The Checkers Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Friends and DreamChekkāzu22rank/position

The Checkers Friends and Dream

Fumiya Fujii, whose singing voice remains unchanged to this day, has had many fans since back then.

This is “Friends and Dream,” the 21st single released in 1989 by The Checkers, the band where Fujii served as frontman.

Perfect as a graduation song, this track celebrates male friendship.

While friendship songs often feel like youthful anthems for younger generations, this one hits deeper when you listen to it after you’ve grown up—it’s that kind of friendship song.

It would be wonderful to sing at a class reunion or during karaoke with friends you haven’t seen in a while.

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CherieChekkāzu23rank/position

The Checkers “Cherie”

I remember it because my friend used to sing it a lot at karaoke back then.

Isn’t it just like The Checkers to make even a song like this sound so natural? As expected, for this track Mr.

Naoyuki is playing the soprano saxophone rather than the tenor.

Find LADY-MChekkāzu24rank/position

Find The Checkers LADY-M

I’m pretty sure I remember this song being used in a commercial as well.

For the Checkers of that era, whose roots were in rock oldies, it was unusual in that it had a techno-like finish, and the instrumental break features guitar instead of sax.

The lyrics of the chorus left a strangely strong impression on me.

MY GRADUATIONChekkāzu25rank/position

MY GRADUATION

A gemlike ballad that richly portrays the milestone of graduation.

Set to a gentle melody, it tenderly depicts scenes like exchanging buttons on school uniforms and walking together to the station.

Looking back on memories from ages 16 to 18, it masterfully conveys both the sweetness of young love and the poignancy of parting.

Included on The Checkers’ album “GO” and released in 1987, it was the group’s first self-produced work, with lyrics by Fumiya Fujii and music by Susumu Takeuchi.

Deeply rooted in Japan’s music scene as a staple to hear during graduation season, this song is wholeheartedly recommended for anyone who cherishes memories of their youth.

That Girl and Mashed PotatoesChekkāzu26rank/position

That Girl and Mashed Potatoes — The Checkers, 1984

It’s a hidden gem from the early Checkers.

It’s a lively doo-wop number full of that American ’50s oldies vibe.

The word “mashed potatoes” gives it a distinctly American feel, which is charming.

It seems that even now, oldies bands still cover it.

Lullaby of a Jagged HeartChekkāzu27rank/position

The Checkers - “Lullaby of a Zigzag Heart”

The Day You Disappeared portrays a poignant longing for a lost loved one.

Set to a warm melodic line, the lyrics trace the feelings of enduring a farewell to an unforgettable presence, resonating deeply with listeners.

The tender yet aching vocals evoke a vivid sense of nostalgia for days gone by and a hope for reunion, offering encouragement to all who wish to overcome their grief.

This song, which teaches the meaning of continuing to think of someone dear, quietly stays close to those who carry a hole in their hearts and becomes a source of strength.

If you’re suffering in silence, why not take a detour and lend it your ear?

fateChekkāzu28rank/position

The Checkers “Fate -SADAME-” @ Budokan

It’s a brisk pop song about two lovers in a post-apocalyptic, end-of-century world who travel through the cosmos, repeatedly reincarnating and changing prophecy.

Released in 1990 as The Checkers’ 21st single, it was used in a Mazda Familia commercial.