Ranking of Japanese Bands Popular Among Men [2026]

I want to hug you.The Birthday85rank/position

The Birthday – I Want to Hold You

The Birthday is a rock band that has been active for many years, and their resurgence since the 2020s has been remarkable.

Among their songs, one I especially recommend for men with lower voices is “Dakishimetai” (“I Want to Hold You”).

This track doesn’t just lean heavily on low tones; it also emphasizes a raw, rough edge.

That’s why it’s an excellent choice for people with deep, raspy voices to really showcase their strengths.

Give it a try at a karaoke after-party.

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Ryo

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One Night CarnivalKishidan86rank/position

Kishidan – One Night Carnival

That hook from the intro grabs you instantly, and the energetic performance in school uniforms leaves a vivid impression! This is truly a soul-stirring anthem that represents Kishidan.

You can feel the exhilaration of breaking free from dull everyday life and diving into a one-night-only carnival, along with the fiery bond between friends.

The indie version was released in June 2001, followed by the major-label version in May 2002, and it was performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in both 2004 and 2005.

Belt it out with your friends at karaoke, arms over shoulders, and it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going! Nail that signature choreography, too, and make it an unforgettable night!

I want to shout that I love you.BAAD87rank/position

"Slam Dunk Theme Song" vol. 2 BAAD - 'I Want to Shout That I Love You' sung by Kaname Kawabata (Short Ver.)

It’s a classic song etched in my heart along with nostalgic memories of my youth.

Starting with a refreshing morning scene, it portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they waver between friendship and romance, expressed through a passionate melody and powerful vocals.

As BAAD’s signature work, it was released as a single in December 1993 and used as the first opening theme for the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

In March 2021, it won the Users’ Choice Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize, and it continues to be loved across generations.

With lyrics that capture universal themes—such as the frustration of love and the courage to take a step forward—it’s perfect for when you want to indulge in bittersweet memories of romance.

ROSIERLUNA SEA88rank/position

LUNA SEA – 「ROSIER」MV

LUNA SEA is a five-member rock band whose inimitable musicality has electrified fans, inspiring countless visual kei bands to emulate their style.

Their third single, “ROSIER,” became a major hit despite having no tie-in, even winning the Japan Record Awards’ Best Promotional Video.

Its thrilling, syncopation-heavy beat naturally sends your energy soaring just by listening.

While it has a driving sense of speed, the song sits in a lower key, making it a rock tune that’s relatively easy to sing at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Goodbye, Humanitytama89rank/position

Tama - Goodbye, Humanity

A signature song by Tama, known for its complex lyrics and distinctive sound.

Its themes, hinting at the destruction of the Earth’s environment and the future of humanity, strike deeply at the listener’s heart.

Released in 1990 as their major-label debut, it even achieved the remarkable feat of an appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

A jazz-style self-cover was recorded in 2005, showcasing the song’s many facets.

For those in their 50s, it’s a track that evokes memories of their youth.

Sing it at karaoke and its unique worldview might captivate those around you.

It also suits scenes with a mature vibe, like late-night conversations with friends.

After-school[Alexandros]90rank/position

[Alexandros] – After School (MV)

[Alexandros] is a rock band known for a wide range of sounds—from classic rock to alternative and emo.

They’ve been active since the 2000s, but their momentum has only grown in the 2020s.

Among their songs, the one I particularly recommend is Afterschool.

It’s a British-style alternative rock track with a consistently gentle vocal line throughout.

While it features many long tones, the vocal range is quite narrow, making it easier to track the pitch accurately—another reason it’s a strong candidate for a high score.

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Ryo

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The sun rises again and again.Dragon Ash91rank/position

Dragon Ash “The sun rises again and repeats”

A single released in May 1998, this monumental work established Dragon Ash’s early style.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime DT Eightron, the track features the trio fusing rap and rock to create a distinctive groove.

Kj’s message—both wistful and powerful—will likely resonate deeply with those who spent their youth wrestling with similar struggles.

Despite its epic length of over seven minutes, its relaxed tempo makes it comfortable to sing even at karaoke.

On your way home from work, sing it while recalling the passion of those days, and you’re sure to feel energized for tomorrow.