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 and Mega-Hits Too!] Best Hits of Popular J-POP Songs (101–110)
The StressAbe Natsumi
As soon as a commercial for Georgia’s GAVA aired featuring Abe singing, the moment it hit living rooms, there was a flood of requests for a release.
Originally an idol song by Chisato Moritaka, the response was so overwhelming that a single was hastily put out.
Get Along TogetherYamane Yasuhiro
It was released in 1993 as Yasuhiro Yamane’s debut single.
He wrote this love song for a friend who was getting married.
It became his biggest hit, continuing as a long-running success and selling over a million copies.
Even now, it remains a popular staple at weddings.
Destiny – Flower of the Sun –Shimatani Hitomi
A song that was tied in as the theme for the anime Black Jack 21.
It features a grand yet bright and positive sound with orchestral backing.
Its message is straightforward: “I can go on living because you’re here.”
A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi
Released in 1993 as Yumi Matsutoya’s 24th single, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Dare ni mo Ienai” (Can’t Tell Anyone).
Coinciding with the drama’s success, the song became a million-seller and the biggest hit of Yumi Matsutoya’s career.
SanctuaryTamaki Nami
A poppy, upbeat track that’s so her, giving you the power to make your dreams come true.
It’s the opening theme for the anime “Kiba,” and its positive lyrics—well-suited to the story—leave a strong impression.
Sometimes, it’s precisely because the words are simple and not complicated that they really get through to you.
[New Standards and Massive Hits Too!] Best Hits of Popular J-POP Songs (111–120)
STARTLiNEYaita Hitomi
This song was tied in as the support song for Germany/Fuji TV’s soccer coverage in 2006.
Her straightforward, sincere image matches the mood of a sports theme.
It’s a song that gently nudges you forward, reminding you that you can always start walking again.
milk teaFukuyama Masaharu
“I’m sorry,” “thank you.” This song reminds us once again of how important those everyday words are.
There are so many things that won’t be conveyed unless we say them… When your heart feels cold, listening to it will warm you up like a cup of milk tea.