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

Sakura RoadKyūshūdan57rank/position

Kyushu Man 'Sakura Road' PV (Full ver.)

A single released in 2009.

A singer-songwriter born in 1978 from Nagasaki Prefecture.

Set to a mid-tempo, gently flowing rhythm with a prominently digital, pop-leaning sound, the vocals soar with rich emotion, resonating deeply with the listener—such is this song.

Serenade, if anythingInoue Yosui58rank/position

“Issho Serenade” — Yosui Inoue Special, 4 minutes 10 seconds

Even after a heartbreak, Yosui Inoue remains in his own world and immerses himself in it—how quintessential of him.

In “Isso Serenade,” Inoue sings, “While holding on to memories that are now far away, I’ll turn these feelings of heartbreak into a serenade and sing them—so unbearably, achingly sad.”

BoyhoodInoue Yosui59rank/position

Yosui Inoue – Shonen Jidai (Live) NHK Hall 2014/5/22

It’s surprisingly hard to find songs with great lyrics that appeal to all ages and are easy to sing.

In that respect, this song is recommended for anyone.

Although it was released in 1990 and quite a bit of time has passed, it hasn’t lost its luster and has become a standard summer song by Yosui Inoue.

You should be able to sing it at a relaxed pace while savoring the lyrics.

This song even appeared in junior high and high school textbooks, and its lyrics are sprinkled with coined words that showcase Inoue’s flair.

It might be fun to try spotting them, too.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Harmony at Summer’s EndInoue Yosui & Anzen Chitai60rank/position

Yosui Inoue & Anzenchitai - Harmony at the End of Summer

“Harmony at Summer’s End” is a song whose charm lies in a melody that weaves together tenderness and poignancy.

The harmonies crafted by Yosui Inoue and Koji Tamaki of Anzenchitai resonate deeply with listeners.

The lyrics, which evoke the lingering afterglow of summer, inspire empathy when one feels the loneliness that comes with the season’s end and invite a reflective mood.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to spend quiet time accompanied by a song.

It’s also an ideal choice to color the scene when looking back on memories with someone dear.

Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta61rank/position

Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu “Love Forever”

The golden duo representing the J-POP scene, Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu, have an unmissable duet song.

While celebrating the joy of meeting, its lyrics occasionally hint at an inevitable end, making it achingly bittersweet and tightening your chest.

Told from both of their perspectives, it’s a track that powerfully conveys gratitude toward the person who saved them from lonely days.

Released in May 2009 as a single by Miliyah Kato and included on the classic album “Ring,” the song became hugely popular, with its music video winning an award at MTV VMAJ 2010.

The section in the latter half where their harmonies intertwine is a must-hear.

It’s a masterpiece perfect for nights when you want to bask in the beautiful memories and bittersweetness of love.

Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio62rank/position

Tamio Okuda “Easy★Rider” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a song with a laid-back vibe that lets you drift through the days of youth.

Rather than racing into a new chapter or offering strong encouragement, its message gently nudges you to relax and go at your own pace.

A pop tune marked by a distinctive, floating ensemble and a catchy melody.

celeryYamazaki Masayoshi63rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki / Celery

While the version sung by SMAP is also famous, Masayoshi Yamazaki is the original.

Personally, I prefer Masayoshi Yamazaki’s “Celery.” It conveys a lovely spirit: even though we may sometimes miss each other because our upbringings and paths are different, we do our best for the other person because we have feelings of love.