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

I love youback number64rank/position

back number – I Love You

Written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Soar High! (Maiagare!),” this track by back number was released digitally in October 2022.

Through everyday, modest scenes, the lyrics gently prompt us to reflect on our feelings for someone precious.

The pure, self-questioning desire—how can I bring more smiles to someone important?—is something almost anyone can relate to.

It’s a perfect number for those thinking of someone far away or wanting to reaffirm what truly matters amid the busyness of daily life.

It’s love, right?wacci65rank/position

wacci 'Koi Daro' Music Video

I’ve been posting songs with the theme of “men with low voices,” and many of my students are “men with low voices” too! One of them has been practicing wacci’s “Koidaro.” In this song, the chorus jumps up in range to F#4, but the lowest note is a pretty low B2, which actually appears multiple times throughout.

How about first making sure you can firmly produce those easier low notes, and then try tackling the high notes with some momentum? Of course, it’s totally fine to start with falsetto instead of chest voice! If you keep singing, there will definitely be a point where it clicks, so I think it’s worth giving it a go even if it feels “a bit high.” Just don’t push yourself!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka66rank/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

somedaySaucy Dog67rank/position

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

Released in 2017, this heartbreak hit surpassed 400 million total streams as of March 2026.

Based on vocalist Shinya Ishihara’s own experiences, its beautifully painted scenes, lyrics depicting a bittersweet farewell, and a conversational melody resonated with listeners; it was also performed on THE FIRST TAKE in 2021.

Saucy Dog is extremely popular among teenage students and is sung in voice training by both boys and girls.

Since the singing style in the chorus is completely different from the rest of the song, be careful not to sing them the same way.

The key to the chorus is to really open your throat and project your voice fully.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Happy Endingback number68rank/position

back number – “Happy End” Music Video

This is back number’s 16th single, chosen as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” It beautifully conveys the contradictory feeling of deeply loving someone even while saying goodbye, carried by a delicate band sound.

The lyrics portray a brave facade masking a heart crushed by lingering attachment and inner conflict, gripping listeners tightly.

The situation that forces a sad lie, contrary to the title, is enough to bring tears to your eyes.

Released in November 2016, the song was also included on the best-of album “Encore” and remains steadily popular.

It’s a standout ballad that gently stays by your side on tearful nights, resonating with anyone who sees their own awkward, tough exterior reflected in it.

From Me to Youflumpool69rank/position

flumpool “Kimi ni Todoke” Music Video

flumpool’s “Kimi ni Todoke” is the perfect song when you want to light up the karaoke room—especially if you want to win over women’s hearts.

It’s a classic that dominated the charts for 11 weeks in 2010 and also drew attention as a movie theme song.

The lyrics overflow with honest feelings for a loved one, leaving an impression of the singer’s gentleness.

But be careful! Their songs demand emotionally rich vocals in a high key.

With proper practice to strengthen your upper range beforehand, you should be able to deliver a performance that elevates the mood on the spot.

single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu70rank/position

King Gnu – Ichizu

A song that brilliantly captures unwavering feelings for someone and the sometimes painful, complex emotions that come with them.

Its heavy sound and dramatic development leave a strong impression, with King Gnu’s signature meticulous arrangements and high-level musicianship shining throughout.

Released in December 2021 as the theme song for the anime film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, it topped Oricon’s annual combined single rankings.

The alternating vocals of Satoru Iguchi and Daiki Tsuneta resonate with each other, heightening the sense of earnest emotion.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when your feelings overflow for someone, or in moments when you want to face a loved one.