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

HOWEVERGLAY31rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

This classic song by GLAY is filled with feelings for a loved one.

Its poignant yet powerful vocals and heart-touching melody are truly captivating.

While lamenting that the meeting with their beloved came too late, the lyrics also express that precisely because of that lateness, they can cherish the happiness they have now—something many listeners can relate to.

Released in 1997 and later used as a TV drama’s ending theme, this piece has continued to be beloved as a staple in live performances.

If you sing it at karaoke when you want to convey your feelings to someone special, it will surely resonate with them.

Why not try singing it while imagining GLAY’s soul-stirring vocals?

Robinsonsupittsu32rank/position

Spitz / Robinson

The moment that introductory guitar arpeggio starts to play, many of you probably find the scenes from those days vividly coming back, don’t you? This is a song by Spitz that I want you to listen to when you feel like pausing for a moment amid the hustle of work and home life.

Released in 1995 as their 11th single, it became a massive hit that put their name on the map.

It’s also well known for being used as the ending theme of the variety show “Imada Koji no Shibuya-kei Uraringo” and as an insert song in the drama “Hakusen Nagashi.” Masamune Kusano’s high, crystal-clear voice and the bittersweet yet warm melody are sure to gently comfort a tired heart.

Included on the album “Honey,” this classic is a song that resonates all the more deeply now that we’re adults.

SaudadePorunogurafiti33rank/position

Porno Graffitti 'Saudade' (“OPEN MUSIC CABINET” Live in Saitama Super Arena 2007) / 'Saudade (Live Ver.)'

The fourth single by Porno Graffitti, titled with the Portuguese word for “homesickness” or “longing.” Written from a woman’s perspective, the lyrics capture a premonition that her partner’s heart is drifting away, along with the aching inability to let go.

Released in September 2000 as their fourth single, it topped the Oricon weekly chart.

The song was featured as the theme for TBS’s mini-drama Wonderful, used in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercials, and served as an ending theme for the UHF anime ReLIFE.

Incorporating Latin-style arrangements for the first time, this track became the foundation of the band’s signature sound.

A wistful number recommended for anyone grappling with the fear of a change of heart.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu34rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

The 15th single, released in 2000, is a song that was used as the theme for the “Mirai Nikki V” segment of the variety show “U-nan no Hontoko!”.

Born from Masaharu Fukuyama’s own experience of heartbreak, the piece portrays lingering feelings for a former lover while still wishing for their happiness.

The lyrics, which intertwine the season of cherry blossoms with parting, resonate even more deeply when heard during spring, a time of new beginnings.

Achieving a record-breaking 2,299,000 in cumulative sales, this song stands as one of the Heisei era’s quintessential “sakura” songs—one that anyone who has experienced a breakup can relate to.

whiteoutreGretGirl35rank/position

reGretGirl "Whiteout" Official Music Video

This is a track included on reGretGirl’s 2017 mini-album “my,” by the three-piece rock band from Osaka.

It’s a winter song that beautifully fuses poignancy with a catchy melody, portraying a modern heartbreak haunted by the anxiety of unread messages.

The exhilarating guitar sound and lyrics about the quiet fading of love are seriously emotional.

Give it your all at karaoke during the Christmas season.

budKobukuro36rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

Released in March 2007 as the 14th single, this masterpiece was newly written as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Created by Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his late mother, the song won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards and was also selected as the entrance march for the 80th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Like a tiny bud before it blooms, it warmly portrays the power of growth even in an unfinished state, along with heartfelt gratitude to the loved ones who always cheered us on.

It is a gentle song that, when you remember someone precious you can no longer meet, lets you feel that they are still watching over you from somewhere.

I LOVE…Ofisharu Higedan Dism37rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – I LOVE… [Official Video]

This song was written as the theme for the TBS drama “Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo” (“Love Lasts Forever”).

Released in February 2020 as their fourth single, it centers on a universal love that transcends labels—be it for a partner, a friend, or family.

The way familiar scenery becomes vividly colored through the presence of someone precious, and the frustrating feeling of wanting to say “I love you” but struggling to express it, are conveyed through Satoshi Fujiwara’s expansive vocals.

Because the forms of love depicted here are not just one, listening while thinking of someone dear to you will likely warm your heart.

Give it a listen when you want to feel the everyday turn into something special.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number38rank/position

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

Among back number’s songs, the massive hit is “Takane no Hanako-san.” The overall vocal range spans E3 to D5, which is fairly wide, but the melody is clearly divided into sections with distinct ranges, making it easier to switch between parts while singing.

Also, the tempo is surprisingly fast, so it’s best to lean forward a bit and sing proactively so you don’t get left behind.

In particular, the latter half has many sections where you’re singing continuously, so the key is to use your body to keep a steady rhythm as you sing.

In the quieter chorus section in the middle, using a gentle tone will let your voice carry and make it easier to sing.

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Kubota Mami

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Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN39rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

I think there are many men in their 30s who like anime songs.

For such anime song fans in their 30s, UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is probably one of the most popular bands.

Among their tracks, the one I especially recommend is “Sugar Song and Bitter Step.” Its appeal lies in the seamless succession of high-pitched phrases that feel light yet deliver an exceptional sense of liberation.

If you watched Blood Blockade Battlefront as it aired, be sure to try singing it.

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Ryo

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Same BlueOfisharu Higedan Dism40rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Same Blue [Official Video]

This song serves as the opening theme for the hugely popular anime Blue Box.

Since the original manga has surpassed 5 million copies in circulation, many of you have probably heard it already.

The track vividly portrays the youthful, unpolished emotions of adolescence and the tangled feelings of first love.

Released in October 2024, it’s a perfect anthem for those pouring their hearts into love and club activities with reckless passion.

It’s also a recommended listen when you want to rekindle a sense of pure, sparkling wonder.