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

waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)Fuji Kaze41rank/position

Fujii Kaze – Michi Teyu Ku (Overflowing) / Official Video

That even the most brilliant moments must come to an end—and that by letting go of attachment, the heart can be filled.

Released in March 2024 as the theme song for the film “When April Comes, She Will,” this is Fujii Kaze’s first love song.

It gently sings of the futility of love that seeks something in return and the fulfillment that unconditional love brings.

His tender voice, carried by a soft piano melody, teaches us the importance of embracing change.

It’s a song I recommend to those who have experienced parting from someone dear, or who wish to reconsider what it means to love.

SUNHoshino Gen42rank/position

Gen Hoshino – SUN (Official Video)

Gen Hoshino is a singer-songwriter who enjoys wide popularity for his broad musical range, from stylish tracks rooted in R&B and neo-soul to catchy, pop-leaning songs.

He has many classics, but the one I especially recommend for men with particularly low voices is SUN.

This piece sits in an average vocal range of mid1 D# to hi A.

While the arrangement highlights the lower register typical of Hoshino’s vocal quality, the hi A may feel slightly low as a ceiling for men with deep voices, so consider lowering the key with that note as your reference point.

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Ryo

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wishsumika43rank/position

sumika / Wish [Music Video]

A sumika song that paints a bittersweet love against a winter backdrop.

Using snow and cold as symbols, it delicately expresses the anguish and hopes of an unfulfilled love.

Released in December 2019 as part of a double A-side single, it was also chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Ossan’s Love -in the sky-.” Its pop-rock foundation is layered with warm vocals, resulting in a moving, memorable track.

It’s a number that embodies sumika’s characteristic warmth, offering comfort to those who, while burdened by the pain of heartbreak, are trying to look forward.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi44rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is a track whose beautiful, fleeting sound and lyrics—portraying the aching feelings of two childhood companions who grow apart as they become adults—strike straight at the heart.

Included on singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s album BOOTLEG, released in October 2017, the song also drew major attention for featuring actor Masaki Suda as a guest vocalist.

It contrasts the past, when they laughed together without a care, with the present, as they each walk their own path.

Its message—suggesting a bond that remains deep inside no matter how much time passes—gently encourages men setting out for different places.

After graduation, when you feel anxious or lonely about a new life ahead, why not listen to it while reminiscing about an old friend?

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki45rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

A signature work by Noriyuki Makihara that delivers a universal message of living true to yourself, carried by a powerful yet gentle melody.

While acknowledging the doubts and anxieties of life, this classic is imbued with a strong resolve to cherish your true self.

Included on the album “Who Do You Share a Happy Yawn With?”, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies within six months of its June 1991 release.

It was also selected as the entrance march for the 64th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring 1992.

The melody, featuring a distinctive acoustic guitar and a calm tempo, makes it easy to sing.

For many people, it’s a song that resonates in the heart when standing at a crossroads or when they feel on the verge of losing themselves.

Blue BenchSasuke46rank/position

Blue Bench / Sasuke

This song portrays the heartache of love, expressing the protagonist’s deep longing and regret as they look back on a past romance.

Memories of a tree-lined road, a train station, and the symbolic “blue bench” are recounted, conveying the lingering pain of an unforgotten love.

Released in April 2004 as an indie debut single and sold only at CD shops in their hometown of Ōmiya, it spread by word of mouth and became an extraordinary hit.

In March 2009, it even reached No.

1 on the iTunes J-POP chart, and it remains a beloved song to this day.

Highly recommended for anyone who feels the bittersweetness and regret of love, as it will resonate deeply with the heart.

Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi47rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.

Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.

The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.

Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.

It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke48rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A heartwarming ballad that delicately paints winter scenes, transforming the bittersweet memory of a lost love into a feeling of blessing.

While looking back on a past romance, it carries a positive message about cherishing the love that was shared, resonating through Keisuke Kuwata’s warm, soulful vocals.

Released in October 2001 as his seventh single, this gem won the Gold Prize at the 43rd Japan Record Awards that same year.

Also featured in Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercial, the song won the hearts of listeners across generations.

It’s the perfect soundtrack for spending unhurried time with someone special in a relaxed lounge, or for quietly gazing at a winter nightscape alone with a glass in hand.

together; along with; bothWANIMA49rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

It’s WANIMA’s second single and was used in Nivea Kao’s “8×4 Body Fresh” commercial.

The chorus really sticks in your head—even for me.

The overall vocal range is G#3 to D#5, which is on the higher side, and the tempo is an ultra-fast BPM 254, but if you lock into the band’s rhythm and sing along, your energy will definitely rise and it should actually make it easier to project your voice! If you let your guard down even for a moment, your pitch will drop into your throat and it’ll get harder to sing, so you need to keep your facial muscles lifted at all times.

For the rapid-fire section in the latter half, first run through the melody line and pronounce it lightly to get it under your belt!

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Kubota Mami

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Beyond the Night SkySMAP50rank/position

Beyond the Night Sky – SMAP

A captivating song with a crystal-clear, transparent voice and lyrics that touch the heart.

The words, which depict gazing up at the night sky while reflecting on past memories and hopes for the future, resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in January 1998, this track was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV program “SMAP×SMAP” and has been cherished across generations as one of SMAP’s signature songs.

If a man in his 40s sings it at karaoke, there’s no doubt the women will say, “Lovely!” Why not sing it gently, keeping your cherished memories with someone special close to your heart?