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

BoyhoodInoue Yosui36rank/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 Chitai37rank/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 Shōta38rank/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.

Song of BeginningsOhashi Takuya39rank/position

Takuya Ohashi – “Hajimari no Uta” Music Video: TAKUYA OHASHI – Hajimari no Uta Music Video

Let me introduce a song that’s perfect as a motivational anthem for starting a new life in spring: a solo debut released in February 2008 by Takuya Ohashi of Sukima Switch.

Filled with lyrics brimming with hope for the future—encouraging you to move forward while staying true to yourself—and a warm acoustic sound that resonates deeply, it gently gives you a push to take that first new step.

The track was chosen as the campaign song for major distance-learning company U-Can and reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The music video features actress Aoi Yoshikura and memorably portrays young people setting out on a new path.

It’s a song we especially recommend to new employees and to anyone whose environment is changing, such as those advancing to higher education or changing jobs.

Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio40rank/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.

Song of the DawnMiyamoto Hiroji41rank/position

Hiroji Miyamoto — Song of Dawn

A gem of a ballad by Hiroji Miyamoto that cleanses the heart like the clear air at dawn.

He calls all who keep walking with dreams in their hearts “travelers,” and delivers a warm yet powerful message that gently pushes them forward and sinks deep into the soul.

Written as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “Nikkei Special: Gaia no Yoake (Gaia’s Dawn),” the song was released in March 2020 and included on his first solo album, “Miyamoto, Doppo.” Miyamoto says he was able to sing it without deceiving his heart; his soulful voice draws close to the listener and kindles a quiet light of hope.

sparklingOda Kazumasa42rank/position

Glittering – Kazumasa Oda

Kazumasa Oda’s “Kira Kira” is a song that makes my heart leap every time I hear it.

Its melodic lines are soothing, helping you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The lyrics overflow with gentle, encouraging words—like advice from a senior in life—inviting deep empathy from listeners.

That’s likely why it’s loved by so many people.

Taking the time to listen closely to the lyrics brings out the song’s charm even more.