Ranking of Commercial Songs and Popular Tracks by Male Japanese Artists [2026]

In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthChiharu Matsuyama78rank/position

In the Great Sky and on the Vast Earth

Set against the majestic nature of Hokkaido, this gem of a masterpiece sings of a powerful way of life.

Its lyrics, which stress the importance of continuing to look forward even while facing the setbacks and hardships everyone experiences at least once, are filled with the unique depth of insight and warmth characteristic of Chiharu Matsuyama.

Especially in moments when your heart feels like it might break, the song embodies the will to seize happiness with your own hands, gently giving listeners a reassuring push forward.

Included on the June 1977 album “Kimi no Tame ni Tsukutta Uta” (A Song Made for You), it was later featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “The Ugly Duckling” and used in a Snow Brand Milk Products commercial.

This is a song to hear when you stand at a crossroads in life or are about to take a new step.

Matsuyama’s clear, pure voice will surely kindle a light of courage and hope in your heart.

Matsuken Samba IIKen Matsudaira79rank/position

[Official] Ken Matsudaira “Matsuken Samba II” MV

This is a comical commercial that shows how Bold Sun Gel Ball can eliminate the musty odor of laundry dried indoors.

Ken Matsudaira appears before Fuma Kikuchi’s character, the “Laundry Daimyo,” and uses a mysterious beam to solve the odor problem.

The way he silently resumes firing the beam even when asked for an explanation, and Fuma Kikuchi’s screams as the laundry is being zapped, really heighten the comedy.

The glamorous song that plays when Ken Matsudaira’s character appears is “Matsuken Samba II.” Because it’s a dazzling track evocative of a samba carnival, you can feel the fun the moment the intro starts to play.

Sexual Violet No. 1Masahiro Kuwana80rank/position

Sexual Violet No. 1 – YouTube.flv

Masahiro Kuwana’s “Sexual Violet No.

1” was released in 1979 and is one of his signature songs.

The lyrics have a sexy vibe, seemingly singing about a man–woman relationship, and combined with the guitar-driven, powerful sound, they convey a unique, forceful image.

One reason the song became a hit was its use in a Kanebo commercial, which is said to have boosted Kuwana’s popularity.

The structure, with the title repeated in the chorus, leaves the song name firmly imprinted in your mind.

Go for it, baby!!Keisuke Kuwata81rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Go For It, Baby!! (Full ver.)

“Go for it, Baby!!” by Keisuke Kuwata serves as the theme song for UNIQLO’s AIRism commercial “Life and Wear / For Any Kind of Day,” featuring Haruka Ayase and Kohei Matsushita.

The track is included on his 2011 album MUSICMAN and is also known for being performed after his recovery at the 61st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Packed with Kuwata’s signature style, it’s a song that has surely encouraged many, and one I’d highly recommend as an uplifting anthem.

toad lily [Tricyrtis]Keisuke Kuwata82rank/position

toad lily [Tricyrtis]

This commercial opens with Takahiro Miura giving his on-screen father, Ken Mitsuishi, a pair of “Kando Pants” and a single flyer as a 60th-birthday gift.

The flyer turns out to be for a rescue dog adoption event, and Mitsuishi heads there right away wearing his new pants.

At the event, he meets a dog that, in human years, is about the same age as he is, and they begin living together.

While showcasing the light, comfortable feel of the Kando Pants, the ad warmly depicts how a lighter heart can inspire someone to take a new step forward.

The background music is Keisuke Kuwata’s 2017 song “Hototogisu [Tricyrtis],” whose graceful melody and beautiful vocals gently seep into the heart.

Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love)Keisuke Kuwata83rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love) (Full ver.)

It depicts a day in the life of Haruka Ayase, introducing the bralettes she wears in each scene.

From relaxing at home and having breakfast, to an important work moment, to fun after-work time—its message that every version of yourself in each scene is still wholly you really hits home.

The BGM features Keisuke Kuwata’s “Kanashii Kimochi (Just a man in love),” released in 1987 as his solo debut.

The song delicately portrays a man who can’t forget the woman he parted ways with.

Distant Street Corner (The Wanderin’ Street)Keisuke Kuwata84rank/position

Distant Street Corner (The Wanderin’ Street)

This commercial portrays the casual, everyday life of a cohabiting couple and introduces AIRism innerwear as a constant, everyday staple.

It shows them spending time together in a way that looks very happy, and combined with the gentle visuals, it’s a spot that makes viewers feel happy too.

Of course, the BGM also plays a role in enhancing that mood—the song is Keisuke Kuwata’s “Tooi Machikado (The wanderin’ street).” Released in 1988, it was also used in a Fujifilm commercial in the past.