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 Become Big Hits Too!] J-POP Popular Songs Best Hits (41–50)
White LoversKuwata Keisuke
Released as Keisuke Kuwata’s seventh single in 2001, this song—just as he said, “I wanted it to be a song people remember every time winter comes”—has become a classic Christmas tune that still fills the streets each season.
Keisuke Kuwata’s husky voice makes it a truly wonderful track.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
Here is the song that singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto released in 1995 as her debut single.
It was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Second Chance,” became a major hit, and earned her first appearance at the 46th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Because its lyrics encourage and uplift others, it was also well received by people affected by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred the same year, and is said to be one of the songs that supported the recovery.
Combining both strength and gentleness, it is a classic cheer song that has long been loved by many.
Because you’re my hero.LiSA
This is a single by LiSA released on August 2, 2017, which reached number 7 on the Oricon chart.
It is used as the ending theme for My Hero Academia.
The TV-size version was released in advance on July 12.
Even if blown by the windKeyakizaka46
This is the latest single by the popular idol group Keyakizaka46.
Yurina Hirate serves as the center.
The music video, in which the members dress as men and dance, became a hot topic.
It seems they’re growing not only as idols but also as artists.
MPRINCESS PRINCESS
A rock band that gained popularity in the ’80s and is affectionately known by the nickname “PuriPuri.” They’re often said to be pioneers of Japanese girl bands.
This is a famous ballad by the group that portrays the end of a romance.
It’s a song that can move you to tears with its poignant longing for a former lover you can’t forget.
That day will surely come.DREAMS COME TRUE
This is a song by DREAMS COME TRUE, one of Japan’s leading music units.
It was released for the ENEOS commercial “Energy Song Announcement.” It also serves as ENEOS’s support song for the Tokyo Olympics, so why not take this opportunity to give it a listen?
lampSakiyama Soshi
Singer-songwriter Soushi Sakiyama gained attention after winning the Grand Prix in the “High School Folk Song GP” segment of AbemaTV’s variety show “Variety Kaitaku Variety Himura ga Yuku.” His 10th major digital single, “Akari,” was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death.
Its message—that precious things can be found within the ordinary—may prompt those who feel unlucky to look around and notice what surrounds them.
It’s a soothing number, marked by a gentle vocal delivery and a richly layered ensemble.
YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA
Released in 1993, this CHAGE & ASKA single became a hit as the theme song for the drama “If You Turn Around, He’s There.” Later featured in a beer commercial, it has been cherished as a standard song by the public.
With its powerful beat and distinctive call-and-response chants, the track has earned broad support across generations—used as a sports cheer song and even topping rankings of 1990s songs that get the crowd going at karaoke.
As I love and as I please, you’re the only one I won’t hurt.B’z
Released in 1993 as B’z’s 12th single, it became their biggest smash hit.
It achieved phenomenal success, including topping the Oricon weekly chart for four consecutive weeks.
Contrary to its sales, however, it reportedly went nine straight years without being performed live.
Let’s count your kissesKoyanagi Yuki
Released in 1999 as Yuki Koyanagi’s debut single, it became a major hit.
Her exceptional vocal ability and rhythm—unusual for the Japanese scene at the time—generated considerable buzz.
The presence and voice that emanated from her small frame were incredibly powerful, and the song continues to be performed today.