Best Songs and Popular Tracks by Male Singer-Songwriters: 2026 Rankings

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro8rank/position

Motohiro Hata / Promise of a Sunflower (Short Ver.)

This song, which shot to nationwide fame as a ballad when it was chosen as the theme for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon, is one of Motohiro Hata’s signature tracks.

Many listeners were surely moved by the lyrics, which evoke the friendship between Doraemon and Nobita.

In particular, the second verse is perfect for graduation scenes, expressing the belief that even if people are separated they will surely meet again, and conveying a sense of gratitude too great to put into words—sentiments that are sure to resonate deeply with graduates.

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Hane Keisuke

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AiHata Motohiro9rank/position

Motohiro Hata / Ai (Acoustic Version)

When you think of Motohiro Hata, “Himawari no Yakusoku” is the famous one, but “Ai” is also a deeply moving ballad.

Its lyrics portray a protagonist who had been timid about love meeting someone precious and gradually being enveloped by love—no wonder it brings many listeners to tears.

In simple words, it tenderly conveys the protagonist’s confusion and joy, as if savoring each feeling, and it’s truly touching.

It’s the kind of love song that makes you long to encounter a love that lets you be this gentle.

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sasashina

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Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro10rank/position

Motohiro Hata / Aogeba Aozora Music Video

This work beautifully portrays graduation as a milestone in life.

Motohiro Hata’s clear, translucent voice captures both the sadness of parting and the hope of a new beginning in full.

Released in March 2019, it garnered attention as the theme song for a SoftBank TV commercial.

While cherishing past memories, this piece gives you the courage to take a step toward the future.

It’s a song I hope those embarking on a new chapter will listen to as spring arrives.

Its heartfelt melody and lyrics will surely give you a gentle push forward.

Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)Takahashi Yuu11rank/position

Yu Takahashi - Fukuwarai

This song by Yu Takahashi, so gentle and straightforward, naturally brings a smile to my face.

When you’re troubled, feel like crying, or want to laugh, listening to this track is sure to lift your spirits.

It’s catchy and goes down smoothly, making it a song that people of all ages—from children to adults—will want to listen to.

Can I call it magic?Hirai Ken12rank/position

Ken Hirai “May I Call It Magic?” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

Among Ken Hirai’s love songs, this is the one that most vividly brings a happy couple to mind.

Written from the man’s point of view, the warm lyrics make you feel happy just reading them.

In particular, the chorus describes how the man has a few “magics” that can bring a smile to his lover’s face—and it’s just so heart-fluttering! Every line in the song overflows with love, so I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a feel-good love song.

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Hane Keisuke

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MetronomeYonezu Kenshi13rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Metronome

A gemlike ballad that gently captures the subtleties of meetings and partings.

It likens the relationship of two lovers to a metronome, meticulously portraying how hearts that once beat in unison gradually fall out of sync.

Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and memorable melodic lines convey the ache of love with nothing left unsaid.

Included on the album Bremen, released in October 2015, the song also garnered attention for its distinctive music video composed of hand-drawn illustrations.

It is a track that will surely resonate deeply with anyone suffering the pain of heartbreak or struggling with growing distance from someone dear.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu14rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

This is a song by Masaharu Fukuyama that expresses unchanging feelings for someone dear who has grown distant, and a love that endures as the seasons pass.

Its gentle sound, incorporating the tones of an acoustic guitar, seems to highlight the warm affection woven into the lyrics.

It portrays both the loneliness of being unable to spend time together despite the love, and the wish for that special person’s happiness.

It leaves the impression of a song filled with sorrow-tinged affection, as if singing out unfulfilled feelings toward the sky.

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kappamaki

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