[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!
- Songs that use the Canon progression that I want to try playing on the piano
- [For Beginners] Play on the Piano! A Collection of Songs Using the Canon Progression
- [Composition] A roundup of famous songs that use classic chord progressions [by ear]
- [Guitar] Easy Chord Progressions! A Compilation of Recommended Japanese Songs for Singing and Playing
- [2026] Introducing Recommended Classic J-Pop/Nihon Music Medley Videos!
- Popular songs used in lyric videos trending on TikTok
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [J-Pop] A compilation of popular songs with irresistible guitar cutting [2026]
- [April 2026] Trending songs: A roundup of the hottest, viral tracks right now
- Great for karaoke too! Upbeat songs that will get you hyped
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- [Autumn Songs] Songs of autumn. Classic tracks and popular favorites you’ll want to listen to in the fall.
- Songs with satisfying key changes: classic J-POP and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally
[J-Pop] List of Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026] (71–80)
Do Re Mi So La Si DoHinatazaka46
Released in July 2019 as Hinatazaka46’s second single, “Doremisolasido” is a highly popular song that, five years later in 2024, realized a collaboration with Solaseed Air Co., Ltd., being featured as a commercial jingle and as in-flight BGM.
The chorus employs the so-called canon progression, and the familiar, ear-pleasing harmony fits perfectly with the chorus melody that feels like the view suddenly opens up and with the song’s refreshing vibe.
While recent idol songs are often perceived as using the classic canon progression less frequently, cases like this do exist, and digging deeper into them can be quite interesting.
Hare Hare YukaiHirano Aya, Chihara Minori, Goto Yuko
Hare Hare Yukai is the ending theme of the TV anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.
This song uses a canon progression in E-flat major.
The key progression is E♭ → B♭ → Cm7 → A♭ → B♭, which feels like an arrangement that omits the middle part of a typical canon progression.
It’s a very pleasant arrangement to listen to! It’s also interesting that such an up-tempo anime song uses a canon progression.
You could say that the fact it fits so many kinds of songs is exactly the charm of the canon progression.
Over DriveJUDY AND MARY
A signature song by JUDY AND MARY, distinguished by its exhilarating sound and refreshing melody.
The lyrics, packed with YUKI’s unique worldview, vividly portray a girl freely running under the summer blue sky.
Brimming with positivity and an energetic vibe, this track became the band’s first entry into the Oricon Top 10 and went on to be a massive hit, selling over 670,000 copies since its release in June 1995.
When you want to feel bright and liberated, this piece—marked by its memorable canon progression—will surely give you the courage to take a new step forward.
[J-Pop] List of Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026] (81–90)
smileikimonogakari
This 2013 song by Ikimono-gakari was used as the theme song for a Pokémon theatrical film.
The music video, filled with lots of smiling faces, is quite memorable, isn’t it? While the track includes a few arranged sections, it basically follows the Canon progression from start to finish.
That ongoing flow actually gives it a sense of stability, which is nice.
It’s a classic that seems to spark courage and energy with its slightly bouncy rhythm.
Even when we say “a song with the Canon progression,” there are many different types, aren’t there?
A woman born in OsakaBORO
This work is characterized by lyrics rooted in the city of Osaka and a melody that resonates with listeners’ hearts.
Released in August 1979, it became a major hit, selling a total of 170,000 copies on the Oricon charts.
BORO’s warm vocals vividly express the feelings of a woman born in Osaka.
With themes of the end of youth, new beginnings, love, and determination, it’s a song that anyone can relate to.
I especially recommend it to those who are about to take a new step while holding onto fond feelings for their hometown.
Don’t give upZARD
This is the sixth single by ZARD, the music unit formed around vocalist Izumi Sakai, who sadly passed away suddenly in 2007.
The song was used as the ending theme for the first season of the TV drama series “Reiko Shiratori Desu no!” and is still widely known across generations as a classic cheer song.
While the intro and chorus employ the canon progression, the use of substitute chords and sevenths adds flavor that brings color to the ensemble.
It’s a rock tune beloved across eras, where a catchy, leap-filled melody perfectly matches the reassuring feel of a timeless chord progression.
Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko
A 1985 hit song that became a major sensation alongside a TBS drama.
Its poignant portrayal of a romance with a married man is delicately woven through a beautiful melody and flawlessly delivered vocals.
Showcasing the full extent of Akiko Kobayashi’s talent as composer, the piece—enhanced by the comforting flow of a canon progression—stirs both ache and empathy in listeners.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart seven times and, as a long‑loved message song, has endured over time.
Even today, it shines as a heartwarming ballad that stands by everyone troubled by love.