A catchy tune that sounds familiar
There are quite a few songs we often hear—commercial jingles, theme songs, tracks that go viral on social media, and timeless classics—without actually knowing their titles.
Many of us have probably experienced that thrill of carefully listening from the intro, and then, when the chorus hits, realizing, “I know this song!”
In this article, we’ll introduce many of those “songs you’ve heard somewhere before.”
If you’ve been feeling that nagging “I can hum it, but I don’t know what it’s called…” sensation, this is definitely for you.
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Catchy, familiar-sounding songs (21–30)
Robinsonsupittsu
“Robinson,” one of Spitz’s signature songs.
Another of their classics, “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (“I Should Be Able to Fly”), is so well-loved that it’s featured in music textbooks, and I’m sure many people first encountered Spitz’s music during their school days.
Since their songs have been used as drama theme songs, in commercials, and in music games, that gentle melody is likely to have stuck in many listeners’ ears!
Donut SongYamashita Tatsuro
This is a track included on the 1998 album “COZY,” written by Tatsuro Yamashita specifically for a Mister Donut commercial.
The reason I’m introducing this song now as one you may feel you’ve heard somewhere is that Masaki Suda covered it in a Mister Donut commercial in 2023.
The chorus has an extremely addictive melody that’s striking, and the song has a mysterious charm that makes you feel happy as you listen.
ulutra soulB’z
This is a masterpiece that instantly gets you hyped with an unconditional “Ultra Soul!! Hey!!” whenever you hear it! At ROCK IN JAPAN 2017, this song closed out the festival, and on Twitter, the quote “B’z’s Ultra Soul is a national treasure” was trending.
Marigoldaimyon
This song, with its memorable chorus that begins with “Straw hat…,” leaves quite an impression.
Even though it’s not tied to any particular promotion, I think many people feel like they’ve heard it somewhere.
It was performed at the 69th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and in July 2019 its views on YouTube surpassed 100 million.
You’ve probably heard it in all sorts of places without even realizing it.
It’s a refreshing track with a touch of nostalgia, and very easy on the ears.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
When it comes to Sukima Switch’s cheer songs, this is the one, right? It’s been used in countless commercials—starting with the insert song for the film “Rough,” and also for NTT Docomo and Pocari Sweat—so I’m sure you’ve heard it many times by now.
Sukima Switch are known for their moving ballads, but songs like this one, with a driving feel that gives you energy, are also really appealing! The chorus, which weaves very positive lyrics with a pleasant melody, is easy on the ears, and many people have probably heard someone sing it at karaoke.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
A four-piece rock band, [Alexandros], which welcomed a new drummer in April 2021 and set off on a fresh start with a new lineup.
Thanks to various tie-ins—ranging from the film Akegarasu to serving as the theme song for the 2015 Birdman Rally and appearances in commercials—it’s likely many people have heard their music at least once.
With its driving rhythm, guitar riffs brimming with exhilaration and anticipation, and soaring high-tone vocals, every element makes it easy to see why this rock tune became a massive hit.
crimsonX JAPAN
A five-piece rock band that arguably brought the metal genre into mainstream recognition within Japan’s rock scene, X JAPAN released this as their first major-label single.
Its composition—beginning with majestic strings, moving into clean guitar arpeggios, then suddenly shifting into a full-on metal sound—felt almost like listening to classical music and made a tremendous impact on the music scene at the time.
Transforming metal, once perceived as merely aggressive, into something undeniably beautiful, this is a song that is indispensable when discussing the history of Japanese rock.