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)
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.
Ranking of Japanese pop single sales: What are the best-selling songs in Japan? (41–50)
Glass BoyKinKi Kids
Released in July 1997, this was KinKi Kids’ debut single and served as the theme song for the TV drama “Bokura no Yuuki: Mimanchu.” Composed by Tatsuro Yamashita with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, the track delivers profound emotional depth.
It was a massive hit, selling over one million copies in its first week and ultimately reaching 1.796 million.
It also earned the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
It’s a perfect song for anyone looking to reflect on the bittersweet feelings of youth and the pains of love.
Labrador RetrieverAKB48
This work has gained popularity as an energetic song.
Its lyrics, which depict the bittersweetness of love and snapshots of youth, are particularly appealing.
Released as a single in May 2014, it sold 1.787 million copies.
It also received the Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards and became a hot topic.
With its up-tempo, bright melody, it evokes a refreshing summer vibe.
It’s a perfect track for getting the crowd going at karaoke, too.