Popular Band Rankings [2026]

Maplesupittsu8rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

Released as a single on July 7, 1998, this renowned ballad crafted by Masamune Kusano depicts parting, loss, and the resolve to move forward.

Included on the album “Fake Fur,” the song also serves as the original theme for director Isao Yukisada’s film of the same name, slated for release in December 2025, and it’s extremely popular.

Many people practice it in vocal lessons; the high notes in the chorus can be a hurdle for male singers, but it’s highly recommended for resonant chest singing.

If you aim not to push yourself, you can avoid straining and stay loose, so I think it’s best to sing in a relaxed manner.

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Kubota Mami

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sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI9rank/position

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

A ballad that portrays the loneliness and anxiety felt in the pursuit of a dream, as well as the warmth of someone watching over you.

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Sazanka” is a single released in February 2018 and became widely known as the NHK theme song for coverage of the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics.

Rather than simply urging listeners to “do your best,” the song is filled with a gentle kindness that seems to affirm every attempt to overcome setbacks and pain.

Anyone chasing a dream may wonder, “Is this really the right path for me?” In those moments, this song will quietly stand by you, saying, “I know how hard you’ve been trying.”

balladKetsumeishi10rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

This work by Ketsumeishi gently embraces listeners with a melody overflowing with songcraft, keeping the rapping to a minimum.

It’s their 24th single, released in January 2011, and it became widely familiar as the theme song for Nippon TV’s information program “Sukkiri!!”.

Sung over a quiet arrangement woven from piano and strings, the lyrics convey the pain of unrequited love and a yearning for a beloved that refuses to fade.

Even an adult man who usually keeps his emotions under wraps may find the long-suppressed ache welling up when he hears this song, perhaps even moved to tears.

It’s a touching adult love ballad that makes you want to listen alone, quietly, on a sleepless night.

somedaySaucy Dog11rank/position

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

Released in 2017, this heartbreak hit surpassed 400 million total streams as of March 2026.

Based on vocalist Shinya Ishihara’s own experiences, its beautifully painted scenes, lyrics depicting a bittersweet farewell, and a conversational melody resonated with listeners; it was also performed on THE FIRST TAKE in 2021.

Saucy Dog is extremely popular among teenage students and is sung in voice training by both boys and girls.

Since the singing style in the chorus is completely different from the rest of the song, be careful not to sing them the same way.

The key to the chorus is to really open your throat and project your voice fully.

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Kubota Mami

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Only for you, clear skiesYorushika12rank/position

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

It’s a refreshing youth anthem packed with memories of summer and a touch of wistfulness.

It’s included on Yorushika’s mini-album “No Encore for the Lost Dogs,” released in May 2018.

The light, upbeat band sound pairs perfectly with Suis’s clear, transparent vocals, and listening to it really makes your heart swell.

Its message, like looking back at lost time in a dazzling light, is a perfect match for those irreplaceable moments of student life.

If you play it for the opening movie of a school or cultural festival, it’s sure to send the venue’s energy soaring—so be sure to choose this track as the BGM for your event!

broad daylightKing Gnu13rank/position

King Gnu – Hakujitsu

Released in 2019, this long-running hit dramatically boosted King Gnu’s popularity.

It was created to align with the drama “Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer,” infusing the heavy themes of past mistakes and wrongful convictions with a resolve and sorrow to “expose them under the light of day.” Since the key is particularly high, few people sing it in the original key, but by using breath like Iguchi does and adding falls, you can get much closer to the vibe.

Lowering the pitch at the ends of phrases in the A and B sections works especially well.

Try singing while staying relaxed.

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Kubota Mami

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366 daysHY14rank/position

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)

A signature “tearjerker” song known for its overwhelmingly relatable lyrics and heartrending vocals.

Though released in 2008, it became the motif for a TV drama in 2024 and a film in 2025, and vocalist Izumi Nakasone has collaborated with various artists—proof that the song has been loved for a long time.

It’s also famous as a “high-scoring” karaoke pick; I can actually score over 90 on it, so I highly recommend it.

While it’s on the longer side, the structure is easy to grasp, with clear peak moments that make expressive singing more attainable.

For the long tones, watch the pitch bar and sustain firmly to the end, and be mindful of switching between chest voice and falsetto.

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Kubota Mami

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