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!] J-POP Best Popular Songs (51–60)
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?
Hold me in the great skyUtada Hikaru
This is a song by Hikaru Utada, one of Japan’s leading female artists.
It became a hot topic when it was featured in a Suntory Natural Mineral Water commercial.
The song has a bright and refreshing feel.
If you haven’t listened to it yet, you should definitely give it a try.
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.
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.
[New Standard and Massive Hits!] Best J-POP Popular Songs (61–70)
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.
Falling in LoveKobayashi Akiko
Released in 1985 as Akiko Kosaka’s debut single, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Friday Wives III: Falling in Love.” Since it has been covered by many artists, even those unfamiliar with Akiko Kosaka’s era may still know the song.
Midsummer StraightKoumoto Hiroto
As the title suggests, it’s an up-tempo track with the appeal of straightforward music and lyrics.
In fact, this is his first solo single.
Showing a different side from The Blue Hearts and The High-Lows, he gave fans a fresh feeling.