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

Love so sweetarashi92rank/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!

Heroineback number93rank/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.

cotton candyback number94rank/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.

Until the world endsWANDS95rank/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.

The Zero Sense10-FEET96rank/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.

Love SongGReeeeN97rank/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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MissingKubota Toshinobu98rank/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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