[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)

smileikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Egao” Music Video

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?

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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ALONEB’z

B’z Live from AVACO STUDIO “ALONE”

ALONEB'z

A dramatic rock ballad: B’z’s “ALONE.” Released in 1991 as their ninth single, it was used as the theme song for the drama Hotel Woman.

Carried by a grand sound, it sings of the longing to see a dearly loved you, and its message and vocals are deeply moving.

The chorus makes this especially clear: the first half of the phrases follows a canon progression, while the latter half is arranged to open up with just three chords, creating a sense of emotion and exhilaration.

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My friendZARD

My Friend (What a beautiful memory 2008)

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.

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Hare Hare YukaiHirano Aya, Chihara Minori, Goto Yuko

"Hare Hare Yukai" TV Version Special Ending

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.

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Do Re Mi So La Si DoHinatazaka46

Hinatazaka46 'Doremi Solashido'

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.

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