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 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.
Addicted To YouUtada Hikaru
A captivating song by Hikaru Utada, featuring an irresistible melody that grabs listeners’ hearts and a catchy sound infused with R&B elements.
The lyrics, where dependence and affection for the other person intersect, portray the complex side of romance.
Released in November 1999, the track was also used in a commercial, sold 1.784 million copies, and became a major sensation.
It is included on the album Distance.
Highly recommended for those who want to relive the feeling of falling in love or experience Utada’s unique appeal.
We won’t fightAKB48
It’s a song imbued with a message of peace and nonviolence, weaving social themes into an upbeat pop sound that resonates with listeners.
Released in May 2015, it served as a single commemorating AKB48’s 10th anniversary.
In addition to recording total sales of 1.782 million copies, it was featured in multiple commercials and reached a wide audience.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to soothe a heart weary from conflict or reflect on the idea of peace.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
A song filled with hopeful, uplifting messages that truly resonate! Mayao Okamoto’s clear, pure voice gently gives listeners a push forward.
Set to a calm melody highlighted by memorable piano tones, the lyrics bring courage for tomorrow and strike straight to the heart.
Released in May 1995, the song also drew attention as a TV drama theme and sold 1.773 million copies.
It’s sure to lift your spirits when you’re at a crossroads in life or feeling down.
A perfect track for moments of new beginnings, like graduation or school entrance ceremonies.