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 Standard and Massive Hits!] Best J-POP Popular Songs (61–70)
To Those Who Know the Blue of the Skyaimyon
It’s the theme song of the anime film of the same name released in 2019 by Aimyon.
It’s a breakup song, yet I can’t help but feel a breezy freshness blowing through it… and there’s a hint of nostalgia, too.
The charm she has as a vocalist overflows here, and it’s a wonderful track that captures Aimyon’s endlessly blue worldview.
Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE
A track that directly conveys the excitement of heading to Osaka to see a long-distance lover.
Released in March 2007 as DREAMS COME TRUE’s 38th single, it was well known as the theme song for a Universal Studios Japan attraction.
The song expresses the complex feelings of the frustration of not being able to meet and the anticipation of reunion, set to a danceable four-on-the-floor beat.
The slightly grown-up-sounding Osaka dialect phrases highlight the protagonist’s endearing charm and are irresistibly cute.
The song is also included on the album AND I LOVE YOU.
It’s a perfect track to heighten those pre-meeting butterflies when you’re about to see someone you love.
globeYonezu Kenshi
The theme song from The Boy and the Heron, said to be the final film by Studio Ghibli master Hayao Miyazaki, released in 2023.
Kenshi Yonezu wrote this song specifically for the movie.
In keeping with the film’s complete secrecy, the song Spinning Globe also seems to gain depth, as if the piece itself were shrouded in a veil of mystery.
The lyrics are protean, changing in interpretation depending on the listener—about a human life, or about loving someone.
It’s a song I hope will endure for decades, one I want to listen to again and again.
I was looking at the moon.Yonezu Kenshi
Since the historic blockbuster success of his 8th single “Lemon,” singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu has become a household name among a wide range of listeners.
His fifth digital-only single, “Tsuki o Miteita,” written as the theme song for FINAL FANTASY XVI—hailed worldwide as a top-tier RPG—features a dramatic arrangement that resonates deeply, mirroring the game’s weighty narrative.
Its vivid, picturesque lyrics draw you in even if you haven’t experienced the game itself.
It’s a grand number that conveys Yonezu’s love for the work.
CAN YOU CELEBRATE?Amuro Namie
When it comes to divas who dominated the latter half of the ’90s, Namie Amuro immediately comes to mind! Back then, she was a charismatic icon for young women—so much so that “Amuraa,” fans who copied her hairstyle and fashion, became a social phenomenon.
Until her retirement in 2018, she left behind numerous classic tracks in the J-pop scene, and among them, this song is arguably the most famous.
Although it was released in 1997, it continues to enjoy strong support today as a staple wedding song.
Youth ClockNGT48
Seishun Dokei is NGT48’s debut single, released in April 2017.
Rika Nakai served as the center.
It ranked first on the Oricon weekly chart.
In July, a remix version by tofubeats was released digitally.
Over DriveJUDY AND MARY
From their formation in 1992 to their breakup in 2001, the rock band JUDY AND MARY was loved not only in Japan’s rock scene but by a wide range of listeners.
After the breakup, vocalist YUKI pursued a solo career, but there are still many devoted Judy and Mary fans even now! It’s amazing how their popularity endures even after they stopped performing.
This song is often cited as one of their signature tracks—its pop sound, YUKI’s characteristically cute lyrics, and above all her distinctive vocal tone make it a truly captivating piece.
Someone other than meNMB48
Among NMB48’s songs, this track drew particular attention.
Released in December 2016, it captivates with a profound message and a daring performance that go beyond the realm of typical idol music.
Centered on a bittersweet love, it delicately weaves complex feelings toward a cherished person.
With Sayaka Yamamoto as center and the group’s first-ever rap incorporated, it’s an ambitious work.
Paired with dynamic choreography, it showcased a new side of the group.
The lyrics vividly portray the emotions of youth and are sure to resonate deeply with anyone struggling in love.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
Released in 2001, this song is ZONE’s signature track and biggest hit.
Many of you may remember it as the theme song for the Kids War drama series at the time.
Its success upon release was remarkable, and even ten years later in 2011, a cover version performed by the voice cast was used as the theme song for the anime Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, showing how the song has been loved for many years since its release.
Even now, it remains a classic, highly popular as a youth anthem and a summer song.
AutomaticUtada Hikaru
In 1998, Hikaru Utada made her debut with this song, and she was only 15 at the time! Having been exposed to music from a young age, she quickly became a massive breakout star thanks not only to her overwhelming vocal ability and expressive delivery that belied her age, but also to the high level of polish of her cool tracks.
Since then, she has been active as one of the leading artists at the center of the J-pop scene.
Her singing style, with its solid, groove-driven feel reminiscent of Western music, is exceptionally sophisticated and still sounds completely fresh today.