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? (31–40)
HELLOFukuyama Masaharu
A song by Masaharu Fukuyama characterized by its refreshing pop-rock sound.
With unrequited love as its theme, the lyrics portray the excitement of a budding romance and strong feelings for the other person.
Released in February 1995, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.871 million copies in total.
It also gained attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Saikō no Kataomoi” (The Best Unrequited Love).
The work conveys positive emotions toward love and deep affection for the other person, resonating with many listeners.
LOVE PHANTOMB’z
It’s an iconic up-tempo B’z song, marked by grand yet slightly melancholic strings.
Released in advance of the album one month before its launch, it set a then-all-time record for first-week sales with 951,000 copies.
It also posted astonishing numbers overall, becoming a million-seller just two weeks after release.
LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu/Naomi Campbell
This is a song released under the name Toshinobu Kubota with Naomi Campbell on May 13, 1996.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Long Vacation.” The drama became a social phenomenon due to its high ratings, and the song was also a major hit.
It became his first number-one on the Oricon charts and sold over 1.856 million copies.
Hello, Again ~A Place That Has Been There Since Long Ago~My Little Lover
Since their debut, My Little Lover’s third single has garnered widespread popularity.
It’s a quintessential ’90s love song that remains beloved today.
The lyrics, which portray a mature romance, resonate with many women and have led to numerous cover versions by other artists.
White LoveSPEED
A classic winter song that portrays a fragile, snow-like, beautiful feeling of love.
Released in October 1997, it became a massive hit, selling 1.845 million copies.
Also featured in a Shiseido Sea Breeze commercial, the track is notable for the members’ harmonies, and its lyrics—blending heartache with warmth—captured the hearts of many.
Expressing the bond between lovers and a wish for eternal love, it resonates deeply with listeners, enhanced by its winter atmosphere.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special or warm your heart on a cold winter day.
Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho & WANDS
Released in October 1992, this song drew significant attention as the theme for the drama “Dareka ga Kanojo o Aishiteru” (Someone Loves Her).
A collaboration between Miho Nakayama and WANDS, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies in just 20 days after release, with total sales reaching 1.833 million.
Its lyrics, expressing a bittersweet love and the hope of reunion, are set to a beautiful melody that captivates listeners.
Tied closely to the drama’s storyline, the words seem to speak on behalf of the characters’ emotions.
It’s a classic you should definitely hear if you want to feel the ache and joy of love.
Midsummer Sounds Good!AKB48
Vividly portraying the youthfulness of summer, this song is packed with AKB48’s charm.
Its refreshing melody and lyrics about the stirrings of love leave a strong impression, and just listening to it fills you with energy.
Released in May 2012, it was also featured in an NTT Docomo commercial.
With total sales of 1.822 million copies and a win at the 54th Japan Record Awards, it became a major sensation.
It’s perfect to play before a summer drive or a trip to the beach—it’s sure to lift your spirits.
Teacher TeacherAKB48
Released in May 2018, AKB48’s song is a bold work themed around a forbidden romance between a teacher and a student.
With its catchy melody and striking lyrics, it resonates deeply with listeners.
Upon release, it immediately topped the Oricon Weekly Chart, and total sales reached 1.82 million copies.
Listening to this track may remind many of the bittersweet pain of unrequited love that everyone experiences at least once.
Dream-Chasing SakeAtsumi Jirō
This bittersweet enka classic is the one you want to hear as the seasons shift from spring to midsummer.
Through the motif of ‘dream-chasing sake’ sipped at a bar, it gives voice to the pain of heartbreak and the hope of new dreams.
Released in February 1978, it topped that year’s annual sales rankings and became a major hit with a cumulative 1.82 million copies sold.
The inner conflict and forward-looking strength embedded in the lyrics must have resonated with many listeners.
It’s a song I’d recommend to anyone trying to overcome the wounds of a broken heart or take a new step forward.
Jiro Atsumi’s warm vocals are sure to give you a gentle push.
Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~Mr.Children
It’s a classic ballad that depicts the contradictions and conflicts of love.
Like a seesaw, the wavering feelings of romance are expressed through an energetic rock sound and a brisk rhythm.
Kazutoshi Sakurai’s passionate vocals skillfully convey the complex emotions of someone in love.
Released in August 1995, it sold 1.812 million copies.
The song is also included on the album “Deep Sea” and has long been beloved by fans.
It’s recommended for those struggling with the push and pull of romance or those who want to find the courage to move forward.
Its heartfelt lyrics and refreshing melody are sure to give you a gentle push.