[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] (81–90)

Over DriveJUDY AND MARY

Over Drive

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.

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Don’t give upZARD

Don't give up (What a beautiful memory ~forever you~)

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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A woman born in OsakaBORO

BORO – The Woman Born in Osaka

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.

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Seesaw Game: A Brave Love SongMr.Children

Mr.Children “Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~” MUSIC VIDEO

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.

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Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko

Fall in Love - Koibito ni Ochite by Akiko Kobayashi

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.

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