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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Big hits among the new standards, too! Best hits of popular J-POP songs (21–30)
Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi
It was written specifically as the theme song for the Sunday drama “No Side Game,” released in November 2019.
While depicting a journey through adversity that links to the drama’s content, it is wrapped in Kenshi Yonezu’s characteristically mysterious worldview.
The “Traveling Large Jacket” exhibition of the cover art designed by Yonezu himself was also a great success.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
Released in 2014 as Motohiro Hata’s 17th single, it became a massive hit as the theme song for Toho’s 3D CG animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon.” Hata’s gentle vocals make it a song that truly resonates.
Thanks in part to the film’s success, it has become a beloved classic for both children and adults.
InfluencerNogizaka 46
This is a song by the idol group Nogizaka46, who are soaring in popularity.
The centers are Nanase Nishino and Mai Shiraishi.
It drew attention after being used as the CM song for Haruyama Trading’s “SlaTechno Suit.” It’s also notable for its high-difficulty, high-speed choreography.
RAINSEKAI NO OWARI
It’s a song by the rock band SEKAI NO OWARI.
It also drew attention for being chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Mary and The Witch’s Flower.” Since it’s a calm ballad, why not give it a listen when you want to enjoy music on your own?
Togetsu Bridge ~Thinking of You~Kuraki Mai
This is a song by popular female artist Mai Kuraki.
It also gained popularity for being used as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: The Crimson Love Letter.
The song drew attention as it earned a Guinness World Record for the ‘most theme songs performed by the same artist for an anime series.’
Lingering SnowJUJU
I imagine many of you thought “Oh!” when you saw the title.
Originally released in 1974 by the folk band Kaguyahime and later a huge hit thanks to Iruka’s cover, Nagori Yuki has now been covered by JUJU.
It was released in October 2023 as the single Nagori Yuki/Ah Mujou.
JUJU’s clear, expansive vocals fit perfectly with the calm atmosphere, giving it a charm that makes you want to close your eyes and listen.
It’s one of Japan’s classic songs, poignantly yet warmly depicting a farewell with someone dear.
Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki
Released in 2008 as Angela Aki’s eighth single, it became a major hit.
This song is an arrangement, for her own performance, of “Tegami,” which she originally wrote as the set piece for the middle school division of the 2008 NHK National School Music Competition.
It captures the feelings of adolescence very well.
As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE
A classic that has now become one of Dreams Come True’s signature motivational songs.
Released in 2005, it had many tie-ins and was frequently played at the time, but after the Great East Japan Earthquake it became the most aired song on the radio and an unforgettable track that encouraged Japan.
The repeating chorus and Miwa Yoshida’s vocals bring me to tears time and again.
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
It was released in 2010 as FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ 14th single.
The music video featured Masahiro Tanaka, who was then a pitcher for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, and the song became famous as his walk-up music, frequently played at the ballpark.
lightly; nimbly; flutteringlyŌhara Sakurako
This is a song by the popular singer-songwriter Sakurako Ohara.
It became a hot topic when it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Let’s Go, Jets! From Small Town Girls to U.S.
Champions?!”.
We look forward to the future success of Sakurako Ohara, who is active not only as a singer but also as an actress.