Male-Popularity Artist Rankings [2026]

Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi57rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.

Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.

The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.

Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.

It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.

Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS58rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Linda Linda” [1st Single (1987/5/1)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Linda Linda

One of The Blue Hearts’ signature songs, and the kind you can just scream and have fun with—whether live or at karaoke! For the quiet intro, sing carefully and with feeling, then for the chorus don’t worry about pitch—just belt it out and it’ll always get everyone hyped! Momentum is important, of course, but if you just shout recklessly you’ll hurt your throat, so focus on engaging your vocal cords and resonating in your chest.

Even just placing a hand on your chest while you sing helps you feel the resonance and hear your own voice better! You might get caught up in the intensity, but don’t forget to breathe—and enjoy singing!

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Kubota Mami

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Close your eyesHirai Ken59rank/position

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A ballad that portrays the sorrow of losing a loved one and the aching yearning to keep chasing their memory.

Ken Hirai’s emotional vocals gently accompany hearts spending lonely nights.

Released in April 2004 as his 20th single, it was written as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” With total shipments exceeding one million copies, it became a social phenomenon, topping the annual charts that year.

It will especially resonate with those who, in unguarded moments, recall a past love and feel their chest tighten.

A gem of a track, perfect for adult men who want to listen alone while quietly having a drink.

You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS60rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "You’re Not Here Anymore"

This is a gem of a ballad that sings of the sweet, aching pain of heartbreak.

The farewell scene on the station platform and the memories the two shared are delicately portrayed and delivered with a melody that pierces the heart.

Among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ works, it stands out for its rich emotional expression.

Released in October 2007, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Otona no Shikaku,” earning broad support across generations.

The song is also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 2,” and has been covered by Mariko Takahashi.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays by your side when you sense the end of a romance or go through a farewell with someone dear.

A melody instead of a bouquetShimizu Shota61rank/position

Shota Shimizu 'A Melody Instead of a Bouquet' MV (Full Size)

Shota Shimizu’s signature song, “Hanataba no Kawari ni Melody o.” It’s a love ballad released on October 28, 2015, and served as the theme song for NHK’s Drama 10 “Designer Baby.” It’s hugely popular at karaoke; expressive emotion and delicate pitch control are the keys to a high score! The tempo is relaxed, so you have plenty of breath and can sing each phrase carefully, but if you pour in too much emotion, your pitch can actually waver.

So start by prioritizing accurate pitch and rhythm.

The vocal range is D#3 to C#5, which is a bit high for male singers.

How well you use falsetto and how you place the high notes in a comfortable spot will greatly affect how easy it feels to sing.

Some of my students strained by pushing chest voice too much on the high notes.

Make good use of falsetto!

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Kubota Mami

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evening primroseNovelbright62rank/position

Novelbright – Evening Primrose [Official Music Video]

This work portrays a poignant state of mind: unable to forget a once‑beloved person, the protagonist can’t help but keep chasing their lingering shadow as memories of days gone by well up.

Vocalist Yudai Takenaka’s delicate high-tone voice gently envelops the pain of a protagonist who cannot accept the breakup.

The grand sound centered on piano and strings is another highlight.

It’s a song to listen to when you want something to stay close to the pain of heartbreak, or when you can’t take a step into a new love.

SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION63rank/position

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 'Soranin'

A song by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, a band whose evolution is seriously cool.

It’s a 2010 single used as the main theme for a film of the same name.

If you’re in your late twenties, some of you probably heard it in real time as part of your generation.

It’s an emotional masterpiece no matter where you slice it: the film’s scenes vividly come to mind, yet it also overlaps with everyday life in a universal way.

Among Ajikan’s songs, “Soranin” is relatively easy to keep rhythm with, so it’s a great pick even for people who feel a bit uneasy about karaoke or who have a lower voice.

I recommend it! Start by singing steadily and simply along with the melody, then go all out and belt it in the final section!

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KEI

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