[J-Pop] List of Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026]
The first half of Baroque composer Johann Pachelbel’s Canon and Gigue in D major for three violins and basso continuo—the Canon, commonly known as “Pachelbel’s Canon”—is a piece almost everyone has heard, even if they don’t recognize the title.
Did you know that the chord progression from this Canon is actually used in many J-pop hit songs? In this article, we’ll introduce not only songs that employ the straightforward Canon progression, but also works that feature various patterns with unique arrangements.
A must-read for anyone looking to study composition!
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[J-Pop] List of Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026] (61–70)
threadNakajima Miyuki
Lowering the canon progression in the key of C major by two semitones to B♭ gives you the chord progression of Miyuki Nakajima’s “Ito.” What’s particularly noteworthy is the use of a musical technique known as a “cliché,” where the bass line descends step by step: B♭ → F/A → Gm → Gm7/F → E♭.
This makes the flow of the song sound smoother.
Also, the F#dim used in the middle of the chorus works nicely as a spice to smooth the movement from F to Gm.
It’s definitely something to keep in mind when composing!
rainbow-coloredayaka
This song, used as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Hanako to Anne, was played every morning, so people of a wide range of ages have probably heard it.
Since its tempo and overall feel are relatively close to Pachelbel’s original Canon, it’s likely the first thing many people imagine when they hear “canon progression.” One of the strengths of songs with a canon progression is that the chord sequence accommodates a wide variety of melodies; even though the chords are almost the same, the melody brings out the distinct character of each piece.
100% CourageHikaru GENJI
It’s one of those classic songs that people born around the 1980s can’t help but squint at nostalgically! “Yūki 100%,” used as the theme song for the popular anime Nintama Rantarō, is the 21st single by Hikaru GENJI, released in 1993.
The song is also known for being passed down and performed by other Johnny’s artists as the anime’s theme over the years.
If you have a basic understanding of chords, you’ll immediately notice that the chorus is composed almost entirely of a canon progression.
While many modern songs use variations based on the canon progression, there’s something soothing about a track with such a clear, straightforward canon progression like this one.
There is nothing but love in the world.Keyakizaka46
Here’s a song by Keyakizaka46 released in 2016.
It’s an impressive track where stage-like spoken lines and melody alternate.
So where is the canon progression used in this song? Although the canon progression is often used relatively early in a song, in this case it appears in the chorus.
What’s more, because it’s used right after a key change, it gives the impression of opening up into a new world.
The canon progression can be used in many different places—try listening for it carefully.
I want to be friends.Gakuen Seikatsu-bu
A song by the School Living Club, a club that appears in the TV anime School-Live!.
It was used as the ending theme in episode 12 of the anime.
Despite its cute tone, the lyrics evoke death, creating a striking contrast.
While it does employ seventh chords and substitutions, the canon progression heard in the chorus likely contributes to the song’s overall accessibility.
Even within its unique world, it’s a track that sticks in your ears, reaffirming the impact of classic chord progressions.
Love BombB’z
This is the 38th single by the rock duo B’z, who have been recognized by Guinness World Records as the best-selling album artist in Japan and have broken numerous records in the J-POP scene.
The track was used as the ending theme for the music program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN” and was created under the concept of being a song that regular bands can easily cover.
Its arrangement employs a canon progression with substitute chords chosen to match the mood of the melody, functioning—as mentioned above—as a classic, educational chord progression for any band.
It’s a simple yet distinctly B’z-style, high-energy, exhilarating rock tune with a sense of openness that’s sure to lift your spirits.
Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki
“Kowarekake no Radio” is a classic by Hideaki Tokunaga that makes full use of the poignant mood of the canon progression.
In the chorus, the progression used in the key of E major is E→B→C#m→E→A→E→A→Bsus4, and the key point is that the tonic E appears in the fourth position.
This canon progression also shows up frequently in pop music, and if you’re studying composition, knowing this progression will help you give a fresh twist to the standard canon progression.
Be sure to keep it in mind!