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)
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!
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.
LUV PARADEMISIA
A sparkling pop tune packed with her soulful spirit, backed by various tie-ins such as “Myumo,” “Iromelo Mix,” and “music.jp.” Just listening to it will make you smile before you know it, just like the lyrics say.
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.
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.
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.
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.
