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Gen Hoshino's Most Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
Gen Hoshino sings words that gently reach people’s hearts, carried on a soft sound.
Even without forceful lyrics, the messages conveyed through his songs move many listeners.
This time, we’ve compiled a ranking of his most moving songs.
Gen Hoshino’s Most Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Family SongHoshino Gen1rank/position
Set to a heartwarming melody, this masterpiece gently sings about the small joys of everyday life and the connections between people.
Gen Hoshino delicately depicts scenes like morning light and windowsills, as if capturing familiar moments within a family.
Its message—embracing bonds that go beyond blood ties and accepting the diversifying forms of family with warmth—resonates deep within.
Released in August 2017, the song was used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Overprotected Kahoko” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Its distinctive sound, which skillfully incorporates elements of late-1960s to early-1970s soul music, is another draw.
It’s a gem that stays close to the feeling of wishing happiness for someone important to you, so why not listen to it in a quiet moment alone? Its gentle sound may even move you to tears.
In the midst of the trivialHoshino Gen2rank/position
A heartwarming song that gently portrays the love hidden in everyday, ordinary moments.
Its lyrics express love through the five senses, and a pleasant melody infused with jazz elements blends seamlessly to create a tender world that anyone can relate to.
Described by Gen Hoshino as “the first love song I wrote head-on,” the track was released as a single in March 2011 and is also included on the album Episode.
It reached No.
17 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and stayed on the charts for 24 weeks, gaining widespread popularity.
Singing softly about the subtleties of human relationships—exchanges between lovers and reconciliation after hurting one another—this is a recommended song for anyone who wants to cherish time with someone special.
IdeaHoshino Gen3rank/position
This is a song by Gen Hoshino released in August 2018, which served as the theme for NHK’s morning drama series “Half, Blue.” It’s a track that conveys the importance of living positively, carrying a powerful message about using the strength of ideas to forge a path even in difficult situations.
Its distinctive sound—where a pop, catchy melody is beautifully balanced with electronic beats and acoustic elements—leaves a strong impression.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to carve out your life with fresh ideas, especially when you’re feeling emotionally worn out, making it perfect for relieving stress.
It’s highly recommended for karaoke when you want a boost of energy, need to face forward and do your best, or are ready to take on a new challenge.
SUNHoshino Gen4rank/position
Gen Hoshino, who has also found success as an actor and is now truly one of Japan’s most beloved singers.
His song “SUN” was written as the theme for the drama ‘Kokoro ga Pockitto ne,’ starring Sadao Abe.
When you’re going through something tough—can’t sleep, can’t get out of bed the next morning—this is exactly the kind of track I’d recommend.
As you listen, your heart gradually feels lighter, and it makes you think, “Once you’ve hit bottom, the only way is up, right?” It even leaves you expecting that something good might be just around the corner.
Friend ShipHoshino Gen5rank/position
This is a gentle song that tenderly embraces the warm feelings of parting from and reuniting with someone important, and the hope of meeting again.
Gen Hoshino’s heartfelt vocals and the warm melody evoke the beauty of precious memories and bonds with friends.
Included on the album “YELLOW DANCER,” the track was written as the theme song for the film “Moriyamachu Driving School” and was also used in NTT Docomo’s “Docomo no Long Gakuwari” commercial.
During the “Continues” tour in September 2017, it was performed with passion at Saitama Super Arena.
It’s a heartwarming piece to listen to when you’re thinking of a dear friend you’ve been separated from, or when you’ve made plans to see each other again after a long time.
stoveHoshino Gen6rank/position
At first glance, Gen Hoshino’s song has a light, nursery rhyme-like feel, but within that lightness and brightness are scattered a deep sorrow and sense of loss over losing someone dear.
It gently teaches us that losing someone important is something that can come to anyone equally—in other words, a part of everyday life.
Why Don’t You Play in Hell?Hoshino Gen7rank/position
This is a celebrated masterpiece by Gen Hoshino, praised as a soul-baring song that candidly voices profound despair and loneliness.
Born from his time battling illness in a hospital room, the piece powerfully portrays a person struggling on in the face of hopeless circumstances.
Though a pop song, its sophisticated arrangement deftly weaves in elements of jazz and funk, brilliantly expressing emotions swaying between life and death.
Released in October 2013, it was created as a movie’s theme song and carries Hoshino’s earnest feelings as he awaited surgery.
The grand soundscape, adorned with lavish strings and a horn section, conveys a fierce will to claw one’s way back from the brink of despair.
It’s a track you should listen to when you’re exhausted by life and on the verge of breaking.
It will surely resonate with anyone who, even while confronting harsh realities, still strives to look ahead and keep moving forward.