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

Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai50rank/position

Dai Hirai / The Way Home in March (Lyric Video)

In the season when spring cherry blossoms are in full bloom, Dai Hirai’s music truly touches the heart.

It beautifully sings of the sadness of graduation and parting, as well as the hope for new beginnings, gently enveloping listeners.

Set to the tender tones of piano and strings, the lyrics—woven with cherished memories and dreams for the future—leave a lasting impression.

Released in February 2022, this song is also included on the album “LOVE+PEACE.” It’s perfect for moments like graduation and entrance ceremonies.

With a heartwarming melody that feels like a send-off to those embarking on a new chapter, it resonates deeply.

BuddyHirai Dai51rank/position

Dai Hirai / Buddy (Lyric Video)

This is a song by Dai Hirai that lovingly portrays the everyday life of two people who have built an intimate relationship.

Set to a warm, acoustic guitar–based melody, it gently sings about how even small quarrels deepen their love and how precious the time they spend together is, even amid busy days.

The lyrics, which describe a lover as “the world’s best partner,” convey a deep trust and an unshakable bond.

Released in May 2021, the song is included on the album HOPE / WISH.

It’s a perfect track for reaffirming your bond with someone important or as background music for special moments with your partner.

Life is BeautifulHirai Dai52rank/position

Hirai Dai / Life is Beautiful (Music Video)

A heartwarming song that’s perfect for peaceful moments by the sea.

Dai Hirai’s gentle voice, paired with soothing sounds of ukulele and acoustic guitar, quietly reminds us just how precious the small joys of everyday life are.

The message embedded in this piece—“Life is beautiful”—guides the heart toward those sparkling moments we tend to overlook in our busy days.

Released in June 2016 as the title track of the acclaimed album “Life is Beautiful,” it also became well-loved as the theme for House Foods’ “Java Curry” commercial.

Whether you’re lost in thought on a beach at sunset or standing at a turning point in life, this song is sure to resonate deeply with the listener.

Slow & EasyHirai Dai53rank/position

Dai Hirai / Slow & Easy (Music Video)

Hirai Dai’s “Slow & Easy” is a perfect match for summer thanks to its ukulele tones.

True to Hirai, a leader in Japanese surf music, the relaxed, laid-back sound evokes the sea and feels so good.

It’s the title track from his 2015 album Slow & Easy, and the lyrics—urging people caught up in the rush of life to slow down and look around—leave a strong impression.

Just the intro puts you in a summer mood, so definitely consider adding it to your karaoke repertoire!

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Hamada Takuya

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Recipe for HappinessHirai Dai54rank/position

Recipe for Happiness

This song captivates with its heartwarming lyrics and gentle melody.

Chosen as the ending theme for season 2 of the TV anime “The Apothecary Diaries,” it was released for streaming to coincide with the broadcast starting in January 2025.

Set against an acoustic sound, the track sings of growth in human relationships and staying positive.

Dai Hirai’s tender vocals carefully convey the emotions of the characters.

When you’re troubled by love or friendship, it’s sure to be a song that stays close to your heart.

Gate of GloryHirai Dai55rank/position

Dai Hirai / The Door of Glory (Music Video)

Hirai Dai, whose appeal lies in his husky yet high-pitched vocals, wrote “Eikou no Tobira” as the theme song for Nettou Koshien.

The song carries the message that while winning and losing matters, what’s more important is how you make use of what you gain from the experience.

It should resonate especially with those who have gone through setbacks.

Another charm is its simple, understated melody that highlights his voice.

I hope you’ll relax and give it a careful listen.

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yamamoto

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Prayer FlowerHirai Dai56rank/position

Dai Hirai / Inoribana

A warm mid-tempo number by Dai Hirai that delivers overflowing feelings for someone special, as if handing them a bouquet of flowers.

Centered on themes of prayer and healing, its bittersweet yet gentle melody resonates deeply with listeners.

Released as his debut single in October 2011, it was later included on the album “ALOHA.” Its message, which offered comfort to people’s anxieties in the aftermath of the earthquake, struck a chord with many, and in 2020 he produced a self-cover version featuring strings—proof that it remains a beloved classic.

On White Day, when you want to express the gratitude you’re usually too shy to say out loud, listening to this song will surely help the words flow straight from the heart.