[J-Pop] List of Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026]

Kiss me right nowLINDBERG

LINDBERG / Kiss Me Now

When you think of LINDBERG’s signature pop-rock songs, this one instantly evokes the sweet-and-sour feeling of youth.

Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Sekai de Ichiban Kimi ga Suki!” (I Love You the Most in the World!), it became a massive hit, ranking third on Oricon’s 1990 annual single sales chart.

Composed by Tatsuya Hirakawa, with arrangements by the band and Tatsuhito Inoue, the lyrics passionately depict the pounding heart of being in love, expressing both a powerful yearning and an urgent immediacy.

It perfectly captures the thrill of the moment you fall in love—a quintessential anthem of adolescence.

Do Re Mi So La Si DoHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 'Doremi Solashido'

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.

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KOH-1

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VoyageHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / Voyage

The message woven by Ayumi Hamasaki carries the courage to keep moving forward while bearing the unhealed wounds everyone has.

Set to the Canon chord progression with warmly resonant strings, this jewel of a song invites us to reflect anew on the bonds with our loved ones and on hope.

Released in September 2002, it served as the theme song for the TBS drama “My Little Chef” and won the Grand Prize at the 44th Japan Record Awards.

Included on the albums “RAINBOW” and “A BALLADS,” it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks.

It is a gentle, compassionate work that softly stands by you when you face a crossroads in life or wish to immerse yourself in memories with someone dear.

Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi

Rimi Natsukawa “Nada Sousou” Music Video

A gemlike, heart-touching ballad by Rimi Natsukawa whose title, in the Okinawan dialect, means “tears falling in plops.” Its lyrics—crafted by Ryoko Moriyama and filled with feelings for her late brother—and its gentle, tender melody line—woven by BEGIN while incorporating Okinawan musical elements—are especially distinctive.

Since its release in March 2001, it has become a blockbuster, selling over 1.2 million copies in total, and achieved the remarkable feat of spending 157 weeks on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It is a timeless classic that continues to be loved, offering comfort to those who have experienced parting from someone dear or who carry deep emotions in their hearts.

Your Silver GardenKalafina

Your Silver Garden

Produced by Yuki Kajiura— a songwriter/composer and music producer with a unique creative world who has continually delivered numerous hits mainly in the anime song realm—Kalafina was a female vocal trio active from the late 2000s until their disbandment in 2019.

Their songs, born from the overwhelmingly beautiful harmonies of three voices with distinct timbres, graced many masterpiece anime works.

The track introduced here, “Kimi no Gin no Niwa,” was used as the ending theme for Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion.

Its waltz rhythm is charming yet tinged with melancholy, and together with lyrics closely tied to the film’s content, it’s truly a remarkable piece.

One notable feature of this song is that the canon progression is used throughout.

That said, the tasteful sense of modulating in line with the song’s development is simply excellent.

Be sure to listen with that in mind!

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Selfish JulietBOØWY

BOOWY Selfish Juliet

Even today, the four-piece rock band BOØWY remains the stuff of legend and has influenced countless musicians.

Their third single, “Wagamama Juliet,” is cherished as one of BOØWY’s signature songs, since it was performed at every concert from its release until the band’s breakup.

The canon progression that appears in the A verse takes on a more wistful sound by changing the F chord to a Dm chord.

With its laid-back beat, the chord movement is easy to follow, so it’s a track you’ll want to listen to with that in mind.

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Hoshino Takashi

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If I sing to the sky175R

If I sing to the sky

A flagship act of the genre categorized as “youth punk,” the three-piece rock band 175R made waves by taking the No.

1 spot on the Oricon charts with their first two singles in a row.

This is their second major-label single.

Written for friends back home, it became 175R’s biggest hit and was also used in a J-PHONE commercial.

The A-melody, which adds passing chords to a canon progression, delivers that punk-specific sense of speed paired with a catchy tune.

It’s a classic of youth punk that showcases the potential of a staple chord progression that pairs well with virtually any genre.

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Hoshino Takashi

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