Ranking of Popular Japanese Songs and J-Pop Among Men [2026]

Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK91rank/position

ONE OK ROCK: Wasted Nights [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

“I want to sprint through the present with everything I’ve got so I won’t have any regrets!” This is ONE OK ROCK’s grand anthem that stirs up that fiery feeling.

Its powerful message—like a shout that there’s no such thing as a wasted night—ignites the passion that’s been sleeping deep in your heart.

Don’t be bound by the past; the way it cherishes each moment spent with friends is sure to give you courage.

Released in February 2019, this song was created as the theme for the film “Kingdom” and is included on the album “Eye of the Storm.” You can sense the impact from the episode in which the film’s producer said it made his soul “tremble with heat.” Listen to it on anxious nights before taking on a challenge or when you want to reaffirm your bonds with friends, and it will surely give you a push forward.

cotton candyback number92rank/position

back number – Watagashi (full)

Set against the backdrop of a summer festival, this bittersweet love song portrays the feelings of a man who can’t bring himself to confess his love.

Released in 2012 as the sixth single, it was also included on the third album “blues” and the best-of collection “Encore.” Chosen as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV in July 2012, it reached many listeners.

Wanting to hold hands but hesitating, wanting to say “I like you” but unable to put it into words—the song is filled with that poignant frustration, evoking the faint, youthful crushes many experienced in their school days.

Amid the lively bustle of the festival, quiet emotions surface; this is a track that resonates with the sweet, fleeting moments of love.

The Zero Sense10-FEET93rank/position

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

Created as the ending theme song for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, this track expresses the passion of pursuing dreams and the resolve to face hardships, all through the theme of basketball.

Its poetic lyrics skillfully weave in basketball terminology, and the signature high-energy rock sound of 10-FEET blends perfectly to heighten the film’s climax.

In December 2022, it was included on the album Collins and garnered major attention as the movie’s ending theme.

Symbolically portraying the doubts and traps players confront, the song vividly depicts the strength to overcome them and achieve one’s goals.

It’s a perfect addition to your playlist when you want to boost motivation during training or strengthen both mind and body.

Heroineback number94rank/position

back number – Heroine (full)

A winter love song that delicately portrays the protagonist’s aching feelings.

Its faint, tender romance is supported by back number’s signature nuanced storytelling and warm musicality, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released as a single in January 2015, it also became well known as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI.” Later, in 2020, Shimizu Iyori’s stripped-down solo version was featured in a commercial for Kirin’s Tanrei Green Label.

Singing of a bittersweet winter love, the song’s relatable lyrics and gentle melody appeal to all genders, and its singability is part of its charm.

At karaoke, make the most of its comfortable range for a soft, heartfelt performance.

familieMrs. GREEN APPLE95rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「familie」Official Music Video

When you think of someone with a high-tone voice these days, Motoki Omori of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE probably comes to mind first, doesn’t he? The band’s masterpiece here is “familie.” Released in August 2024, it quickly became a hit.

True to Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s style, the song repeatedly shifts into high notes, making it a very challenging piece overall.

Despite such intense pitch changes, Omori’s ability to deliver a clean high-tone voice really showcases his exceptional vocal skills.

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Ryo

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Love SongGReeeeN96rank/position

GReeeeN – Love Song

“Ai Uta” under the name GReeeeN.

Released in 2007, every new track they put out was a massive hit, and back then GReeeeN had the image of being the go-to group for high-pitched songs.

“Ai Uta” is a ballad that delivers a straightforward message of love powerfully in chest voice.

For karaoke, it’s perfect for honing mixed voice, emotional expression, and breathing technique.

Another hallmark of GReeeeN is that they sing almost entirely in chest voice without using falsetto, and they’re an exceptionally skilled vocal group.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to seriously build their mixed voice! Lung capacity matters, but the key is keeping your body steady by focusing on the tanden (lower abdomen) and how you use your breath.

If you master quick, explosive inhales and exhales, you’ll gradually be able to hit higher notes too.

Try singing with the intention of projecting your voice far into the distance.

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Kubota Mami

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Until the world endsWANDS97rank/position

WANDS – Until the World Ends

This masterpiece fuses Sho Uesugi’s lyrics, which depict urban loneliness and despair, with Tetsuro Oda’s wistful melody, powerfully stirring listeners’ hearts.

Released in June 1994, it was used as the second ending theme for the TV Asahi anime SLAM DUNK and became a million seller, surpassing 1.2 million copies.

It’s also included on the acclaimed album PIECE OF MY SOUL, and many people were undoubtedly hooked on it at the time.

The progression from a quiet opening to an explosive chorus makes it perfect for belting out at karaoke.

Sing it with friends from the same generation, and those fiery feelings from back then are sure to come rushing back.

gardenFuji Kaze98rank/position

Fujii Kaze – Garden (Not a MV)

This is a song by Fujii Kaze that portrays the changing of the four seasons and the transience of life.

Featured on the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL,” it was also used in a NatureLab LAVONS (Laundrin) TV commercial.

With a chill vibe infused with gospel elements, its beautiful melody and profound lyrics resonate deeply.

The music video, filmed in ACAO FOREST in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, harmonizes with the song’s soothing atmosphere.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when reflecting on the fragility of life and human connections.

The key isn’t too high, making it a great choice for male singers.

If you sing it at karaoke, its deep lyrics are sure to captivate those around you.

countrysideTamaki Kōji99rank/position

Koji Tamaki “Rural Landscape” (HD)

The 11th single by Koji Tamaki, released in July 1996.

It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Coach,” peaked at No.

2 on the Oricon charts, and sold about 920,000 copies.

The song’s appeal lies in its warm message to people who are struggling yet striving to live, and its catchy melody that makes you want to hum along.

The vocal range is relatively narrow, so it should be singable regardless of voice type.

Although there are some slightly fast-paced parts, once you get into the rhythm, it should come naturally to sing!

MissingKubota Toshinobu100rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video]

Actually, “Missing” is a track from his first album, and even though it wasn’t released as a single, it became one of Toshinobu Kubota’s signature songs with overwhelming popularity! The melody line is simple: sing the verse as if you’re speaking, and slightly increase your volume in the chorus to add expressiveness and make it feel good to sing.

In general, you’ll want to be careful not to belt too much, but be especially mindful in the latter part where the melody changes and the range jumps up—avoid straining your throat.

Aim to connect everything smoothly, place accents farther out toward the high notes, and stay conscious of the pitch bar!

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Kubota Mami

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