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

LemonYonezu Kenshi21rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

A song released in March 2018 as Kenshi Yonezu’s eighth single.

Written specifically as the theme for the TBS drama “Unnatural,” it has set an astonishing record with over 900 million views on YouTube.

The lyrics, which express feelings for a loved one who has been lost, portray the pain of bereavement and the bittersweetness of living on while carrying memories of that person, resonating deeply with listeners.

Its bouncy shuffle beat and dynamic melody make it quite challenging to sing at karaoke, but that only heightens the sense of accomplishment when you pull it off.

It’s a masterpiece that’s perfect for creating a reflective mood or livening up the room with a well-known classic.

SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE22rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「Soranji」Official Music Video

Is there any other song that sings of the preciousness of life with such tenderness and strength? Released in November 2022 as Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s first single in about three and a half years, this piece was written as the theme song for the film “From Siberia With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.

In step with a story that upholds love for family against the harsh backdrop of a Siberian labor camp, the lyrics—like reciting by heart one’s feelings for a beloved—etch themselves into the soul.

Its grand arrangement featuring strings wraps unspoken everyday emotions and hope for tomorrow into a sweeping ballad.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone choosing to believe in the future, no matter how difficult the days may be.

balladKetsumeishi23rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

This work by Ketsumeishi gently embraces listeners with a melody overflowing with songcraft, keeping the rapping to a minimum.

It’s their 24th single, released in January 2011, and it became widely familiar as the theme song for Nippon TV’s information program “Sukkiri!!”.

Sung over a quiet arrangement woven from piano and strings, the lyrics convey the pain of unrequited love and a yearning for a beloved that refuses to fade.

Even an adult man who usually keeps his emotions under wraps may find the long-suppressed ache welling up when he hears this song, perhaps even moved to tears.

It’s a touching adult love ballad that makes you want to listen alone, quietly, on a sleepless night.

KusushikiMrs. GREEN APPLE24rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Kusushiki” Official Music Video

We’re pleased to introduce a new track by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, written as the opening theme for the second cour of Season 2 of the anime The Apothecary Diaries.

Its title derives from the archaic word kusushi—the origin of the modern word for “medicine”—and a mysterious, uncanny atmosphere runs throughout.

The lyrics are striking, deftly capturing the power of words and the complexity of human relationships, likening feelings of love and apology to the moon and the sun.

It’s an ambitious piece that fuses band sound with oriental elements, and its whirlwind progression keeps listeners engaged.

Released as a digital single in April 2025, it’s also drawing attention as a song marking the band’s 10th anniversary year.

Perfectly matched to the series’ enigmatic imperial-harem setting, it’s recommended for those who enjoy Japanese aesthetics or crave dramatic musical developments.

loveback number25rank/position

back number – Koi (full)

This is a song by the rock band back number, loved for its heartrending, relatable lyrics and friendly, expansive melody lines.

The lyrics reflect the bittersweet feeling of the end of student life and a straightforward, hidden affection.

Even with low self-esteem, you can’t help looking for the one you like… it’s the kind of content that makes your heart skip a beat.

Released in March 2012, the song was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Music-ru TV” that same month, and it’s also included on the classic album “blues.” If you sing it at karaoke, even a man who doesn’t usually voice his feelings might be able to subtly convey them to the woman he likes.

I want to hug you.Mr.Children26rank/position

Mr.Children “I Want to Hold You” MUSIC VIDEO

It’s an eternal love song written and composed by vocalist Kazutoshi Sakurai.

It first appeared on the album “Kind of Love.” Although total sales were about 60,000 copies, it later received Gold Disc certification and continues to be loved across generations.

The overall vocal range spans D3 to A#4, expanding and building toward the latter half.

When singing, project your voice confidently without hesitation to maintain stability throughout.

Since head voice appears at the end of the chorus, keep resonance in your head so you can transition smoothly from chest voice to falsetto.

Also, the final chorus modulates upward.

Raise your energy and stay mindful so your pitch doesn’t drop!

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Kubota Mami

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migratory bird[Alexandros]27rank/position

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

From the exhilarating intro guitar riff to the driving beat and crystalline vocals, this is a staple of [Alexandros]’s live shows.

The lyrics carry a powerful message filled with inner conflict and aspirations, perfectly balanced with a refreshing, hope-filled sound.

Released in March 2015, the track was featured in the film “Akegarasu.” It’s a song that gives you a strong push when you want to strive toward your goals or take a new step forward—one that lifts your spirits.

single bedSha ran Q28rank/position

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

The song “Single Bed,” renowned as one of the great ballads of the Heisei era, is also a signature work of Sharam Q and is still frequently sung at karaoke today.

Its range spans mid1 C# to mid2 G#, so it’s not extremely low, but because the more energetic phrases can be delivered with a rich lower–mid register, it’s a piece that lets men with lower voices showcase their appeal.

Using the hiccup vocal technique further enhances a masculine quality, so give it a try for reference.

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Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE29rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

Personally, I think this is arguably the most difficult song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

It goes down smoothly when you listen to it, so it’s easy to assume you could sing it without trouble, but once you try, the fast tempo and pitch make a lot of people lose their way.

The song itself is a summer staple where exhilaration and melancholy intersect.

In karaoke, it’s a rewarding challenge that tests your overall ability—range, tempo, and expressiveness.

“Ao to Natsu” has a different feel in both the first and second verses, giving the impression that there are many songs within a single track.

The vocal range is, of course, wide—D#3 to E5—and the intensity ramps up toward the end with a flurry of high notes.

Momentum matters, but choosing where to switch to falsetto is also key.

Tackle each melody one by one.

Let’s practice as summer approaches!

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Kubota Mami

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March 9Remioromen30rank/position

Remioromen – March 9

A classic that continues to be widely sung as a graduation and wedding song.

The overall vocal range is C3–G4, making it popular as an “easy-to-sing for men” track.

The tempo is relaxed, so you can take solid breaths and prepare while producing your voice comfortably.

Up to the chorus, the melody stays in the lower range, so trace the pitches carefully.

In the chorus the range rises, and if you’re not used to it, you might tense up.

Take a good breath on the beat before the chorus, then release it all at once!

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Kubota Mami

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