[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]
- [March 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)
ENDLESS RAINX JAPAN
X JAPAN is known as a pioneering presence among Japanese visual-kei rock bands.
While they’re associated with intense tracks like “Kurenai,” their beautiful ballads—such as “Forever Love”—are also very popular.
Among their ballads, “ENDLESS RAIN” ranks among the most beloved.
The original key is B major, but if you raise it by a half step, it becomes easier to recognize that the progression is an arranged form of the classic canon progression: C → G → G#7 → Am → F → G.
Mari-ko from aboveAKB48
This song is an AKB48 track released in 2011, written with Mariko Shinoda in mind, who took the center position after winning the rock-paper-scissors tournament.
The music video is an intriguing school drama where the student who wins at rock-paper-scissors becomes the student council president.
It’s interesting that even such a pop song uses the canon progression.
One of the great things about the canon progression is that the chords flow beautifully sideways without getting too much in the way of the melody.
Seesaw Game: A Brave Love SongMr.Children
A masterpiece that shines with Mr.Children’s penetrating insight into the essence of love.
It powerfully weaves together the protagonist’s fluctuating emotions—thrilled and disheartened by the other’s indifferent attitude—with the history of human love and mysterious feelings.
Released in August 1995, it also drew attention for donating all proceeds as relief funds for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
Included on the album “BOLERO,” the song has maintained strong support among fans.
It’s a perfect track for those troubled by love or seeking the courage to embrace a new season of romance.
[J-Pop] List of Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026] (81–90)
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.
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.
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.
My friendZARD
A pop tune that, backed by a band sound, celebrates the greatness of friendship and the radiant days of youth.
It’s a memorable track that captures both deep feelings for someone important and the bittersweetness of changing relationships.
Released in January 1996, this work became ZARD’s third million-selling single.
It was also used as the ending theme for the final cour of the anime SLAM DUNK, winning the hearts of many fans with Izumi Sakai’s translucent vocals and highly message-driven lyrics.
A classic in which a forward-looking message—becoming stronger by thinking of someone else—perfectly matches its simple canon progression.