[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!
- Songs that use the Canon progression that I want to try playing on the piano
- [For Beginners] Play on the Piano! A Collection of Songs Using the Canon Progression
- [Composition] A roundup of famous songs that use classic chord progressions [by ear]
- [Guitar] Easy Chord Progressions! A Compilation of Recommended Japanese Songs for Singing and Playing
- [2026] Introducing Recommended Classic J-Pop/Nihon Music Medley Videos!
- Popular songs used in lyric videos trending on TikTok
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [J-Pop] A compilation of popular songs with irresistible guitar cutting [2026]
- [April 2026] Trending songs: A roundup of the hottest, viral tracks right now
- Great for karaoke too! Upbeat songs that will get you hyped
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- [Autumn Songs] Songs of autumn. Classic tracks and popular favorites you’ll want to listen to in the fall.
- Songs with satisfying key changes: classic J-POP and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally
[J-Pop] List of Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026] (51–60)
Love is…Kato Miria
A love ballad by Miliyah Kato built on a Canon progression, featuring a poignantly moving piano accompaniment and a grand, memorable melody.
Gently singing of a vow of eternal love and the bond of two people supporting each other, this single was released in June 2007, chosen as the ending theme for the anime Toward the Terra, and reached No.
11 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was later included on the albums TOKYO STAR, M BEST, and M BEST II, and continues to be loved over time.
It’s a heartwarming medium-tempo ballad you’ll want to listen to when you’ve nearly lost sight of life’s meaning or when you want to reaffirm your bond with someone special.
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48
In the J-pop scene long referred to as the “Idol Warring States Period,” AKB48—a group with an absolute presence—released this as their 32nd major single.
It’s the first time Rino Sashihara, now known as the queen of variety shows, served as center for a title track, and the arrangement—evoking disco sounds from the 1970s to the 1980s—earned high praise, making it a hit number.
The chorus employs a canon progression that incorporates plenty of sixths, sevenths, and substitute chords, creating a subtly floating resonance that adds airiness to the reassuring feel of a classic progression.
With a catchy melody that anyone can hum and that lingers in the ear, it stands as one of AKB48’s signature songs.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
Singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto.
Her song “TOMORROW” uses a canon progression in the key of F major.
The chord progression follows the classic flow of F → C → Dm → Am → B♭ → F → Gm7.
In particular, the shift from two major chords in succession (F → C) to two minor chords in succession (Dm → Am) creates a unique atmosphere that blends pop brightness with a touch of poignancy.
This kind of canon progression especially suits piano-centered songs like this, doesn’t it?
HOWEVERGLAY
GLAY’s “HOWEVER” is a song notable for its beautiful piano that makes great use of the canon progression.
The chorus’s C→C on B→Am→Am on G progression is particularly striking.
Compared to the usual canon progression of C→G→Am→Em, the key point here is that the G is replaced with G on B—setting the bass of the G chord to B—and the Em is replaced with Am on G—setting the bass of the Am chord to G.
This causes the bass to descend stepwise C→B→A→G, creating a beautifully resonant sound.
[J-Pop] List of Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026] (61–70)
threadNakajima Miyuki
Lowering the canon progression in the key of C major by two semitones to B♭ gives you the chord progression of Miyuki Nakajima’s “Ito.” What’s particularly noteworthy is the use of a musical technique known as a “cliché,” where the bass line descends step by step: B♭ → F/A → Gm → Gm7/F → E♭.
This makes the flow of the song sound smoother.
Also, the F#dim used in the middle of the chorus works nicely as a spice to smooth the movement from F to Gm.
It’s definitely something to keep in mind when composing!
Love Song in DecemberGACKT
GACKT’s ballad, which gently sings of unwavering feelings for a loved one, also uses the Canon progression.
Its heartwarming lyrics blend scenes of lovers gazing into a shop window shoulder to shoulder with a strong desire to protect someone dear.
Released in December 2001 with GACKT’s own wish for peace, the song is accompanied by many memorable episodes, including experiences in Madagascar and filming the music video in New York after 9/11.
It was featured as a theme song on various TV programs and was performed at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.
With its soft piano melody, it’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you wish to bask in memories with someone special or warm your heart.
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
This is the debut single by the rock band Road of Major, formed through the documentary project “Road of Major” within the variety show Hamaraja.
Despite being an indie release, it became their biggest hit, staying in the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks.
The arrangement, consciously employing the Pachelbel canon progression in the verse and chorus, makes the driving melody even more dramatic.
It’s an unfading rock tune that fully justifies its record as the top-performing indie release of all time.