Ranking of Japanese pop singles by sales. What is the best-selling song in Japan?
Have you ever wondered which song has sold the most copies among the countless tracks released to date?
In this article, we’ve compiled a ranking of all-time single CD sales, excluding digital downloads.
From classic Showa-era masterpieces and hit songs from the Heisei era—the golden age of J-pop—to tracks by idol groups from the 2010s, a wide range of songs made the list.
It’s a ranking that feels like a retrospective of Japanese music history, so be sure to check it out.
If any song in the ranking catches your attention, take this opportunity to give it another listen!
- Ranking of Popular Nostalgic Songs and Classics [2026]
- Songs that have won the Japan Record Award throughout its history
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
- Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
- [2026] All-Time Enka Sales Ranking
- Ranking of popular songs for senior citizens
- [High School Students] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
- Big Hits, Including New Standard Favorites! Best Hits of Popular J-POP Songs
- [Top 20] Anime Song Sales Ranking of the Heisei 30 Years!
- Popular Cheer Songs [Japanese Music Ranking]
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Ranking of Beloved Hit Songs Among Women [2026]
- Popular Band Rankings [2026]
Ranking of Japanese pop singles by sales: What is the best-selling song in Japan? (1–10)
Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children
This song carries a powerful message that inspires hope and courage.
It was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Wakamono no Subete,” and upon its release in November 1994, it quickly became a massive hit.
Astonishingly, it surpassed 1 million copies sold within three weeks of release, ultimately reaching total sales of 2.766 million copies.
It became the biggest hit among Mr.Children’s singles.
The song sings about the importance of staying true to your beliefs and continuing to move forward, even when facing anxiety about the future or feelings of loneliness.
It’s a track we highly recommend to anyone feeling uncertain or preparing to take a new step forward.
Love stories happen suddenlyOda Kazumasa
Known as one of Kazumasa Oda’s signature songs, this piece is characterized by lyrics that portray a bittersweet love and a beautiful melody.
Released in February 1991, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Love Story.” The song became a major hit along with the drama and served as a pivotal work that established Oda’s status as a solo artist.
The memorable phrase in the chorus has stayed in many people’s hearts and is one reason it continues to be beloved.
Delicately depicting both the beauty and the ache of romance, this song evokes the feeling of meeting someone special and the beginning of love.
With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing at karaoke and is a track you’ll want to listen to with someone important to you.
LOVE LOVE LOVEDREAMS COME TRUE
A love song that brilliantly captures both the joy and the heartache of romance—one of the defining tracks of the J-pop scene! Miwa Yoshida’s clear, pure vocals and Masato Nakamura’s beautiful melody will resonate deep in your heart.
Released in July 1995, it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart and gained attention as the theme song for the drama “Say You Love Me.” With 2.48 million copies sold, it became a massive hit that left its mark on Japanese music history.
If you’ve ever found yourself in tears because you couldn’t put your feelings for someone into words, this is a song you need to hear.
It’s also a karaoke favorite, so give it a try!
Ranking of Japanese pop single sales: What is the best-selling song in Japan? (11–20)
YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA
Known as one of CHAGE and ASKA’s signature songs, this track features an irresistibly singable melody and powerful lyrics.
It depicts facing life’s hardships and emphasizes the importance of following one’s convictions.
Released in 1993, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “If You Look Back, He’s There.” In 1994, it was also featured in a commercial for Yamaha’s handy karaoke device “ING’S.” This piece encourages listeners to heed their hearts and sometimes find the courage to fight.
It’s especially recommended for those confronting challenges and difficulties.
Nameless PoemMr.Children
It’s one of Mr.Children’s signature songs! The lyrics, which depict inner conflict and forward-looking hope, are truly memorable—I’m sure many fans felt encouraged at the time.
Released in June 1996, the song was also used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Pure.” It’s a timeless classic that never loses its luster, no matter how many years pass.
It’s also perfect for karaoke at year-end or New Year parties where people of all ages gather!
SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu
One of Masaharu Fukuyama’s signature songs is said to be modeled after the real Sakura-zaka (Cherry Blossom Slope) in Ota Ward, Tokyo, where he lived before his debut.
Also used as the theme song for the TBS variety show “Uunnan no Hontoko! Mirai Nikki V,” the track was released in April 2000 and sold 751,000 copies in its first week.
It became a massive hit, setting a record for the highest first-week single sales by a male solo artist.
Its poignant lyrics about lingering feelings for a former lover, combined with Fukuyama’s warm vocals, make it a song that really resonates.
It’s recommended for anyone who can relate to the longing that comes with waiting for spring’s arrival.
CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie
When you think of the iconic songs by Namie Amuro, the diva who was hugely popular from the late 1990s, this is the one that comes to mind! Back then, she was a charismatic figure for young women—so much so that “Amurer,” fans who copied her hairstyle and fashion, became a social phenomenon.
Released in February 1997, this ballad sings of eternal love, with themes of love and connection.
It was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Virgin Road, generating major buzz.
Widely known as a wedding standard, it’s a classic that remains in many people’s hearts.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who has experienced the joys and challenges of love.