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 Standards and Massive Hits Too!] Best Hits of Popular J-POP Songs (111–120)
BRAND NEW MORNINGMōningu Musume. ’17
This is a song by Morning Musume ’17, a group that could be called the originator of large-member idol groups.
Even in today’s so-called Warring States era of idols, they’re said to be among the top in terms of ability, so why not give it a listen?
Hi-fi messageEvery Little Thing
An ambitious release that came out on their 10th debut anniversary and, fittingly, as their 30th single.
With an irresistibly catchy melody that makes you want to hum along, it’s the kind of song you’ll want to play on a drive, feeling the wind as you go.
Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY
When it comes to female duos that symbolize late-’90s J-pop, you can’t leave out PUFFY! This song, following their debut track “Asia no Junshin,” was created with lyrics by Yosui Inoue and music by Tamio Okuda.
Its laid-back, fun, and catchy sound, along with the free-spirited and surreal lyrics, made a huge splash at the time.
Even now, it still feels like a timeless classic.
I bet many people can still hum along even after not hearing it for a while.
flareSuperfly
A song released in November 2019.
It’s the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Scarlet.” With lyrics that cherish the inner voice and encourage living powerfully, it evokes a flame of the heart—like a quiet fighting spirit.
The music video, which expresses this with candles, is also a must-see.
The la-la-la toward the end feels warm and uplifting.
Do your best!sadamasashi
This is a very positive song written in the Nagasaki dialect that Masashi Sada himself dearly loves.
It makes you want to give your all in both love and work.
Even if you cry or stumble, it encourages you to get back up again and again.
BLAST！Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto
It’s a song overflowing with a burning desire for self-actualization! With its energetic sound and powerful lyrics, just listening to it gives you a boost.
Released in August 2017, this track is a precious work marking the final release of Momoiro Clover Z as a five-member group.
Its innovative approach, blending hip-hop and pop, showcases the wide range of their musicality.
It’s a song that gives courage to those facing difficulties, so I recommend listening to it before taking on a big challenge.
It’s sure to fill you with courage and hope!
single bedSha ran Q
It was released in 1994 as Sharam Q’s sixth single.
It continued to be a long-running hit and became the band’s first million-selling song.
The song expresses regret for a lost girlfriend and the sorrow of a broken heart, resonating with many men as a poignant ballad.