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!
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Ranking of Japanese music single sales. What is the best-selling song in Japan? (21–30)
As I love and as I please, you’re the only one I won’t hurt.B’z
It’s B’z’s biggest hit single, which topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for four consecutive weeks.
Though not widely known, Maki Ohguro contributed to the backing vocals.
The song is distinguished by its grand, string-driven intro.
Love will winKAN
Featuring a positive message and a memorable melody, this song is known as one of KAN’s signature works.
Its lyrics, which sing of the strength of love and hope, resonate with many people.
Released in September 1990, it became a major hit, selling over 2.012 million copies.
It was also used as an insert song on the variety show “Hō-chan no Yamadakatsutenai TV,” which brought it even more attention.
This work is recommended for those who need encouragement or want to convey their feelings to someone important.
Its warm vocals and message are sure to give you courage.
loadTHE toraburyū
A quintessential classic of the 1990s! This song gives you the courage to face forward and keep walking, overcoming life’s hardships.
It was even used as a movie theme song, and you can’t help but be moved when you listen to it.
Released in January 1993, it astonishingly sold 1.997 million copies.
Its gentle melody and powerful sound resonate deeply.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling down or standing at a crossroads in life—you’ll surely find the courage to move forward.
It’s also easy to sing at karaoke, so give it a try!
Strings of TearsTonosama Kingusu
It’s a masterpiece that captured the hearts of enka fans.
Centered on the bittersweet love of a woman, its lyrics brim with devotion and have surely moved many to tears.
Released by Tono-sama Kings in November 1973, the song sold 1.973 million copies.
It was also used as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s program “Aisuru Futari, Wakareru Futari” (Two in Love, Two Who Part).
It’s included on the album Enka Grand Deluxe Vol.
1, so be sure to check it out.
It’s a perfect song for those troubled by love or holding feelings for someone dear.
Highly recommended for karaoke, too!
Sayonara CrawlAKB48
Released by AKB48 in 2013, this song captured many hearts as a hyper-pop tune that evokes the feeling of summer.
Featuring a massive lineup of 32 selected members, its theme of sisterhood stands out in both the song and its music video.
It was also used in Ezaki Glico’s PaPiCO commercial, helping it gain popularity across a wide audience.
The track expresses the beginning and end of love and the fleeting nature of summer, with poignant emotions sung against the backdrop of a blue sea.
The music video, filmed in Okinawa and directed by Mika Ninagawa, is visually captivating, featuring nine pairs of sisters.
It’s a perfect song for reminiscing about summer memories or when you want to feel the bittersweetness of love.
Innocent WorldMr.Children
A signature song by Mr.Children that sings about the importance of keeping a pure heart.
Released in June 1994, it became their first Oricon No.
1.
It sold 1.936 million copies and topped the annual singles chart for 1994.
It was also used in an Aquarius commercial.
Kazutoshi Sakurai’s delicate vocals blend beautifully with the band’s performance.
It’s a song you should listen to when you’re struggling in life or on the verge of giving up on your dreams.
Beautiful SundayDaniel Boone
This song, known as the signature track of British singer-songwriter Daniel Boone, was released overseas in September 1972 and in Japan in 1976.
Despite being a Western single, it became a huge hit in Japan, selling 1.924 million copies.
Its selection as the theme song for TBS’s morning program “Ohayō 720” from 1975 to 1976 helped spark its success.
The refreshing melody and optimistic lyrics are striking, and just listening to it warms the heart.