Hitoto Yo’s Love Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Other people’s relationshipsHitoto Yo1rank/position

Yo Hitoto - 'Other People's Relationship' feat. SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS

It was the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Hirugao: Lovers at 3 p.m.

on Weekdays.” The series had many shocking scenes and became quite a hot topic.

The original version of “Tanin no Kankei” was by Katsuko Kanai.

When it was first released, the distinctive choreography drew more attention than its seductive lyrics.

Even now, the lyrics—written with an affair as a premise—feel provocative.

If you have time, do check out the original version as well.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo2rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

A timeless ballad whose one-of-a-kind vocals by Yo Hitoto resonate like a deep prayer and seep into the heart.

It is said to have been written in the wake of the September 11 attacks, imbued with an earnest wish for peace.

Its universal theme—hoping that happiness will continue for a loved one and for those dear to them—gently envelops listeners’ hearts.

Released in February 2004 as her fifth single, it achieved an astonishing long-run hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 125 consecutive weeks.

It also served as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Tuesday Suspense Theater” and for the film of the same name.

Many people may find themselves resonating with the heartfelt wish for someone precious to be happy.

cicada shellHitoto Yo3rank/position

Utsusemi by Hitoto Yo

“Utsusemi” is a song with lyrics written by Yo Hitoto.

Utsusemi refers to a cicada’s shed shell—does it suggest that the time spent with a loved one was in summer? Or is it using utsusemi to describe parting ways without ever learning the truth? It’s a song that really stirs the imagination in many ways.

Iroha Japanese mapleHitoto Yo4rank/position

Iroha Japanese maple

Yo Hitoto, known for her massive hits “Morainaki” and “Hanamizuki,” delivers an especially memorable track with “Iroha Momiji,” included on her second album Yo Hitoto.

As the title suggests, it features an oriental-tinged arrangement that evokes the autumn foliage season.

Many listeners may find themselves relating to the lyrics—drawn from her own experiences—depicting an ambiguous relationship with someone she loves and the frustration that comes with it.

It’s a sentimental pop tune that beautifully colors those long autumn nights when you yearn for someone’s warmth.

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Hoshino Takashi

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sympathetic tearsHitoto Yo5rank/position

Yo Hitoto / Borrowed Tears

The debut single by singer-songwriter Yo Hitoto, who has a Taiwanese father and a Japanese mother and continued making music in an a cappella club while attending Keio University.

Released in October 2002, the song reached No.

4 on the Oricon charts without a major tie-in and became a long-running hit, staying on the chart for 70 weeks.

The lyrics, which depict how a friend’s tears set off a chain reaction of emotions, are said to have been inspired by a heartbreak she experienced during her university years.

The striking chorus was crafted so that it can be sung universally using only vowels, creating a unique world where an Oriental, R&B-tinged arrangement and her resilient, powerful vocals blend exquisitely.

In 2003, the song earned her the Japan Record Award for Best New Artist and her first appearance on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, making it the track that defined her career as an artist.

A Stranger’s Relationship feat. SOIL&”PIMP”SESSIONSHitoto Yo6rank/position

Yo Hitoto - 'Other People's Relationship' feat. SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS

Hitoto Yo sings this song “Tanin no Kankei” with a richly moody touch.

With its somewhat retro, kayōkyoku vibe, the track is actually a cover: it was originally released in 1973 as Kanko Kanai’s 31st single, a major hit at the time.

While the word “adultery” tends to evoke images of hiding from prying eyes, watching from the shadows, and a sense of helplessness, this one is a refreshingly straightforward affair—it’s an adultery song with lyrics that suggest a cool, grown-up, no-strings relationship.

Hitoto Yo’s version was released as a digital single in 2012.

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utatane

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pinky promiseHitoto Yo7rank/position

Hitoto Yo / Pinky Promise

A song that portrays single-hearted devotion to a loved one with an aching, chest-tightening poignancy.

Yo Hitoto’s clear, translucent voice delicately conveys complex emotions.

Released in December 2005 as her eighth single, it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Ōoku: Hana no Ran.” The track is also included on the album “&,” and is regarded as one of Yo Hitoto’s signature works, beloved by many fans.

Embracing the hearts of those troubled by love, this piece invites deep empathy.

It’s a song I especially hope those who have felt so overwhelmed by their feelings for someone that they nearly lost themselves will listen to.