Ranking of Japanese Bands Popular Among Men [2026]

ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG81rank/position

ff (fortissimo)

“ff (Fortissimo)” is a high-energy rock song that’s very popular.

At live shows, it’s so loved that fans often sing an entire chorus together.

In karaoke scoring, imitating Otomo’s shouts will actually cost you points, so just follow the pitch bar honestly.

The melody is quite simple, so it should be easy for anyone to sing! If you listen closely to the band’s snare drum and match your rhythm with its timing, it’ll be easier to sing.

Be careful not to cut the sustained notes in the chorus too short.

Basically, sing confidently and make sure your voice goes solidly into the mic—that should help you get a high score!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

STAY GOLDHi-STANDARD82rank/position

Hi-STANDARD – Stay Gold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Opening with a sense of exhilarating speed, this track features energetic vocals and a catchy melody.

Included on Hi-STANDARD’s album “MAKING THE ROAD,” released in June 1999, it has sold over one million copies in Japan and abroad.

Long hailed as a milestone of the melodic hardcore scene, it’s a fan favorite that the band always plays live.

It’s a song to listen to when you want to push toward your goals or when you feel like you’re losing your way.

It will surely give you a powerful push forward.

I want to hug you.The Birthday83rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

One Night CarnivalKishidan84rank/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.BAAD85rank/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 timeless masterpiece etched in my heart along with memories of my nostalgic youth.

Beginning with a fresh morning scene, it portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they waver between friendship and romantic feelings, conveyed through a passionate melody and powerful vocals.

A signature work by BAAD, 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 explore universal themes such as the frustrations of love and the courage to take a step forward, it’s perfect for moments when you want to indulge in sweet, bittersweet memories of romance.

ROSIERLUNA SEA86rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Goodbye, Humanitytama87rank/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]88rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

The sun rises again and again.Dragon Ash89rank/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.

Embracing SummerTUBE90rank/position

TUBE “Embrace the Summer” MUSIC VIDEO

With a sound that evokes clear blue skies and a shining sun, this is a quintessential summer song from TUBE.

It conveys a love so intense it keeps you awake at night, expressed through passionate lyrics and melody.

The protagonist’s once-in-a-lifetime feelings are sure to stir memories of bittersweet love that many have experienced.

Released in May 1994, this smash hit topped the Oricon charts and sold 940,000 copies.

It was also featured in a Toyota Corolla Ceres commercial and has become a karaoke staple loved by many.

It’s the perfect track to share with close friends or colleagues as you reminisce and look back together on life’s milestones.