songs by Male Japanese Artists [2026] (Ranks 11–20)
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi11rank/position
A signature song by Elephant Kashimashi, it sublimates the feeling of a heart wavering between everyday nihilism and hope into something beautiful.
The dramatic melody and Hiroji Miyamoto’s impassioned vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
Released by Pony Canyon in July 1997, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night.” It became the band’s first entry into the Oricon Weekly Top 10 and a major hit with total sales of about 800,000 copies.
When you’re worn out by relationships or work and listen to this song, you can sense someone who struggles just like you yet still tries to face forward and live.
Like gentle moonlight softly illuminating the night, this is a song that stays close to your heart.
LIFEkimaguren12rank/position
A song whose acoustic tones resonate pleasantly.
In this piece by Kimaguren, we who tend to hide our true feelings in everyday life are asked, “Who are you living for?” The straightforward words feel like the voice of your own heart.
Lyricist KUREI poured in the earnest feelings he held amid management hardships, and the gentle yet powerful message strikes a chord.
Released in May 2008 as their second major single.
In addition to being featured in an au commercial, it was also adopted as the approaching train melody at Keikyu Zushi Line’s Shin-Zushi Station starting in November that same year.
It’s perfect for a summer drive.
your songShimizu Shota13rank/position
“Because you’re here, I can shine.” It’s a warm ballad that sings gratitude to a beloved person.
The song is by Shota Shimizu, a singer-songwriter from Osaka Prefecture, and is included on his fourth album, “Naturally,” released in March 2012.
The gentle piano melody and soulful vocals convey a straightforward feeling that one’s world begins to shine thanks to someone special.
This track seems to carry a message that being loved can change who you are, nurturing a sense of self-worth.
On nights when you long to be loved, try listening while picturing the face of the person who supports you.
That gentle girlsupittsu14rank/position
On a sunny summer day, be sure to give it a listen first thing in the morning.
It’s a song by Spitz, the popular band known for signature hits like “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” and “Cherry.” Released in 2019 as their 42nd single, it was used as the opening theme for the morning drama series Natsuzora.
Since the drama is set in Hokkaido, Ainu language is incorporated into the lyrics.
