Male-Popularity Artist Rankings [2026]

Hated by life.mafumafu92rank/position

Hated by Life. / Mafumafu [I tried singing]

This song portrays the conflict and hope of living, with Mafumafu’s transparent vocals resonating deeply in the heart.

The lyrics delicately express both resistance to and acceptance of life, striking a chord with many young people and gaining attention on social media.

Released in December 2020, the song was memorably performed at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

It’s a piece that offers comfort to those who feel life is hard or are searching for their sense of purpose.

The rock-based sound fused with an emotional melody shakes the listener to the core.

It’s also very popular for karaoke—why not listen to it together with someone important to you?

bookmarkkuriipuhaipe93rank/position

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

A song that portrays the feelings of spring, included on the album “Nakitakunaru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni,” released in September 2018.

Written specifically for the joint campaign “FM802 × TSUTAYA ACCESS!” by FM802 and TSUTAYA, it features CreepHyp’s distinctive rock sound.

With delicate detail, it captures the fragile emotions of trying to move forward while keeping memories of the past close to the heart, unfolding a tale of parting and renewal alongside scenes of cherry blossoms.

The emotional melody harmonizes beautifully with Seikaikan Ozaki’s unique vocals, creating a work that is sure to resonate deeply with anyone experiencing a springtime farewell.

It’s a song to help organize your feelings—one we hope everyone standing at the threshold between endings and beginnings will listen to.

Forever LoveX JAPAN94rank/position

X Japan – Forever Love

A ballad by X JAPAN characterized by a grand orchestra and powerful vocals.

Its lyrics, themed around profound sorrow, despair, and eternal love, resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in July 1996, it was chosen as the theme song for the anime film “X,” which premiered the same year.

Imbued with a longing for what remains unchanged amid changing times, the song was also performed at X JAPAN’s final concert before their breakup, becoming a memorable track for fans.

Listening to it when you’re struggling with love or life may soothe your heart.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys95rank/position

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

A pop ballad about aching love propelled America’s Backstreet Boys to global stardom.

Released in April 1999, the song reached No.

1 on the charts in more than 25 countries and earned an impressive three Grammy nominations.

While the lyrics are ambiguous, its beautiful melody and the group’s exquisite five-part harmonies are sure to soothe anyone struggling with love.

It was featured in a Samsung Electronics commercial in 2021, and even after more than 20 years, its appeal remains undiminished.

Highly recommended for those dealing with heartbreak or long-distance relationships.

You’re the Only..Ono Masatoshi96rank/position

Masatoshi Ono “You’re the Only…” Record Audio

In the 2020s, when people mention Masatoshi Ono, many younger fans may recognize him from TV shows where he showcases his powerful high tones through impersonations, or as the vocalist of the heavy metal band GALNERYUS.

For those who know Ono from his debut in the 1990s—sporting distinctive long, permed hair and a headband—the massive hit “You’re the Only…” likely comes to mind first.

Released in August 1992 as his third single, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Kimi no Tame ni Dekiru Koto” and became a million seller.

Featuring romantic lyrics befitting the heyday of trendy dramas and a melody sung in ultra-high tones—drawing on his background in hard rock and metal bands—the song is refined and beautiful.

If you can pull it off at karaoke, it’s sure to bring the house down with applause!

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KOH-1

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Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento97rank/position

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

Hai Yorokonde was released as a digital-only single.

It’s a soul-stirring anthem that stands with people struggling in life, and because it’s rhythm-focused, it’s the kind of song you can sing along to by feel even if you can’t nail the pitch! Since Kento Kochinoke often performed it on TV, many of you might already know this track.

It’s just under three minutes long, and it feels like all its coolness is packed tightly into that short span.

The tempo is fast, so memorizing the lyrics might be a bit tough, but what matters most is to “keep time with the rhythm” and “ride the groove.” For the rapid-fire sections, you can get through them by enunciating the vowels clearly.

It also helps not to open your mouth too wide.

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Kubota Mami

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Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya98rank/position

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

Singer-songwriter Tatsuya Kitani, also known as a Vocaloid producer and bassist.

Selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death, this track was released in July 2023 as the title song of his third EP.

Its lyrics poignantly capture the bittersweet shift in a once carefree friendship, while celebrating the lingering glow of youth that stays in the heart.

The piercing high-tone vocals and driving ensemble make it perfect not only for anime-loving kids, but also for anyone confident in their karaoke chops.

A must-hear rock tune that received a Special Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.