Big Hits, Including New Standard Favorites! Best Hits of Popular J-POP Songs
You probably hear J-pop all the time—theme songs from dramas and movies, tracks everyone’s talking about on the radio and music shows, karaoke staples, and more!
That said, there are so many famous J-pop songs out there.
So in this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive look at both newer hits and timeless J-pop classics.
From masterpieces of J-pop’s golden era to must-hear hits of the Reiwa era, we’ve selected a wide range—so you’ll likely run into a few “Oh, I know this one!” moments.
At the beginning of the page, you’ll also find many songs that are widely loved and often played or sung in various settings, so be sure to check them out!
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[New Standard, Huge Hits Too!] J-POP Popular Songs Best Hits (91–100)
DropHANA
A powerful track that urges you to believe in your potential and push forward has arrived from HANA, born out of the audition “No No Girls” spearheaded by BMSG and Chanmina.
Released in January 2025, the song blends pop and hip-hop while showcasing the unique character of each of the seven members.
Their expressive performance, honed under Chanmina’s guidance, shines in the music video, which features striking scenes in an elevator and on the subway.
Embodying a strong will to overcome challenges and carve out one’s own path, the track not only delivers meaningful lyrics but also boasts an irresistibly danceable beat.
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
It was produced as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita” and released as AKB48’s 42nd major single.
For the first time, member Sayaka Yamamoto served as the center, and the choreography was kept very simple, making it a song loved by people of all ages.
SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA
CHAGE and ASKA is a music duo formed by high school classmates, known for their distinctive vocals and beautiful harmonies.
Their 27th single, “SAY YES,” used as the theme song for the TV drama The 101st Proposal, became a double-million seller.
The contrast between its ethereal ensemble and love-filled lyrics likely evokes scenes from the drama for those of that generation.
It’s a signature 1990s hit that brought CHAGE and ASKA widespread recognition.
world standardwāsuta
Wasshoi’s new song carries a message of embracing diverse values while cherishing your true self.
In a rapidly changing world, it conveys a stance of redefining what “standard” means and pursuing their own identity.
Scheduled for release in February 2025, the track celebrates the 10th anniversary of their debut.
The music video leaves a strong impression with the members dancing on sets inspired by locations around the world.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who wants to keep moving forward without fearing change.
When summer comesSun Set Swish
This song, sprinkled with summer-themed words like beach balls, parasols, and swim rings, is their third single.
Its refreshing vibe and the vocalist’s soaring high tones resonate beautifully.
The nostalgic atmosphere is also part of its charm.
Speed Livemisono
This song was tied in as the theme for the film adaptation of the comic Lovely★Complex.
The popular comic depicts a bittersweet romance between a tall girl with a delicate maiden’s heart and a short boy with a manly spirit.
It was brilliantly brought to life in a live-action adaptation.
MHamasaki Ayumi
Speaking of Ayumi Hamasaki, she’s a Japanese diva who defined the 2000s and enjoyed charismatic popularity among young women.
She’s undeniably one of the singers who built an era in the J-pop scene.
The song she released in 2000 is one of her signature love songs.
Listening to it again, her overwhelming vocal prowess is breathtaking, and it’s easy to see why it became a social phenomenon.
In the 2019 novel “M: Ai Subeki Hito ga Ite,” it was revealed—and became a hot topic—that the “M” refers to Masato Matsuura.
