Wonderful Music Rankings

Ranking of Japanese pop singles by sales. What is the best-selling song in Japan?

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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 Japanese pop single sales: What are the best-selling songs in Japan? (41–50)

50th place

Miracle EarthKuwata Keisuke & Mr.Children

Miracle Earth

Miracle EarthKuwata Keisuke & Mr.Children

A song that sharply questions global issues.

It has continued to resonate with many people across generations.

This collaboration between Keisuke Kuwata and Mr.Children addresses themes such as environmental problems, social anxiety, and personal suffering.

Released in January 1995, it topped the Oricon singles chart and sold 1.717 million copies.

It also drew attention as a charity single for AIDS awareness, with all proceeds reportedly donated to AIDS initiatives.

Its unique blend of pop rock and ballad, with a grand melody and profound lyrics, leaves a strong impression.

As a song that stands by people living in modern society, it’s one you should definitely listen to.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced a comprehensive roundup of the all-time single sales rankings in Japan.

The list spans everything from beloved classics from the Showa era and iconic hits from the CD-boom Heisei era to idol group tracks from the 2010s.

It’s a ranking that feels like a journey through the history of Japanese music.

If any song here catches your interest, take this opportunity to give it a careful listen!