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[Mega Hit] A compilation of million-selling songs performed by comedians
“Million-seller”—doesn’t that phrase have a nice ring to it?
It refers to works like CDs that sell over one million copies, and in recent years, streaming hits that spark big trends have also begun to be counted as certified million-sellers.
In this article, we’ll introduce works by popular comedians who have achieved million-seller status with songs they performed.
Many of these picks are on the nostalgic side, so they might bring back memories from those days.
You might even discover something surprising, like, “Wait, they sang a song like this?!”
[Mega Hit] A compilation of million-selling songs performed by comedians
The rattlesnake is comingTonneruzu
Tunnels, the duo of Takaaki Ishibashi and Noritake Kinashi, dominated the era mainly from the late Showa to the Heisei period.
Both Ishibashi and Kinashi have been active across various fields, including as solo singers, so younger generations may also feel a sense of familiarity with them.
This is the song used as the opening theme for the second season of “Tunnels no Minasan no Okage desu.” Released in 1992, it sold over 1.4 million copies and became a major hit, ranking 6th on Oricon’s year-end chart.
The track was created by the golden duo of Yasushi Akimoto (lyrics) and Tsugutoshi Goto (composition), who produced numerous hit songs.
It’s said the piece was conceived when the two were playing mahjong with Ishibashi, and the phrase “garagara hebi” (rattlesnake) stuck in Goto’s mind.
With a unique worldview that would likely appeal to children, it was in fact hugely popular among elementary and middle school students.
While the lyrics hide some suggestive nuances, the song’s fun atmosphere—perfectly matched with Tunnels’ comedic style—is its main charm.
Red AngelPoketto Bisuketsu
Red Angel, released in 1997 by the unit Pocket Biscuits—comprising Chiaki, Teruyoshi Uchimura, and Udo Suzuki—was used as the ending theme for the variety show “Uchimura Nanchan no Urinari!!,” where the unit originated, and went on to become a million-selling hit.
With this song, Udo Suzuki, also known as UDO, played an instrument for the first time, taking on the electric drums.
Compared to their previous single, YELLOW YELLOW HAPPY, this track has a distinctly different tone, with unique lyrics and melody that evoke a mysterious world.
The lyrics convey a powerful message: as long as the one you love is by your side, you can do anything for them.
WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes Start a Movement~H Jungle with T
This is a classic 1995 hit by H Jungle with t, a unit formed by producer Tetsuya Komuro—who defined an era in the early to mid Heisei period—and Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown.
For younger listeners, seeing Hamada as the vocalist might feel refreshingly new.
Despite being their debut release, it became a massive success, ranking second in Oricon’s annual sales and now surpassing double million in total sales.
Created with the intention of lasting for years to come, this song is an anthem that resonates across generations.
Its universal message offers comfort when you’re down and inspires you to rise again, striking a chord in the heart.
Woman’s Pathpinkara torio
Pinkara Trio was a musical comedy group consisting of Shiro Miya, who was active as a singer and comedian, his real older brother Goro Miya, also a singer, and Hiroshi Namiki.
Their 1972 release “Onna no Michi” (A Woman’s Path) became a massive hit, selling an astonishing 4 million copies.
With this song, they also appeared on the 1973 broadcast of the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The lyrics portray the path of a woman—true to the title—who has suffered a painful heartbreak and is still filled with lingering attachment and sorrow, yet ultimately tries to face forward and move on.
Yellow Yellow HappyPoketto Bisuketsu
Pocket Biscuits, a group formed from the variety show “Ucchan Nanchan no Urinari!!,” consists of Teruyoshi Uchimura, Chiaki, and Udo Suzuki, who are all active as hosts as well.
Some of you may have even debated which you preferred, them or Black Biscuits.
“Yellow Yellow Happy” was their second single, released in 1996.
It became a long-running hit and later a million seller, turning into Pocket Biscuits’ biggest success.
Its band sound—reminiscent of Judy and Mary—and its combative worldview leave a strong impression.
For those in their 30s and up, hearing this melody will likely stir up a wave of nostalgia and bring back memories from that time.
It’s a refreshing track with a message about charging ahead as your true self, paired with Chiaki’s endlessly soaring vocals.
Like a white cloudsaruganseki
In the Reiwa era, Hiroiki Ariyoshi, a TV personality who remains wildly popular, once formed the comedy duo Saruganseki with Kazunari Moriwaki.
This was their debut single, released in December 1996 under the production of Yasushi Akimoto, right as they were skyrocketing in popularity thanks to the hitchhiking segment on the show “Susume! Denpa Shōnen.” Its long run on the charts kept pace with their rising fame, culminating in 11th place on Oricon’s 1997 year-end ranking.
The lyrics were written by Fumiya Fujii, with music composed by his brother Naoyuki Fujii.
The fresh, breezy tune is paired with quintessentially “Fumiya-esque” lyrics—so much so you can almost hear him singing them—poetically tracing faint, hard-to-see footprints and hopes for the future in an evocative way.
The understated yet richly flavored vocals of the two Saruganseki members also stand out, so be sure to listen with that in mind.
TimingBurakku Bisukettsu
This is a dance tune by a unit formed from the variety show “Ucchan Nanchan no Urinari!!,” and it became their biggest hit.
Released in 1998 as their second single, it sold over a million copies and ranked 4th on Oricon’s year-end chart.
The lyrics were inspired by member Vivian Hsu’s playful, mood-lightening personality, giving the song a positive and warm vibe.
In the first half of 2022, Klang Ruler’s cover went viral on TikTok, sparking a revival hit.
Its compact structure and looping melody make it fun and irresistibly singable.
“Timing” truly has a timeless charm and a delightful performance.
It has the power to lighten your heart and make you forget your worries.