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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- Nothing but masterpieces! Hit songs from the Reiwa era that are perfect for background music
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- [I Want to Sing!] J-POP That Makes You Want to Sing Out Loud
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[Huge Hits Becoming the New Standard!] Best Hits of Popular J-POP Songs (81–90)
Ambitious! That’s nicely ambitious.Mōningu Musume.
They had just celebrated the 9th anniversary of their debut at the time.
Their commemorative 30th single overall was an upbeat tune that makes you want to sing while jumping along at a live show.
It’s a song that feels like the very raison d’être of idols, imbued with a positive message.
One Hundred Doorsainai rina & saegusa yuka
Rina Aiuchi and Saegusa had already been in contact and had collaborated at live shows before.
Naturally, the two members of this Detective Conan theme-song duo are singing an opening theme from the same anime.
This marked their first collaboration as a single release.
We have a sun in our hearts.shinwa
Even if distance keeps you from meeting, this is a track that makes you feel that someone dear to you is right by your side as long as you’re thinking of each other.
It also drew attention for having its lyrics written by Yoshi, the author of the hugely popular youth novel “Deep Love.”
GirlHata Motohiro
A song whose delicate emotional expression and gentle melody resonate with the heart.
It is a work that highlights Motohiro Hata’s talent as a singer-songwriter.
Released in January 2013, it was included on the album “Signed POP,” and later became a re-cut single in 2017 as the theme song for the drama “Koi ga Heta demo Ikitemasu.” The lyrics, which sing about the bond with a loved one and the comfort their presence brings, have struck a chord with many people.
It’s a recommended track for enjoying music with your partner or when you want to reflect on someone special.
Wrapped in Hata’s warm vocals, you’re sure to spend a heartwarming moment.
Best FriendNishino Kana
This is Kana Nishino’s 9th single, released in 2010.
The lyrics focus on friendship between girls and convey heartfelt gratitude for the support they’ve given.
It’s become a standard new graduation song for the younger generation! It’s a song you’ll want to sing to a close friend you’re parting ways with.
Wasted wishesAKB48
It’s an AKB48 single released on May 31, 2017, with Jurina Matsui and Sakura Miyawaki as the centers.
It ranked first on the Oricon weekly chart.
It was also broadcast on Minna no Uta from April to May.
Surprisingly MangoSKE48
“Igai ni Mango” is a song by SKE48.
It was first performed at the General Election Thank-You Concert held on June 22, 2017, and the single was released on July 19.
It topped the Oricon charts.
The music video was filmed in Taiwan’s Penghu Islands.
Turning Uparashi
November 3, 2019, marking the 20th anniversary of their debut.
Released as Arashi’s first digital single, it’s a new kind of song infused with trendy elements.
The closeness among the five members and their pleasantly relaxed vibe are truly wonderful.
They also launched their social media at the same time.
With their unpretentious charm, they’re sure to take the world by storm from here on out!
Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken
A signature song by Ken Matsudaira that sparked a social phenomenon with its lavish, glittering gold kimono and irresistibly cheerful performance.
Though billed as a samba, it blends elements from various Latin music traditions—like flamenco-style calls—creating a sheer, no-logic-needed sense of fun.
The upbeat, unforgettable melody lifts your spirits from the first listen! Released as a mini-album in July 2004, it was also performed at the 55th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.
Whether on social media or at year-end parties and events, get everyone dancing and the excitement is guaranteed to hit the roof!
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
Since this song was released in 2019, Official HIGE DANDism quickly rose to prominence as a domestic rock band.
Every track they’ve put out since has been a hit, but this one is arguably the most famous and beloved of them all.
Calling themselves a piano pop band, they perfectly blend stylish, sophisticated piano phrases with flowing guitar sounds, and together with the beautifully soaring vocals, it’s a song cherished by a remarkably wide range of listeners.
