Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]

Sand Planethachi22rank/position

Hachi – Sand Planet feat. Hatsune Miku, HACHI – DUNE ft. Miku Hatsune

Kenshi Yonezu, now a leading figure in Japan’s music scene, once worked as a Vocaloid producer.

Under the name Hachi, he released this track in 2017 to commemorate Hatsune Miku’s 10th anniversary.

It portrays a figure walking on through a desolate, desert-like world, blending electro and rock with Hatsune Miku’s vocals soaring over the sound.

The song hit one million views in just six days after release, setting a new speed record in Vocaloid history.

If you were a fan of his Hachi era, it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going at karaoke!

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci23rank/position

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

It’s wacci’s signature song, which spread through word of mouth on social media and resonated with many.

While acknowledging the maturity and kindness of her new partner, it delicately portrays a woman’s wavering heart as she can’t help recalling the unpretentious days spent with her ex.

Beneath the words she tells herself to affirm her current happiness, you can feel a lingering attachment that won’t fade, and it’s heart-wrenching.

Released as a digital-only track in August 2018, its realistic depiction became a hot topic, and it has continued to be loved—surpassing 100 million total streams by June 2021.

On nights when you can’t sort out your feelings because you find yourself comparing your current partner with your ex, try singing it with all your emotions.

The bittersweet melody will wash away the ache in your heart along with your tears.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru24rank/position

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

This is a ballad imbued with a warm message that gently accompanies the season of partings.

It paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of entrusting gratitude to a loved one and an inexpressible love to a “bouquet,” and offering it as a gift.

Released digitally in April 2016 as Hikaru Utada’s comeback work, it became familiar as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Totto-chan.

It resonated with those who had long awaited her return, earning high acclaim, including the Excellence Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards that year.

It’s perfect for moments like graduation ceremonies when you want to express thanks to teachers and friends.

This piece, which gently nudges you forward on a new path, will add color to a special day when you bid farewell with smiles through tears.

Until I hold you in my arms.MIMI25rank/position

Until I Hold You Tight / feat. KAFU

This is a song with a gentle tone that soothes a tired heart.

Created by MIMI, it was released in February 2022.

The warm sound of the piano and KAFU’s soft vocals resonate deeply.

The lyrics are notable for their empathy toward those carrying loneliness and solitude, offering quiet companionship on nights spent alone.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you feel unsettled or wish someone were by your side.

broad daylightKing Gnu26rank/position

King Gnu – Hakujitsu

When we watch the snow falling hard, a bittersweet yet beautiful melody comes to mind.

It’s a signature song by King Gnu, released digitally in 2019 and written as the theme for the drama “Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer.” The lyrics depict a heartfelt wish to have an irreparable past and one’s mistakes concealed beneath pure white snow.

No matter how much we regret, time won’t turn back; all we can do is keep walking through the continuous present—a painful truth most of us have felt at least once.

Begun by Daiki Tsuneta at the end of 2018, the track went on to set astonishing streaming records.

It’s also an indispensable winter soundtrack on TikTok.

Listening to it in the cold air might be a good chance to face your own heart.

Love so sweetarashi27rank/position

ARASHI – Love so sweet [Official Music Video]

Released in February 2007 as the theme song for the drama Hana Yori Dango 2 (Returns), this 18th single solidified Arashi’s popularity.

Its lyrics, centered on the universal theme of love—memories and bonds with a cherished person being etched in the heart beyond physical distance—resonate with listeners by calling up their own precious memories.

Selling about 204,000 copies in its first week and ranking 4th on Oricon’s 2007 annual singles chart, the song is a timeless classic loved across generations.

With its bright, catchy melody that’s easy to learn for karaoke, it’s the perfect hit tune to sing with close friends at year-end parties—sure to get everyone fired up.

Night Sky Patrol of TomorrowOrangestar28rank/position

[IA] Night Sky Patrol of Tomorrow [Original] with Chinese Subtitles

It’s a Vocaloid track that stirs emotions sleeping in the depths of your heart.

Created by the Vocaloid producer Orangestar, it was released in 2014.

With a sense of exhilarating speed and catchy chiptune-like sounds, it’s a refreshing piece that lifts your spirits as you listen.

The lyrics, which convey an intense longing of “I want to see you,” are another major draw.

Many people probably think of this song when asked about IA’s repertoire.

Even now, long after its release, it remains highly popular.

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