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

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?

catDISH//51rank/position

DISH// (Takumi Kitamura) – Neko / THE FIRST TAKE

DISH// is a dance-rock band centered around vocalist Takumi Kitamura.

Their signature song “Neko” was released in August 2017 as a coupling track on the single “Bokutachi ga Yarimashita.” Written and composed by singer-songwriter Aimyon, the song gained explosive popularity in 2020 with its THE FIRST TAKE version, drawing major attention.

Comparing a dearly loved person who suddenly disappeared to a free-spirited animal, it captivates listeners with a poignant worldview that sings of profound loss and an earnest longing for reunion.

When performed tenderly with deep emotion, it can truly grip the hearts of listeners, making it a perfect choice for male vocalists who want to showcase their vocal expressiveness.

Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE52rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Que Sera Sera” Official Music Video

This pop number, marked by its dazzling brass sound and bouncing rhythm, is the perfect first pick for karaoke.

Crafted by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, the song explores the theme of affirming yourself and living on, even when days don’t go as planned.

Released as a single in April 2023, it was selected as the theme song for the TV drama “Even If It’s Sunday Night…”.

It won the 65th Japan Record Award and is also included on the album “ANTENNA.” The track highlights Motoki Omori’s clear, expansive high tones, making it ideal for warming up before singing.

Its grand, celebratory melody will instantly brighten the mood and liven up the room—even when you’re out with coworkers—so it comes highly recommended.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu53rank/position

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

It’s an anthem that deeply resonates with those who keep striving toward their dreams and goals.

Released in 2004, the song was chosen as the official theme for NHK’s broadcast of the Athens Olympics, moving people across Japan.

Its lyrics affirm the tears shed in secret and the uneven paths we’ve walked, gently reassuring us that “the effort you’ve put in won’t be wasted.” Believing in the light that awaits beyond hardship, this piece gives you the courage to move forward; it hits especially hard when you’re struggling with work or relationships, or when you’re about to take a new step.

A song our generation listened to in our youth, it continues to stir our hearts today, unchanged.

TRUE LOVEFujii Fumiya54rank/position

TRUE LOVE / Fumiya Fujii

Fumiya Fujii’s solo debut song, after his big success with The Checkers.

It was the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Asunaro Hakusho.” Being a ’90s ballad, the melody is simple and the range isn’t too wide, so it should be relatively easy to sing.

Chest voice is important, but the key point is the switch to falsetto in the chorus.

Falsetto becomes difficult without enough breath, so adjust your airflow.

Aim for a thin, upward-directed stream and try to release the falsetto as if it’s coming from above your head.

Even with a generally gentle delivery, you should be able to keep the pitch on target!

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powder snowRemioromen55rank/position

Remioromen – Powder Snow

A perfect song for emotional expression and pitch control, known as a classic winter ballad.

Highly recommended for those who want to strengthen the fundamentals of male vocals! Many of you may already know it, but the chorus is really high, isn’t it? Both low and high notes matter in singing.

Don’t just practice the high notes—master the low range too so your voice doesn’t get muffled.

Use plenty of breath, release your voice slowly straight ahead, and stay mindful of the low notes.

The song structure builds clearly from verse A to verse B to the chorus, so imagine steadily gaining momentum toward the high parts.

Also, syllables starting with “N” can get nasal and be hard to start cleanly! Project more firmly and farther than you think when you pronounce them.

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Spot the differenceSuda Masaki56rank/position

Masaki Suda 'Machigai Sagashi' (Spot the Difference)

This work, in which Masaki Suda—active as an actor—sings a song by Kenshi Yonezu, was released as a digital single in May 2019.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” it garnered enormous attention, winning 32 awards.

It tells the story of a protagonist who once felt like a mistake, but finds the meaning of life through meeting someone precious—deeply resonating with those who struggle with self-denial.

A fated love so powerful that questions of right or wrong cease to matter is conveyed through Masaki Suda’s strong, straightforward vocals, stirring the heart with every listen.

It is one of his signature tracks, also included on the album “LOVE.”