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

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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!

[J-Pop] List of Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026] (71–80)

100% CourageHikaru GENJI

100% Courage (Nintama Rantarō Season 1 Opening)

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.

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OCEANB’z

B’z / OCEAN

OCEANB'z

A ballad that sings of grand love and unwavering resolve, this B’z song captivated many listeners.

Released in August 2005 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Umizaru EVOLUTION,” which portrays Japan Coast Guard rescue divers, it struck a chord with audiences.

Koshi Inaba’s deeply expressive vocals and Tak Matsumoto’s delicate guitar work blend beautifully, resonating profoundly with listeners.

The track is also included on the album “MONSTER,” and in live performances it creates a moving, unified atmosphere with the audience.

It’s a song that stays close to your heart when you want to believe in a future you’ll walk together with someone you cherish.

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Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki

Hideaki Tokunaga – The Broken Radio

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!

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Mari-ko from aboveAKB48

[MV Full] Ue Kara Mariko / AKB48 [Official]

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.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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There is nothing but love in the world.Keyakizaka46

Keyakizaka46 "All We Need Is Love in This World"

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.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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