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

catDISH//57rank/position

cat

“Neko,” the signature song by DISH//, written and composed by Aimyon.

The acoustic version performed on THE FIRST TAKE in 2020 became a huge hit and was also used as the theme song for TV Tokyo’s drama “Neko.” Lots of people used to sing it in vocal training, so it feels nostalgic.

When singing it in karaoke scoring mode, be careful not to put in too much emotion.

On the other hand, if you sing it too flat, your expressiveness will drop, so sing with a sense of contrast and accents.

Since the chorus is structured to build gradually, it might be good to approach it with the image of singing each phrase clearly!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI58rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Highest Altitude”

An anthem cheering on those who keep challenging themselves, turning weakness into strength and aiming higher.

Released in September 2023, this song was written specifically as the opening theme for the anime ONE PIECE.

Its appeal lies in SEKAI NO OWARI’s distinctive, imaginative world: a driving, exhilarating melody, grand strings, and a marching-style arrangement inserted midway.

The vocal range is relatively compact at mid1 F to mid2 F# (m1F–m2F#), so with a key adjustment, it should be quite singable even for kids around the voice-changing stage.

Its positive message about charging toward your dreams is sure to fire up the room when sung with friends at karaoke.

YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA59rank/position

[MV] YAH YAH YAH / CHAGE and ASKA

It is an aggressive track emblematic of the ’90s, infused with power and passion for the future.

Even when faced with difficult circumstances, its message of unwavering resolve to stay true to oneself and keep moving forward, along with hope for the future, continues to resonate across generations.

The song channels the passion of chasing dreams and an unyielding stance in the face of trials through a powerful rock sound.

Released by CHAGE and ASKA in March 1993, it was used as the theme song for the drama “If You Turn Around, He’s There,” topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for two consecutive weeks, sold 2.419 million copies, and ranked first on the annual singles chart.

It’s highly recommended for those who want to challenge themselves in pursuit of their dreams without fear of failure, or for anyone standing at a major crossroads in life.

It’s sure to give you courage.

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi60rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

Masayoshi Yamazaki’s masterpiece “One more time, One more chance,” still beloved by many listeners today.

Since it enjoyed a long-running hit, it’s a song that people both 39 and 30 years old are likely to know.

Its melody, imbued with a sense of poignancy, is striking.

While the emotive vocals might make it seem difficult, it is actually a song with a narrow vocal range and doesn’t depend on the singer’s vocal timbre.

Plus, there’s no need to belt it out, making it a great recommendation for those who want to sing it smoothly and lightly.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

I love youback number61rank/position

back number – I Love You

Written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Soar High! (Maiagare!),” this track by back number was released digitally in October 2022.

Through everyday, modest scenes, the lyrics gently prompt us to reflect on our feelings for someone precious.

The pure, self-questioning desire—how can I bring more smiles to someone important?—is something almost anyone can relate to.

It’s a perfect number for those thinking of someone far away or wanting to reaffirm what truly matters amid the busyness of daily life.

I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka62rank/position

Yutaka Ozaki – I LOVE YOU (Official Music Video)

Released in 1983, this is Yutaka Ozaki’s signature love ballad—so famous that almost everyone knows it.

I’ve taught “I LOVE YOU” in lessons several times, and I feel it’s a tough song for people who struggle with falsetto; many students actually used this song to practice it.

You shouldn’t need to change the key—the original should be comfortable to sing.

Since some people aren’t confident with falsetto, let’s review the key points.

If you’ve mostly been singing in chest voice, you’re probably used to pushing with just your voice without using much breath.

To use your breath properly, humming is important.

Do a nasal hum to create nasal resonance so the sound vibrates in your nose.

Be careful not to force it with your throat.

After a light hum, keep the resonance in the same place and let your singing voice become thinner and lighter.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

sparkleFuji Kaze63rank/position

Fujii Kaze – Kirari (Official Video)

This is a song that gives you a refreshing sense of elation, like racing down a road that stretches on forever.

It straightforwardly sings about the hidden brilliance in everyday life and the love for someone precious on the journey called life, delivering a powerful message and refreshingly pure expression of love that says any hardship can be lightly overcome as long as the two of us are together.

Written and composed by Fujii Kaze and released in May 2021, it also became widely known as the song for Honda’s VEZEL commercial.

Whether you want to honestly express your feelings to someone you love or liven up the mood at karaoke, the song’s positive energy might just give you that extra push.