Sheep Literature Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

more than wordsHitsuji Bungaku1rank/position

Hitsujibungaku – more than words (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “Jujutsu Kaisen” Shibuya Incident Arc Ending Theme]

An alternative rock number whose charm lies in its literary word choices and a sound that feels warm even within its inorganic texture.

In this work, Hitsujibungaku incorporates a four-on-the-floor rhythm for the first time, unfolding a fantastical melody where the band’s timbre fuses with programmed beats.

Selected as the ending theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2: Shibuya Incident, the track was released in September 2023 and continues to enjoy enduring popularity.

It was later included on the album 12 hugs (like butterflies), where it sparked a reaction that pushed its play count past 100 million.

It’s highly recommended for nighttime moments when you want to reflect on your own way of moving forward, or when you need a gentle push on your back.

Why not savor it while immersing yourself in the world of the piece?

When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku2rank/position

Hitsujibungaku – When It Shines (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “The Heike Story” Opening Theme]

Hitsujibungaku is an alternative rock band that has built a one-of-a-kind world with a sound that combines delicacy and power.

This song, chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime The Heike Story, was released as a digital single in January 2022.

It was also featured as the theme song for Sapporo Beer’s Hakone Ekiden commercial.

While resonating with the impermanence at the heart of the story, the track sings of the will to believe in hope and move forward—an image that deeply overlaps with ekiden runners who single-mindedly pass the sash along.

The melody, which gives you the strength to face forward even while carrying pain and doubt, will gently yet firmly push the backs of those taking on a challenge.

When you need the courage to take a step in the face of adversity, give it a listen.

1999Hitsuji Bungaku3rank/position

Hitsujibungaku “1999” my best friend tried a solo acoustic cover.

A Christmas number released in December 2018 by Hitsujibungaku, a band leading the new generation of alternative rock.

The dramatic arrangement—layering strings and hymn-like choruses over a band sound—is striking, and the guitar tones, both delicate and powerful, brilliantly capture the feel of winter air.

While depicting scenes of romance, the lyrics carry universal themes such as the meaning of life and existence, evoking both the bittersweetness and warmth of Christmas, a special day.

It was also released as a limited-edition CD in December 2019, and in the music video directed by Kiyoshiro Ishida, actor Kisetsu Fujiwara and others bring its dreamlike world to the screen.

This song, where lyrical melodies and literary lyrics harmonize, reveals even greater depth when performed in a stripped-down, voice-and-guitar style.

How about playing it on guitar on a Christmas night spent with someone special?

BurningHitsuji Bungaku4rank/position

Hitsujibungaku – Burning (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “Oshi no Ko” Season 2 Ending Theme Song]

Known for their distinctive worldview and profound emotional expression, Hitsujibungaku released a new track for digital distribution in July 2024.

This work fully showcases their musicality, incorporating elements of electronica and indie pop.

The lyrics delve into the complexities of human emotion and inner conflict, vividly portraying the gap between reality and ideals, as well as feelings of disappointment and loneliness.

Centered on themes of self-worth, the pursuit of goals, and the cycle of setback and renewal, it resonates powerfully with listeners.

It’s a perfect song not only for Hitsujibungaku fans but also for anyone exploring the meaning of life.

Its poignant lyrics and inventive sound will awaken your innermost feelings.

voiceHitsuji Bungaku5rank/position

Hitsujibungaku – Koe (Official Music Video) [Theme song for the Monday 9 PM drama '119 Emergency Call']

This is a softly impressioned song centered on acoustic guitar, where rock sounds blend with a beautiful sense of atmosphere to create something pleasing to the ear.

Written as an anthem for people who keep looking forward even as they face an inescapable fate, it gently embraces the courage to live alongside the doubts and pain within our hearts.

Written by Hitsujibungaku in January 2025, the song has been chosen as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “119 Emergency Call.” For the band—who previously handled the ending theme for the TV anime “Jujutsu Kaisen”—this marks their first theme song for a Monday 9 p.m.

drama.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when you feel lonely or anxious.

