Taro Hakase’s Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
He often appears on variety shows with the image of a cheerful guy with a wild mop of hair, so those who aren’t familiar with him might be surprised—but Taro Hakase is a world-class violinist Japan is proud of.
He has toured the world as part of Celine Dion’s tour band and has composed and performed numerous theme songs for films, TV dramas, and commercials.
Please enjoy this ranking packed with famous masterpieces.
- Taro Hakase’s famous and popular songs
- Taro Hakase Wedding Songs: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Taro Hakase’s Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Popularity Ranking of Rentaro Taki’s Songs [2026]
- Naotaro Moriyama’s Tear-Jerking Songs, Cry-Your-Eyes-Out Tracks, and Popular Hits Ranking [2026]
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Ito Kashitaro Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Tatsuro Yamashita Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Naotaro Moriyama’s Ballad Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- [Violin] A curated selection of beloved classic masterpieces and popular pieces that continue to be cherished across eras
- Yojiro Noda Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Kobukuro’s classic and popular songs
- Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Taro Hakase Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (21–30)
Symphonic Poem: HopeHakasé Tarō21rank/position
This symphonic poem, Hope, is in five movements.
In stark contrast to the dark, heavy atmosphere of the first movement, which lasts 59 seconds, the second movement sees Hakase’s familiar brightness pop up unexpectedly.
The third movement, the core of the work, is the highlight.
The piece begins lightly with punchy string accompaniment and harp arpeggios.
The second theme features Mr.
Hakase as soloist.
Its sprightly, Csárdás-like melody is delightful to hear.
The fourth movement opens with a calm accompaniment that feels like the entrance to heaven, then gradually powers up as the entire orchestra heads toward the central theme of Hope.
Like a keen-eyed bird traveling the world choosing its next landing place from the sky, or a bird about to set off into the heavens, beating its wings with vigor, those seeking their own hopes gather—and with that, the piece draws to a grand close.
Symphonic Poem “Hope” Fifth Movement: Lord of Hope ~ RefrainHakasé Tarō22rank/position
This piece by Taro Hakase was created as part of a five-movement suite with a grand narrative.
Centered on an emotionally rich violin performance, the music highlights the theme of hope and moves listeners.
It features a fusion of classical and pop styles, with an epic quality reminiscent of film and video game scores.
Included on the album Symphonic Poem “Hope,” released in March 2006, it was also used in the promotion of the video game Final Fantasy XII.
It’s a perfect track for award ceremonies or as background music for moving scenes.
Look up and see the stars in the night sky.Hakasé Tarō23rank/position
Listening to this piece on the violin makes it sound so poignant and moving.
I remember the first time I heard it, my eyes filled with tears.
The performance of that bittersweet melody, which seems to remind me of something important, really touches my heart.
SWINGIN’ VIVALDIHakasé Tarō & Takashima Chisako & Furusawa Iwao24rank/position
It’s included on the 2016 release “BEST OF THE THREE VIOLINISTS.” Three violinists who represent Japan boldly yet delicately arrange the universally familiar “Spring” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons in a jazz style.
The buoyant jazz arrangement showcases each player’s individuality while achieving a stunning fusion—truly breathtaking.
You can really feel how much the performers are enjoying themselves, and it naturally brings a smile to your face.
Meditation from ThaïsHakasé Tarō25rank/position
This piece is a classic that not only Hakasé-san but many renowned violinists frequently perform.
It is the interlude from the opera Thaïs by the French composer Jules Massenet, and its sweet, lyrical melody is something many people have likely heard before.
While Hakasé-san’s original works are certainly captivating, I also recommend getting to know his artistry through pieces like this from the classical repertoire.
Since many performers have recorded it, comparing different interpretations may reveal the unique beauty that is characteristic of Hakasé-san’s playing.
Dedicating your life to one thing is truly beautiful.Hakasé Tarō26rank/position
Violinist Taro Hakase, who also drew attention for joining Celine Dion’s world tour held in 1996.
His quote, “Dedicating your life to one thing is truly beautiful,” is perfectly fitting for someone who has made music his vocation.
Encountering something you can stake your entire life on and confronting it with all your strength has a beauty that words can hardly capture.
It’s a way of life that not everyone can achieve, which is precisely why it inspires such admiration.
EtupirikaHakasé Tarō27rank/position
Released in 1998.
It’s the ending theme of the MBS TV documentary program “Jounetsu Tairiku” (Passion Continent).
Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, many people have probably heard this piece.
It’s one of his signature works, second only to “Jounetsu Tairiku.” The title “Etopirika” refers to a type of auk—a seabird with a beautiful, large orange beak.
The powerful, soaring high notes of the violin evoke the image of a sea bird freely darting across the sky and over the ocean.
EtuprikaHakasé Tarō28rank/position
Surely you’re familiar with the Japanese artist who has continued to create music that heals people this much, right? The piece Etuprika was also used as the ending theme for the show Jounetsu Tairiku, so many of you have probably heard it.
When you’re worn out from work or drained by relationships, find a place with beautiful stars—mountains or the sea.
Immerse yourself in the sounds amidst nature and let them wash over you.
LegacyHakasé Tarō29rank/position
It’s a moving piece that gives you the courage to keep moving forward.
This song, included on the 2020 album “The Symphonic Sessions,” was written as a support song to promote parasports and barrier-free initiatives.
Of course, the violin’s timbre lingers in your ears, but it’s also packed with appeal—from the horn section that soars straight ahead to the rhythm parts that make you feel like you’re running with your feet firmly on the ground.
From the suite MATSURI “NIPPON”Hakasé Tarō30rank/position
It’s a passionate, large-scale piece where the timbres of the shakuhachi and shamisen blend with a grand orchestra.
The way it builds heat from quiet passages is like a Japanese festival shifting from a solemn ritual to a lively celebration.
Just listening makes your heart naturally dance and your spirit soar.
This track is included on Taro Hakase’s album “JAPONISM,” released in August 2013, and was also selected as a campaign song by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Japan Tourism Agency, helping to showcase the appeal of Japan.
It might be perfect when you want to get fired up and dive into something, or when you want to refresh your mood with expansive music.