Let me introduce you to the music of Gen Hoshino, a singer-songwriter who is active not only as a musician but also as an actor, writer, and video director.
Before starting his solo career in 2011, Gen Hoshino was a member of an instrumental band called SAKEROCK.
He later began appearing in TV dramas, and today he successfully balances his music and acting careers, earning support from a wide range of generations.
His songs are irresistibly appealing for their pop, catchy, and accessible melodies, and combined with his humorous personality, they’ve gained tremendous popularity.
Now, let this playlist make you fall under the spell of Gen Hoshino’s charm.
- Ranking of Gen Hoshino’s Popular Songs [2026]
- Gen Hoshino's Most Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- Gen Hoshino Love Songs: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Gen Hoshino’s Wedding Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- Gen Hoshino’s Cheer Songs and Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Karaoke] A roundup of easy-to-sing songs by Gen Hoshino
- Hoshino Gen’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2026]
- [With Piano Sheet Music] Try Gen Hoshino’s smash-hit song!
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Gen Hoshino’s Greatest and Most Popular Songs (1–10)
dead endHoshino Gen
A song written specifically as the theme for the film “Hiraba no Tsuki.” It begins with a calm, piano-led atmosphere, layering Gen Hoshino’s gentle voice over a soothing melody.
The song doesn’t span an overly wide vocal range and has a relaxed tempo, making it a great pick if you’re looking for a ballad.
Rather than focusing on volume, the key is to sing as if speaking with feeling—delivering the words carefully will really shine in karaoke.
Since the track is under three minutes, even first-time listeners should be able to learn it quickly.
Use solid diaphragmatic breathing, avoid chopping the phrases too much, and aim for a flowing, continuous feel when you sing.
2 (feat. Lee Youngji)Hoshino Gen
Singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, who showcases his talents across a wide range of fields, has released his first album in about six and a half years, Gen, in May 2025—a work that reaffirms the depth of his musicality.
The music video for a track from the album, featuring rapper Lee Youngji—who enjoys immense support in South Korea—was released in September of the same year and sparked major buzz.
The composition, which layers Hoshino’s groovy track and refreshing vocals with Lee Youngji’s powerful rap, is truly one of a kind.
The lyrics, depicting two distinct identities born in different places becoming one through music, fill listeners with positive energy.
SUNHoshino Gen
You could say this song was Gen Hoshino’s breakout work.
It first came into the public eye when it was chosen as the theme song for “Kokoro Pokitto ne,” starring Sadao Abe.
It’s well known that the lyrics are dedicated to Michael Jackson, whom Hoshino deeply admires.
As a bit of trivia, there’s a famous story among fans that the title “SUN” came from a play on words with “Sanbirecchi,” a nickname for his close friend in private life, Bananaman’s Himura.
Week EndHoshino Gen
A track included on Gen Hoshino’s 4th album, YELLOW DANCER.
It’s a new song.
With a chorus sung mostly in falsetto and the use of electronic sounds, I think it’s a rare type of song for Gen Hoshino.
The chorus lyrics feel sweet to me, as if they bring to mind someone you’re fond of.
monsterHoshino Gen
It’s a powerful song by Gen Hoshino that brings to light the emotions of people living through the absurdities of everyday life.
Included on the album “Stranger,” it was released in May 2013.
The lyrics depict the gap between onstage performance and the loneliness of private life, showing how one fulfills the role of an actor while experiencing inner conflict and growth.
Overlapping with Hoshino’s own experiences, the piece reflects how he overcame a serious illness and was reborn into a new self.
It suggests that small moments in daily life can become catalysts for change, giving hope for being reborn into a new version of oneself.
IdeaHoshino Gen
A marimba appears first when you play the music video.
What’s even more surprising is that it’s Gen Hoshino playing it! He’s apparently loved the marimba for a long time and has been playing it since his SAKEROCK days.
The marimba in the instrumental break after the chorus is especially striking.
From the second verse, he also makes active use of synthesizers, turning it into a song with that uniquely mysterious world that’s so characteristic of him.
DoraemonHoshino Gen
This is a song written as the theme for the feature film of the beloved national anime, Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island.
Throughout the track, the distinctive rhythm stands out—many listeners may feel it somehow has that unmistakable “Doraemon song” vibe, even though it’s not the same tune.
The lyrics are also packed with Doraemon flavor.
The familiar sliding fusuma doors appearing in the music video and the choreography incorporating contemporary dance are also captivating.