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

I’ve always liked you.Saitō Kazuyoshi78rank/position

Kazuyoshi Saito – I’ve Always Loved You [Music Video]

A lyrical love song filled with memories and lingering feelings from youth.

The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar and a voice that resonates in the heart quietly convey unfulfilled feelings and a love that passed by.

Kazuyoshi Saito’s tender vocals and guitar beautifully express nostalgia for the past and the emotions of the present.

Released in April 2010, it drew attention as the theme song for Shiseido’s IN&ON series commercials.

Since February 2017, it has also been used in Ito En’s “Oi Ocha” commercials, continuing to comfort many listeners.

It’s a song you’ll want to hum at class reunions or during long-awaited get-togethers, wrapped in fond memories.

Sing it with friends at karaoke, and its universally relatable lyrics will warm everyone’s hearts.

TemptationGLAY79rank/position

GLAY / Temptation

This is a staple song for live shows, and TAKURO has said he wanted it to be a “trigger to fire things up” on stage! Right from the intro drums and guitar riff, your energy shoots up.

The overall vocal range is D#3 to C#5—there are high notes, but it’s a rhythm-friendly rock tune, so if you sing out boldly without hesitation, you’ll likely hit those highs.

The flow goes from a relatively calm delivery in the A and B sections to an explosive chorus, and even a rough, raw singing style will look and sound cool! Just be careful not to overstrain your voice in the chorus.

The key is to resonate through your body—place a hand on your chest and let your chest voice ring out comfortably.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)80rank/position

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]

The hit song “Umi no Koe” was born from an au commercial.

It was composed by the Okinawan band BEGIN, and the vocals are sung by Kenta Kiritani, who plays Urashima Taro.

Since Kiritani is primarily an actor, the vocal line is crafted to be very simple.

While the arrangement doesn’t particularly emphasize the low register, you can sing from the first verse through the chorus using a resonant, overtoned delivery that adds fullness.

It’s recommended for those who want to emphasize thickness rather than sheer depth.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

RomanticismMrs. GREEN APPLE81rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Romanticism

A song with an uplifting, fast-paced sound that feels like a snapshot from a bittersweet youth—the impression is refreshingly vivid.

The gentle vocals that stay close to the hearts of high school students and the straightforward, heartfelt lyrics will resonate deeply.

Released in October 2019 and written specifically for Shiseido’s “SEA BREEZE” commercial, this piece features Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature poppy, catchy melody line—sure to make you hum along before you know it.

It’s a perfect track for high schoolers who spend their days carrying the ache of unrequited love and their feelings for someone special.

It’s a wonderful song that makes you feel as if it’s expressing the emotions deep in your heart through music.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE82rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

The opening theme song for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery.” In karaoke, it’s a challenge-type rock number where a sense of speed and stable high notes are the keys to a high score! You’ll use both chest voice and falsetto, and the transitions can feel tricky, but because falsetto makes it easier to hit the right pitches, singing it naturally can really boost your score! Also, the melody line is surprisingly simple and easy to follow.

There’s a section in triple meter partway through, so be sure to lock in with the rhythm.

If the range feels high, adjust the key to what’s comfortable for you—another tip for aiming at a perfect 100! Try singing lightly without straining your voice too much.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Full-Power BoySukima Suichi83rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Zenryoku Shonen” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / Zenryoku Shonen Music Video

A signature song by Sukima Switch, this pop track carries an encouraging message about dreams and taking on challenges.

With a lively band sound and a fairly fast tempo, you’ll need to keep the beat with your body so you don’t fall behind.

The overall vocal range is C3–A4, and it jumps into the high register in the chorus, so it’s recommended for singers who are good with high notes.

If high notes aren’t your strength, it’s fine to lower the key to make the chorus easier to sing, but be careful not to let the low notes in the verse get lost.

When you sing, lifting your facial muscles right before the chorus will help you hit the first note smoothly!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Moechakka FireIssei84rank/position

Moechakka Fire / Issei: MUSIC VIDEO

A track by Issei that weaves synth sounds with an addictive melody, themed around a cool, detached maid-outfit character.

Released as a character song for the game Zenless Zone Zero, unveiled in July 2024, the piece channels modern people’s craving for approval and their sense of alienation from society, all over a bold, driving beat.

Its alluring low-register vocals—seemingly detached from the music video’s character—leave a strong impression.

How about belting it out at karaoke to express a different side of yourself?