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!
- [Japanese Music] Masterpieces of 2000s Pop: A roundup of hit songs from 00s J-POP
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
- Only famous artists! Anime songs that energize the Reiwa era
- [J-Pop] A Collection of Soothing 90s J-POP Hits
- Memorable masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern]
- Gen Z listeners, take note! Great songs that color the J-pop scene
- Today's Recommended J-POP: A Collection of Japanese Hit Songs You’ll Want to Listen to Today
- [J-POP] For those who want to listen to everything! A compilation of medleys by popular artists
- Nothing but masterpieces! Hit songs from the Reiwa era that are perfect for background music
- Nothing but famous and hit songs! K-pop tracks recommended for Gen Z
- [I Want to Sing!] J-POP That Makes You Want to Sing Out Loud
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
New Standards and Massive Hits! Best J-POP Popular Songs (31–40)
fragileEvery Little Thing
Every Little Thing left behind numerous classic songs from the late 1990s through the 2000s.
Their most widely known signature track is “fragile.” It became a massive hit, partly because it was used as the theme song for the hugely popular TV show “Ainori” at the time, and it has secured its place in J-pop history.
With its gentle, subdued arrangement and Kaori Mochida’s clear, soothing vocals, it’s a quintessential ballad.
Even long after its release, it remains a beloved masterpiece among listeners.
loveHoshino Gen
It’s one of the signature songs by Gen Hoshino, a pop star Japan is proud of.
Released in 2016, it was used as the theme song for the drama “We Married as a Job!” (“Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu”).
The “Koi Dance” from the music video became a huge craze, with people posting their dance videos on social media and YouTube, turning the song into a social phenomenon.
Back then, you could spot the Koi Dance at all sorts of events, from weddings to year-end parties.
There are probably still many people who can dance it even now.
Of course, the song itself is excellent—Hoshino’s refreshing vocals and the pop, lighthearted melody make it instantly approachable, and it’s no exaggeration to call it a classic that represents J-pop of its era!
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
A massive hit by SMAP, it was the last song the five members performed together.
Noriyuki Makihara wrote and composed it, and the choreography that everyone danced to was created by KABA-chan.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama ‘Boku no Ikiru Michi,’ starring member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi.
With its warm lyrics and melody sung by SMAP, the song moved many people.
Atelier of LightMr.Children
It’s their 36th single, released after a span of roughly two years and two months since the previous one.
The coupling tracks are plentiful, with as many as five songs—the most ever for Mr.
Children.
It also includes their first secret track in ten years.
SUBWAYyuzu
Yuzu, the folk duo that steadily built a fanbase since their street musician days and now commands a unique presence in the J-POP scene.
Their 22nd digital-only single, “SUBWAY,” released on June 21, 2023, features a dramatic arrangement that evolves from simple acoustic performance to a full band ensemble, stirring the heart.
Its lyrics, which honor the value of facing one’s life and continuing to move forward despite doubts, may give a powerful push to those who find it hard to take the first step.
It’s a lyrical number whose beautiful harmonies and wistful melody linger in the ear.
Just by you being herekome kome CLUB
Kome Kome Club’s biggest hit, released in 1992 and surpassing two million in sales.
The moment you hear it, you can’t help but hum along! It hasn’t faded with time—if anything, the lyrics hit even harder now.
The part in the outro with the la-la-la and waving your hands left and right really gets me.
It’s a song I want to keep listening to forever.
Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki
This is Hideaki Tokunaga’s debut single, released in 1986.
With his distinctive husky voice—so delicate and sweet that it’s almost hard to believe it’s a male voice—he sings with a poignant tone that truly conveys emotion.
It’s a classic themed around rain that continues to be covered by many artists even today.
mermaidAmuro Namie
This is a cover single of NOKKO’s classic song, used as the theme for the “Myuumo” commercial.
Its dazzling, dreamy sound evokes a fantasy world, making it feel as if you’ve wandered into a kaleidoscope.
Always, the two of usieiri reo
This is a song by popular singer-songwriter Leo Ieiri.
It became a hot topic after being chosen as the theme song for the drama “Even If I Loved You, I Have a Secret.” It conveys love for someone important, so why not try singing it to someone you’re interested in at karaoke?
Romance and the AbacusShiina Ringo to Utada Hikaru
A track included on Ringo Sheena’s best-of album “Newton no Ringo: Hajimete no Best Ban,” released in November 2019.
It’s a collaboration between two legends who have worked together many times before.
Both artists only grow more captivating with time—so cool! The brass, brimming with romance, and the piano scales that evoke an abacus create a comfortable, profound piece.
Perfect for a slow, unhurried moment.