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)
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro
When it comes to Christmas, this song is a must! It’s a quintessential Japanese Christmas song that you hear every year.
Tatsuro Yamashita’s warm vocals make the lyrics about a bittersweet love even more memorable.
Released in December 1983, the song became a massive hit, selling over one million copies within the year and eventually reaching 1.822 million in total sales.
It’s an essential track for the holiday season and is played in many places every year.
EverythingMISIA
Released in 2000 as MISIA’s seventh single.
It became her first single to top the Oricon charts and remains her only million-selling single.
Used as the theme song for the drama “Yamato Nadeshiko,” it’s a popular ballad known for being a graceful piece that women can sing tenderly.
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.