Male-Popularity Artist Rankings [2026]

LOVERS AGAINEXILE50rank/position

EXILE / Lovers Again (Short Ver.)

Just hearing the intro makes you feel as if a winter landscape is unfolding.

Among EXILE’s many masterpieces, this song is cherished as a ballad that leaves a deep mark on the heart.

Carried by a smooth R&B beat, it tells the poignant feelings of a man who can’t help but search for traces of a former lover.

The lingering attachment and regrets for an irretrievable past are pains that everyone experiences at least once.

Released in January 2007 as their 22nd single, it was also featured in a KDDI “au LISMO” commercial, so many people likely heard it at the time.

The vocals capture wavering emotions beautifully, gently keeping you company on a lonely night.

It’s a song you’ll want to play when a passing moment brings back those days, when you want to quietly immerse yourself in memories alone.

Overdosenatori51rank/position

Natori – Overdose

Natori’s vocals, with a gentle, whispering tone, ooze a sense of danger and heartache like a forbidden love.

It’s a shocking love song that portrays the maddening feelings of two people who can’t escape, even as they cling to a false relationship.

Riding on a pleasant electropop melody, the urge to escape reality intertwines with self-destructive emotions.

Featured on the album “Gekijō” released in December 2023, this track also drew attention as the song for Nike’s Air Max Excee commercial.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who feels on the verge of losing their way, or who wants to pursue love without worrying about others’ eyes.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke52rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A heartwarming ballad that delicately paints winter scenes, transforming the bittersweet memory of a lost love into a feeling of blessing.

While looking back on a past romance, it carries a positive message about cherishing the love that was shared, resonating through Keisuke Kuwata’s warm, soulful vocals.

Released in October 2001 as his seventh single, this gem won the Gold Prize at the 43rd Japan Record Awards that same year.

Also featured in Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercial, the song won the hearts of listeners across generations.

It’s the perfect soundtrack for spending unhurried time with someone special in a relaxed lounge, or for quietly gazing at a winter nightscape alone with a glass in hand.

I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka53rank/position

Yutaka Ozaki – I LOVE YOU (Official Music Video)

Released in 1983, this is Yutaka Ozaki’s signature love ballad—so famous that almost everyone knows it.

I’ve taught “I LOVE YOU” in lessons several times, and I feel it’s a tough song for people who struggle with falsetto; many students actually used this song to practice it.

You shouldn’t need to change the key—the original should be comfortable to sing.

Since some people aren’t confident with falsetto, let’s review the key points.

If you’ve mostly been singing in chest voice, you’re probably used to pushing with just your voice without using much breath.

To use your breath properly, humming is important.

Do a nasal hum to create nasal resonance so the sound vibrates in your nose.

Be careful not to force it with your throat.

After a light hum, keep the resonance in the same place and let your singing voice become thinner and lighter.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN54rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

I think there are many men in their 30s who like anime songs.

For such anime song fans in their 30s, UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is probably one of the most popular bands.

Among their tracks, the one I especially recommend is “Sugar Song and Bitter Step.” Its appeal lies in the seamless succession of high-pitched phrases that feel light yet deliver an exceptional sense of liberation.

If you watched Blood Blockade Battlefront as it aired, be sure to try singing it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA55rank/position

[MV] YAH YAH YAH / CHAGE and ASKA

It is an aggressive track emblematic of the ’90s, infused with power and passion for the future.

Even when faced with difficult circumstances, its message of unwavering resolve to stay true to oneself and keep moving forward, along with hope for the future, continues to resonate across generations.

The song channels the passion of chasing dreams and an unyielding stance in the face of trials through a powerful rock sound.

Released by CHAGE and ASKA in March 1993, it was used as the theme song for the drama “If You Turn Around, He’s There,” topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for two consecutive weeks, sold 2.419 million copies, and ranked first on the annual singles chart.

It’s highly recommended for those who want to challenge themselves in pursuit of their dreams without fear of failure, or for anyone standing at a major crossroads in life.

It’s sure to give you courage.

I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN56rank/position

I want to take only you away just like this.

Released in March 1993 as DEEN’s debut single, this masterpiece has long been cherished as one of their signature songs.

Its poignant melody and lyrics that portray a deep longing for someone drifting away strike right at the heart.

Written by Sho Uesugi and composed by Tetsuro Oda, it was also used in an NTT DoCoMo “Pocket Bell” commercial and went on to become a million seller at the time.

The sweet, clear vocals gently cradle the pain of heartbreak, making it a song many find themselves wanting to listen to in quiet moments.

It’s also a karaoke staple, a classic ballad perfect for singing with poise while reminiscing about those days.

It’s included on the album “DEEN,” so be sure to enjoy it with a sense of nostalgia!