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

Heroineback number92rank/position

back number – Heroine (full)

The 11th single by back number, a bittersweet unrequited-love song set against a wintry backdrop.

Released in January 2015, it was featured as JR East’s “JR SKISKI” campaign song and in Kirin’s Tanrei Green Label commercials, winning broad support as one of the band’s signature winter staples.

Overflowing feelings for the other person contrast with a lack of self-confidence and the frustration of being unable to take a step forward—expressed through plainspoken lyrics and a warm band sound.

Producer Takeshi Kobayashi’s arrangement further accentuates the song’s fragile beauty.

It’s the perfect track to convey sincere, if awkward, feelings when you go to karaoke with the woman you like.

Love so sweetarashi93rank/position

ARASHI – Love so sweet [Official Music Video]

Arashi’s 18th single, released in 2007.

It became a major hit as the theme song for the TV drama Hana Yori Dango 2 (Returns), starring Jun Matsumoto.

Selling about 204,000 copies in its first week and approximately 429,000 copies over the year, this refreshing pop tune is marked by its bright, catchy melody that anyone can hum along to.

The vocal range isn’t too wide and the melody flows smoothly, making it a perfect choice for karaoke.

Sing it at a group mixer and it’s sure to lift the mood—give it a try!

Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK94rank/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.

RAINSEKAI NO OWARI95rank/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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The Zero Sense10-FEET96rank/position

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

This is a digital single released in November 2022, written as the ending theme song for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.

It’s a rock number that embodies the film’s sense of speed and emotion, expressing the feelings of SLAM DUNK character Ryota Miyagi and the intensity of the game.

For its length, it features surprisingly little sung content and a lot of melodic repetition.

There are also quite a few chorus parts, so be careful not to get pulled off by them.

I think if you sing the chorus boldly, your voice will project better and it will be easier to stay on pitch.

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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.

familieMrs. GREEN APPLE98rank/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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