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

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi1rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

This song, included on Kenshi Yonezu’s first major-label album, stands out among his works for its especially warm atmosphere.

The lyrics portray a wide range of deeply human emotions—anxieties and inner conflicts that arise in love, and the hope that this happiness will last.

For example, the opening lines describe how the happier you are in the present, the harder a goodbye would be, and whether it was truly okay that the special person chose you—feelings of unease you may have experienced yourself.

Even so, the closing lines convey a longing to stay with the one you love forever, and they’re sure to move your heart.

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Hane Keisuke

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NonfictionHirai Ken2rank/position

Ken Hirai “Nonfiction” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

A heartfelt message song born from the experience of losing a close friend.

Ken Hirai’s powerful vocals portray the longing for a lost life and the wish to meet again, with a voice that stirs the soul.

Since its release in June 2017, this medium-tempo ballad has resonated with many.

Created as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Little Giant,” its delicate, acoustic guitar–based arrangement harmonizes beautifully with the drama’s worldview.

The lyrics probe deeply into the meaning of life and gently embrace life’s struggles and setbacks, woven with warm words that stay close to the heart.

This work will light a quiet beacon in the hearts of those standing at life’s crossroads or holding feelings for someone dear.

globeYonezu Kenshi3rank/position

Globe – Kenshi Yonezu [Mixed Choir Arrangement]

Released in July 2023 as the theme song for Hayao Miyazaki’s film The Boy and the Heron, this single is also included on the album LOST CORNER.

Kenshi Yonezu created the track as an expression of his long-held admiration for the director.

Framing life as a long journey, the lyrics portray the strength to keep moving forward on one’s own feet, even through farewells and hardships—offering gentle support to children facing the significant milestone of graduation.

Beginning with a quiet piano and gradually building into a powerful, expansive sound, it delivers a moving experience well-suited to a graduation ceremony, where hope and uncertainty meet as new doors open.

It’s a song filled with a warm message that inspires the courage to take a step toward the future.

Close your eyesHirai Ken4rank/position

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A gem of a ballad suffused with the lingering ache of deep, bittersweet love.

Ken Hirai’s delicate, soul-stirring vocals beautifully convey the profound longing and sense of loss for a departed lover.

Sung with the purest feeling of closing one’s eyes and picturing the one you love, this work was released as a single in April 2004.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” it topped the Oricon year-end chart.

Its heart-piercing vocals and beautiful melody line make it a refined track for adults—perfect for a night drive or a quiet moment alone.

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro5rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

This song, themed around cherry blossoms that brighten the spring graduation season, gently sings of farewells, reunions, and the treasured memories that remain in our hearts.

Naotaro Moriyama’s clear, pure vocals and the majestic arrangement of piano and strings resonate deeply.

The beautiful story, intertwining life’s important moments with the fleeting nature of cherry blossoms, leaves a lasting impression on listeners.

Released in March 2003, the track was chosen as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki,” and was later included on the album “In Search of New Spices.” Embraced as a song that accompanies life’s milestones such as graduation and school entrance ceremonies, it has also become a gentle, comforting piece for elementary school children.

Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai6rank/position

Hirai Dai / Stand by me, Stand by you. (Lyric Video)

When it comes to ballads that depict the fateful meeting of lovers, “Stand by me, Stand by you.” comes to mind.

Released in 2020 by singer-songwriter Dai Hirai, known for delivering refreshing songs that evoke images of the seaside and sandy beaches, it’s a ballad where ambient tones spread over an R&B-style beat.

It portrays the miracle of meeting a loved one in this vast world, overflowing with feelings of love and gratitude.

The clear, translucent sound and his cool vocals are sure to soothe you.

It’s a romantic love song that likens the beloved woman to a princess.

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mutō

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spring thunderYonezu Kenshi7rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spring Thunder

This song expresses the fleeting, cherry blossom-like beauty of first love by likening it to spring thunder.

Kenshi Yonezu’s poetic lyrics and distinctive melody resonate deeply with listeners.

It artfully depicts the emotional shifts from the beginning to the end of a romance.

Included on the album “BOOTLEG,” the track was released in November 2017.

Its music video also drew attention and became immensely popular, surpassing 100 million views on YouTube.

It’s especially recommended for the season when you can feel spring’s arrival.

It’s a song that will stay close to your heart when you want to look back on your first love or when you’re feeling wistful.