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

Graduation, goodbye.haji→29rank/position

Hajime → Graduation Goodbye.

As graduation day draws near, many people may feel a tightness deep in their chest.

This song, released in March 2014 by Hajime→, a singer-songwriter from Miyagi Prefecture, captures both the sorrow of parting and the determination to move forward.

Rather than a somber ballad, it features a memorable mid-tempo sound where rap and melody blend smoothly, gently giving listeners a supportive push.

Chosen as the opening theme for Nippon TV’s Music Dragon in March 2014, it became widely cherished during the graduation season.

Its warm message—looking back on days spent with friends while sending each other off with smiles—resonates deeply.

It’s a number that we hope reaches those taking their first steps into a new chapter or facing a farewell with someone dear.

Spring colors.haji→30rank/position

Haji→ 'Spring Colors.' Official PV

The singer-songwriter entertainer Hajime’s superb spring song “Haruiro.” There’s something about spring’s warmth that makes your heart feel all fluttery, right? Its buoyant rhythm perfectly matches that light, springtime mood, and the lyrics plainly express how the heart and body can’t help but feel excited.

When you’re starting out in a new environment, anxiety tends to come first, but if you listen to this completely non-negative track, it feels like everything will work out, and you’ll start looking forward to anything! It’ll make you impatient for spring to arrive!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Anniversary (feat. miwa)haji→31rank/position

Haji→ – Anniversary. feat. miwa ft. Miwa

This is a heartwarming duet by Hajime and miwa, brimming with affection as it celebrates anniversaries with a loved one.

Their contrasting vocal tones intertwine gently, weaving together everyday little joys and memories of special days.

Released digitally in September 2015, the track was produced as the second collaboration with miwa and was also included on the album Hajibest.

The music video features a real married couple who prepare surprises for each other to celebrate their wedding anniversary, depicting genuine expressions of love.

It’s a wonderful love song perfect not only as a date BGM for happy couples, but also for listening on anniversaries and special days with someone important.

Ca Va?Bikkeburanka32rank/position

Vicke Blanka – Ca Va?

Is this Japanese? English? What language is it? First-time listeners might find lots of question marks popping up.

This delightfully puzzling song is Vickeblanka’s “Ca Va?”.

“Ca Va?” is French for “How are you?” and the lyrics are sprinkled with plenty of French.

Chosen for a Spotify commercial, it drew attention with words and a melody that stick after just one listen.

The lyrics—basically, “Don’t sweat the trivial stuff, just do what you want!”—are perfect for summer, when you feel like letting loose body and soul.

The irresistibly singable lines feel like playful word games, so have fun and sing along!

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SAKI

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LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu33rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – LA･LA･LA LOVE SONG with NAOMI CAMPBELL [Official Video Short ver.]

It was the opening theme of my favorite drama, Long Vacation.

It also became famous for featuring Naomi Campbell, who was at the peak of her popularity at the time.

Anyway, Masanobu Kubota is an amazing singer! And the song is super stylish.

MissingKubota Toshinobu34rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video]

This is an immortal masterpiece included on the first album “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” released in September 1986.

Although it was never released as a single, it’s widely known as one of Toshinobu Kubota’s signature songs.

It portrays a poignant relationship between a man and a woman who are drawn to each other yet can never be together, rendered through a one-of-a-kind, soulful voice.

The more one wishes to forget, the stronger the feelings grow—the searing emotion tightens the listener’s chest.

On a night when your heart is troubled by an unrequited love, why not listen quietly on your own?

Serenade, if anythingInoue Yosui35rank/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.”