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

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?

Robinsonsupittsu45rank/position

Spitz / Robinson

A classic Spitz song distinguished by its translucent melody and Masamune Kusano’s gentle vocals.

The lyrics beautifully express the wistfulness felt with the arrival of a new season, a pure desire to cherish a special world shared by just two people, and a longing to suddenly break free from the everyday and soar into a boundless universe.

Released in April 1995 as Spitz’s 11th single, the track was also included on the album Honey that same year.

It colored everyday life as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama Hakusen Nagashi and as the theme for Kirin Beverage’s Afternoon Tea commercials.

Sing it at karaoke with someone special and the tender mood will surely bring you closer.

It’s also perfect for a drive or for nights when you want to sink into a slightly bittersweet feeling.

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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