It gives you the courage to face your own weaknesses and will surely nudge you toward taking a step into tomorrow.

It’s also a song that gently supports those who struggle to put their feelings for someone important into words.

Eternal BlueHitsuji Bungaku6rank/position

Hitsujibungaku – Eternal Blue (Official Music Video)

This commercial introduces the Action mode featured on the iPhone 14, with a theme centered on students’ youth.

It opens with footage shot while running using an iPhone 14, highlighting how Action mode keeps the video completely steady.

Playing on the idea of zero shake, the tagline “Youth, don’t waver” appears, making your heart swell.

The background music is “Eien no Blue,” a perfect match for the CM’s sense of speed.

Released by Hitsujibungaku in 2023, the song’s lyrics compellingly portray the struggles of adolescence.

Be sure to listen while following along with the lyric sheet.

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Hane Keisuke

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nonsenseHitsuji Bungaku7rank/position

Hitsujibungaku – Kudarana (Official Music Video)

Set to a gentle melody, this song portrays the contradictions of modern society and the complexities of human relationships.

Created by Hitsujibungaku, it’s included on the album “our hope,” released in April 2022.

While the lyrics may seem like a love song at first glance, they actually express the struggles and loneliness of being an artist.

The music video is directed by Michi Nakano.

Wrapped in heartfelt lyrics and tender tones, it’s a recommended track for moments when you want to reflect on yourself and what matters most.

Young PeopleHitsuji Bungaku8rank/position

Young People

Hitsujibungaku is a three-piece rock band that delicately portrays the struggles of youth through sound.

This work sings of a devoted love that, even while burdened with the loneliness and anxiety felt amid the city’s bustle, strives to make it through the night with someone dear.

From a quiet opening it gradually builds in heat, culminating in a breathtaking surge of guitar that explodes with emotion in the latter half.

It’s the closing track of their first album, “To the Young,” released in July 2018 during their indie days, and the music video’s featuring of Moeka Shiozuka’s dance teacher also drew attention.

Though it runs over six minutes, its careful tracing of emotional waves is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

Try singing it slowly and fully on nights when you want to share a burning feeling, or when everyday life has left you a little tired.

mild daysHitsuji Bungaku9rank/position

Hitsujibungaku – mild days (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “Silent Witch: The Magical Record of a Silenced Wizard” Ending Theme Song]

Hitsujibungaku is a three-piece female band, and it seems that vocalist Moeka Shiozuka mainly writes the lyrics and composes.

The new song “mild days” also features beautifully tight harmonies! What seems like the B section might actually be the chorus, but from there she sings an octave higher, layering softly, and the atmosphere shifts all at once.

She also sings upper harmonies while taking the line an octave up, so at first you might not notice and end up singing the whole thing an octave higher.

But if you practice carefully while listening closely to the vocals, you’ll pick up the knack quickly! The song is also on the shorter side at about three minutes, and the repeating melody makes it easy to memorize.

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Kubota Mami

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FeelHitsuji Bungaku10rank/position

Hitsujibungaku – Feel (Official Music Video) [TV anime 'Silent Witch: The Secret of the Silent Witch' opening theme song]

The double single “Feel/mild days.” These songs are used as the opening and ending themes for the TV anime Silent Witch: The Secret of the Silent Witch, which started airing in July 2025! This time, I’ll introduce “Feel.” The tempo of this track is on the slower side, so I think you’ll be able to sing it in a generally calm manner.

The beginning of the pre-chorus is a bit fast, but you’ll be fine if you use your body well to keep the rhythm.

Also, the high notes in the chorus and bridge will definitely be painful if you belt them, so focus on humming and constantly resonating through your nose and head.

For humming, it becomes easier if you imagine lightly resonating around your brow and head overall.

Once you get used to it, try turning it into your singing voice while keeping the resonance in the same place.

You’ll find it easier to relax and sing lightly!

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Kubota Mami

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