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

spring thunderfuki no tō31rank/position

Shunrai / Fuki no Tō (1979) [Lyrics] 2024 [No. 6]

This song depicts thunder that announces the arrival of spring and cherry blossom petals dancing in the air.

Its expression of the preciousness and transience of life is striking.

1979年5月にリリースされ、アルバム「人生・春・横断」にも収録されています。

This was Fuki no Tō’s 13th single, said to have been created by Yasuyo Yamaki in hopes of his mother’s recovery from illness.

Conveying feelings for someone important through music—doesn’t this track embody that sentiment? Just like the sudden thunder on a spring night, life brings unexpected events.

It might be a good song to listen to at such times.

Easy GoElefanto Kashimashi32rank/position

Elephant Kashimashi “Easy Go” Short ver.

It’s a song with a driving groove and melody that feels masculine and cool.

It’s by the four-piece rock band Elephant Kashimashi, known for songs like “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni.” It was released in 2018 as their 51st single.

I recommend listening to it when you’re feeling totally drained.

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Araki Jakkan

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Cherry blossoms, along the path where petals swirl upElefanto Kashimashi33rank/position

Elephant Kashimashi – “The Road Where Cherry Blossoms Dance Up”

Sakura no Hana, Maiagaru Michi o depicts the resolve to walk forward with a loved one as spring arrives and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Released in 2007 by Elephant Kashimashi, a rock band known for its unique sound infused with blues and rock, the song looks back on life and sings of a spring spent with a beloved person after overcoming various hardships.

The passionate band performance, enhanced with a vibrant arrangement, conveys a powerful sense of determination and will.

Paired with Hiroji Miyamoto’s soulful vocals, it’s a love song that unfolds a heartwarming story set in the spring season.

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mutō

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Blown by the windElefanto Kashimashi34rank/position

Blown by the wind

This is a song by The Elephant Kashimashi, released in 1999.

The band often sings about “wind,” and this track is one of those—its charm is sprinkled throughout with images of the wind.

While being blown by the breeze, it sings about reflecting on the days we’ve lived so far and taking a step toward tomorrow.

It feels like the kind of song that would put a spring in your step on your way home from work or school.

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en

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O flowers now in full bloom,Kobukuro35rank/position

Kobukuro – Oh flowers now in full bloom

Set to a triple-time melody, this song expresses the hope and possibilities that bud with the arrival of spring.

Released in February 2014 as the theme song for NHK’s Sochi Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts, it features Kobukuro’s warmly enveloping vocals that leave a lasting impression.

Included on the album “One Song From Two Hearts,” it reached No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It is an anthem for those moving forward, a song that gives a supportive push to anyone striving toward their goals.

GraduationKobukuro36rank/position

Kobukuro “Graduation”

Kobukuro has many moving, heartfelt songs.

They have fans across generations—many even parent-and-child duos—and you can understand that broad appeal as soon as you listen.

From the title alone, this track is a straightforward graduation song.

The lyrics are firmly centered on graduation, and it’s a piece that will surely bring tears as you look back on three years of student life.

What once felt ordinary reveals itself, in hindsight, to be irreplaceable—something you realize when you graduate and even more so as you become an adult.

It’s a deeply moving song that I hope adults will listen to as well, one that brings back those feelings.

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utatane

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meteorKobukuro37rank/position

Kobukuro – Ryūsei (Meteor)

This is Kobukuro’s 19th single, used as the theme song for the drama “Nagareboshi.” Even when far apart, even if they can’t be together forever, they can’t imagine living with anyone else.

The song portrays a poignant scene of gazing at the moon on a midwinter shore, enduring loneliness while holding a powerful bond close to the heart.

Released in November 2010, it debuted at No.

3 on the Oricon chart.

Capturing the hearts of many—winning the 26th Japan Gold Disc Award, among others—this slightly melancholic, sentimental track is a perfect fit for the winter season when we long for warmth.

the red threadKobukuro38rank/position

Akai Ito

A song that makes you feel like you’re reading a romance novel: “Akai Ito” (“Red Thread”).

Released by Kobukuro in 2008, this love song is also known for being covered by actress Yui Aragaki.

What’s great about the lyrics, I think, is how they convey what it truly means to “believe.” The bittersweet feelings of the male protagonist who keeps his distance from his girlfriend—who can’t forget her ex—and waits for her to choose him.

It’s enough to make you cry just listening, but there’s also the strength of a man who accepts even that pain and waits for the woman he loves.

No matter what happens, it’s a song that makes you want to believe in the person you love in just that way.

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sasashina

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YELL ~Support~Kobukuro39rank/position

YELL ~A Cheer~ / Kobukuro

YELL ~Eru~ is a song released as Kobukuro’s major-label debut single.

It’s often used at graduation ceremonies and other send-off occasions, but its positive lyrics also make it perfect for entrance ceremonies.

Even if you’re filled with anxiety when you start school, this number inspires the feeling that you’ll have grown significantly by the time you graduate.

Blue and gentleKobukuro40rank/position

Kobukuro – Blue and Gentle

It’s the theme song for the 2007 drama “Dream☆Again.” It’s striking that the title uses the kanji 蒼 for “ao” (blue).

The song seems to portray someone struggling as they consider giving up on their dream.

Fulfilling a dream is fun, but it can also be very tough.

When you stumble badly, you might feel like you can’t get back up—but the song teaches that it’s important not to give up.

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en

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