Ranking of Gen Hoshino’s Popular Songs [2026]

salesHoshino Gen78rank/position

“Eigyō” Gen Hoshino cover

This is a track from the album “EPISODE.” As the title suggests, it’s a song about a salaried sales worker.

Working can be full of hardships.

However, there is always a reason to work, and there are results, too.

If I were a salaryman, I’d probably listen to this and head to work in tears.

seasonHoshino Gen79rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Season (Official Video)

This is a track from Gen Hoshino’s 3rd album, “Stranger.” It’s also the theme song for the film “Tamako in Moratorium.” With this song, Hoshino in particular seems to sing in a rather melancholy way.

Isn’t it one of those songs that would make you feel like crying if you listened to it on your way home from work?

Oh timeHoshino Gen80rank/position

Hoshino Gen – Toki yo (Official Video)

This commercial, which depicts people working through their 2024 to-do list, is part of Mizuho Bank’s “Do It This Year” support campaign.

The ad’s message is that Mizuho Bank will support the last item on your 2024 wish list.

By meeting certain conditions, such as opening an account, you can receive cash, and the campaign appealingly showcases how it supports everyone’s “I want to do it!”

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Hane Keisuke

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futureHoshino Gen81rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Future (Live at Yokohama Arena 2014)

Gen Hoshino’s song “Mirai,” which played in Docomo’s student discount commercial “Kanna and Minami’s Promise,” is included on his 2011 album Episode.

It shines with Hoshino’s signature gentle mood, and seems to portray the cycle of everyday life along with an emotional feeling that brings back memories.

It’s a song wrapped in a mysterious sensation—on one hand, as if asking how we will live the new days that are born within repetition, and on the other, simply staying by our side.

It makes you want to cherish the slightly bittersweet, ordinary days and dream of many different futures.

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KEI

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ReincarnationHoshino Gen82rank/position

Gen Hoshino Reincarnation

A gem of a song woven by Gen Hoshino on the themes of life’s transience and farewell.

Released in May 2013, it is said to have been born from his experience of being hospitalized for a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

The lyrics, imbued with reflections on repeated meetings and partings and the passage of time, resonate deeply with listeners.

The gentle sound of the guitar and Hoshino’s soft vocals interlace into a melody that seems to add color to everyday life.

It’s a captivating piece that accompanies you in any moment of life.

A song I especially hope those who have experienced parting from someone dear, or who stand at a crossroads in life, will listen to.

I don’t knowHoshino Gen83rank/position

Gen Hoshino – I Don’t Know (Official Video)

A song released before the big breakthrough with “Koi,” which has maintained strong popularity among fans.

There’s even an anecdote that it was inspired by a real-life experience—“Something shocking happened in my private life…” The lyrics are somber, as if mourning someone who has passed away, saying, “Even if you’re gone, my feelings for you will never disappear…” It carries the feel of Hoshino’s way of consoling himself, slowly transmuting sorrow all the way through.

It also gently suggests that when you’re sad, it’s better to fully allow yourself to be sad.

dig a holeHoshino Gen84rank/position

Digging a Hole - Gen Hoshino cover, solo acoustic, chords

It’s a very comical song.

It’s a quirky song that’s all about wanting to dig, no matter what.

As he keeps digging with all sorts of fun fantasies, the place he ends up is somewhere unknown.

Honestly, I don’t really get the song, but I think this is precisely Hoshino Gen at his best.