[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!
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[J-Pop] List of Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026] (31–40)
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
This is a hit song by Hiromi Ohta, and believe it or not, it’s an old favorite released in 1975.
Her clear, transparent singing voice is wonderful, isn’t it? As you can see, the Canon progression is often used even in Showa-era songs—after all, Pachelbel’s Canon is from an even earlier time.
Since this song is a somewhat up-tempo pop tune, it might be hard to notice that it uses the Canon progression.
It’s fun to find songs that secretly use the Canon progression like this, so why not try looking for one yourself?
Just a little moreYOASOBI
This is the ninth digital-only single by the music duo YOASOBI, known for their distinctive yet translucent vocals and modern tracks featuring catchy piano phrases.
Chosen as the theme song for the information program “Mezamashi TV,” its light shuffle beat and gentle melodic line evoke a refreshing morning vibe.
While the overall structure is consciously based on a canon progression, the subtly colored arrangement adds tasteful hooks to the ensemble.
It’s a track you’ll want to keep listening to—comfortably blending a classic chord progression with a sense of originality.
Endless JourneyMr.Children
Mr.Children’s “Owari Naki Tabi” uses a canon progression in the key of E major.
The A verse features the progression E → B → C#m → F#7—an arrangement that slightly modifies the simple canon progression in the key of C.
Another notable characteristic is the frequent key changes.
The intro starts in F# major, modulates to E major for the A verse, then shifts to C major for the chorus, and finally modulates further to D major for the last chorus—a whirlwind of modulations!
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
This is a signature song by MONGOL800, a rock band from Okinawa.
It’s included on their second album, MESSAGE, released in 2001.
The song has been featured as the basis for films and is a popular track that has been covered many times by famous musicians.
If you’ve played in a band, you might even remember covering it yourself.
While it deviates slightly from the typical canon progression, you could say it’s a progression that lends itself well to that kind of arrangement.
Why not use it as a reference for your own songwriting?
contrailMatsutōya Yumi
Hikōki Gumo, released as Yumi Matsutoya’s (then Yumi Arai’s) debut, is a song that symbolically portrays passion for dreams and the transience of life.
Its world, woven from a transparent singing voice and delicate lyrics, captivates listeners and doesn’t let go.
It’s also well known as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film The Wind Rises.
Like a fleeting trail drawn in the sky, the piece evokes the beauty and ephemerality of life.
A moving classic you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.
[J-Pop] Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026] (41–50)
Imaginary Forestjin
This song, produced by Jin, who was born in Hokkaido in 1990, is used as a theme for an anime for which he also wrote the script.
The part of the song that uses the Canon progression is the chorus.
Although the Canon progression doesn’t usually evoke a very intense image, depending on the rhythm and melody, it’s sometimes used in climactic choruses.
It’s impressive how the Canon progression can work both gently and intensely like this.
That’s probably why so many songs are composed using the Canon progression.
How many times has the blue sky appeared?Nogizaka 46
This Nogizaka46 song was released in 2014 and marked Erika Ikuta’s first time in the center position.
What’s interesting about it is that it begins with a progression like a minor version of the canon progression, and then shifts in the chorus to the so-called major canon progression.
That change ties beautifully to the “blue sky” in the title, making it very moving.
It’s a serious, mature song with a cool vibe.
Keep that in mind as you listen.