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

Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai85rank/position

Hirai Dai / Stand by me, Stand by you. (Lyric Video)

It’s a love song by Dai Hirai about a fateful encounter.

The track portrays the miracle and gratitude of meeting the one person in a vast world and walking through life together.

It gently sings of irreplaceable love blossoming in everyday calm, carried by a soothing acoustic sound.

Released in September 2020, the song is included on the album “Life Goes On” and gained attention as the theme for the Mynavi Wedding commercial.

It’s a piece that reminds you of the blessing of having a partner by your side.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE86rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

A perfect Mrs.

GREEN APPLE track to hear during graduation season, when anxiety and excitement mix.

The lyrics question your true self and gently urge you to love yourself—including your weaknesses—giving you the courage to take a new step forward.

Written as the theme song for NHK General’s “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival” in January 2025, the song is also included on their best-of album “10,” released in July of the same year.

On the program, a chorus performance with 1,000 18-year-olds was showcased, and its sheer energy became a hot topic.

When you’re straining to meet others’ expectations, listening to this will remind you it’s okay to be just the way you are.

It’s also perfect for belting out at karaoke with friends as you celebrate each other’s new beginnings!

RAINSEKAI NO OWARI87rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “RAIN” Short Version PV Theme song for the film “Mary and The Witch’s Flower”

Released in July 2017, it was the theme song for the film “Mary and The Witch’s Flower”! I think it’s a SEKAOWA-style ballad with a gentle, swaying feel.

The overall vocal range is D#3–F#4, which isn’t too high, so I recommend singing in a calm, storytelling manner.

If you use diaphragmatic breathing, take in plenty of air, and push a block of breath forward as you sing, it should give a gentle impression.

The trick is to let your voice out slowly! For the higher notes, make your voice a bit sharper and release it quickly to make it easier to hit the pitch.

Try singing as if you’re imitating Fukase.

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Kubota Mami

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horizonback number88rank/position

back number – Horizon

A gem of a track by back number that gently stays close to your heart whenever you hit a wall in life.

Even amid the despair that feels like your dreams and hopes are collapsing, the lyrics portray the journey of looking inward and eventually finding light—sure to move you deeply.

This song is also known for being created in August 2020 for high school students after the Inter-High Championships were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While affirming frustration and sorrow, it gives a sense of the view that awaits beyond overcoming them.

As you step into a new world at graduation, you may feel anxiety or loneliness.

In those moments, this song will wrap your pain in its embrace and give you the quiet courage to take that first step.

Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK89rank/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.

Tomorrow Never knowsMr.Children90rank/position

Mr.Children "Tomorrow never knows" Tour 2015 Incomplete Live

A song by Mr.Children, released in 1994, that changed the band’s destiny.

It portrays inner conflict and hope for the future, giving courage to everyone who listens.

It’s striking in the way it conveys the importance of finding your own path and moving forward with hope.

Its appeal lies in the powerful message of pressing on toward the future without yielding to any hardship.

Chosen as the theme song for “Wakamono no Subete,” it became their biggest hit single and had a major impact on the music scene of the time.

A masterpiece recommended for those struggling with worries or in need of courage.

Overdosenatori91rank/position

Natori – Overdose

Natori’s vocals, with a gentle, whispering tone, ooze a sense of danger and heartache like a forbidden love.

It’s a shocking love song that portrays the maddening feelings of two people who can’t escape, even as they cling to a false relationship.

Riding on a pleasant electropop melody, the urge to escape reality intertwines with self-destructive emotions.

Featured on the album “Gekijō” released in December 2023, this track also drew attention as the song for Nike’s Air Max Excee commercial.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who feels on the verge of losing their way, or who wants to pursue love without worrying about others’ eyes.