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! Best J-POP Popular Songs (31–40)
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.
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.
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!
At all times.Makihara Noriyuki
This song was used as the theme for the 1991 film “No Abnormalities in the Job-Hunting Front,” starring Yuji Oda.
It is singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara’s third single and his biggest hit as a single.
The powerful piano that carries through from the intro bolsters the resolve to “be yourself no matter what,” making it one of the quintessential J-pop numbers of the 1990s.
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.
[New Standards Become Big Hits Too!] J-POP Popular Songs Best Hits (41–50)
TOKYO GIRLPerfume
This is a song by the popular techno girl group Perfume.
It also gained popularity for being used as the theme song of the drama Tokyo Tarareba Musume.
Many people who watched the show probably know it.
If you haven’t heard it yet, please give it a listen.
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.