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

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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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?

SaudadePorunogurafiti32rank/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 Masaharu33rank/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.

whiteoutreGretGirl34rank/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.

budKobukuro35rank/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.