Ranking of Gen Hoshino’s Popular Songs [2026]

rice bowl; tea bowl; chawan (Japanese bowl for tea or rice)Hoshino Gen41rank/position

[Singing with guitar] Chawan / Gen Hoshino

Gen Hoshino’s “Chawan” depicts a married couple growing older together.

As they look through a photo album, a warm, peaceful scene filled with happiness comes to life, reflecting on the days they’ve shared.

A wedding isn’t a goal but a new beginning for two people.

Don’t you think that not only songs that express love straightforwardly, but also simple songs that portray decades of life—children being born, growing up and leaving the nest, and the two of them returning to a quiet life together—are perfect for a wedding?

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yuri

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Same ThingHoshino Gen42rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Same Thing (feat. Superorganism) [Official Video]

Gen Hoshino brings us a song imbued with the resolve to lovingly embrace the contradictions and absurdities of emotion.

It’s an ambitious work created in collaboration with the UK band Superorganism, featuring English lyrics.

Set to a sleek electropop sound, it paints a worldview where rainy days and sunny days, hatred and love—all hold equal value.

Released in October 2019, it impressively reached No.

1 on the Oricon Digital Albums chart.

Its bold, modern reinterpretation of the traditional concept of wabi-sabi also drew attention.

This is a piece that stays by your side when you feel stuck or face unreasonable circumstances, supporting you as you try to keep moving forward in everyday life.

continuesHoshino Gen43rank/position

Hoshino Gen “continues” with lyrics

“Continues,” included as the B-side to the single “Koi,” which became a massive hit as the theme song for the drama We Married as a Job (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu).

Since the song was also used as the Paralympic theme for Sky PerfecTV!, many of you may have heard it.

One of Gen Hoshino’s charms is that he can effortlessly sing any kind of song, yet each track is profoundly rich and shows many different facets.

This is a song you’ll want to listen to while carefully reading the lyrics.

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utatane

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To You Who Aren’t HereHoshino Gen44rank/position

"Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Treasure Island" Gen Hoshino insert song: Special video for "To You Who Are Not Here"

A song by Gen Hoshino written specifically as an insert track for the film “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island.” Through depictions of quiet nights by the sea and the morning sun, it conveys feelings for “someone who isn’t here.” The world of Doraemon and Gen Hoshino’s distinctive sensibility blend beautifully, resulting in a work that resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in February 2018, it was also used as the opening theme for the TV series “Doraemon.” Like Doraemon’s four-dimensional pocket, this song is filled with a variety of emotions.

It’s recommended for times when you’re thinking of someone important or when you want to take a new step forward.

Public Humiliation (feat. PUNPEE)Hoshino Gen45rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Exhibit (feat. PUNPEE) [Official Video]

If you’re looking to do a duet with a cool vibe, I recommend “Sarashimono (feat.

PUNPEE).” It’s a track by singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino and rapper PUNPEE.

Overall, it has an R&B-like finish, but the chorus makes effective use of Gen Hoshino’s signature high vibrato.

The mood shifts dramatically between parts, so think about which section suits you better.

Also, another key point of this song is that it demands solid flow skills.

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yamamoto

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2 (feat. Lee Youngji)Hoshino Gen46rank/position

Gen Hoshino – 2 (feat. Lee Youngji) [Official Video]

Singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, whose talents are drawing attention as he thrives across a wide range of fields beyond music, has released a track featuring Korean rapper Lee Youngji on his first album in about six and a half years, Gen.

The sound is captivating, with Hoshino’s groovy production blending seamlessly with Lee Youngji’s rap.

The Tokyo nightscape shown in the music video feels like a shared inner landscape of the two, resonating amid the city’s lights and shadows.

This song stands out on the album slated for release in May 2025, and fans are still talking about the moment Lee Youngji made a surprise appearance to perform together at the Seoul stop of the Asia tour.

It’s a cool number, perfect for those solitary, late-night hours.

Down TownHoshino Gen47rank/position

Gen Hoshino / Down Town (solo acoustic performance)

A song packed with the charm of Gen Hoshino, deftly portraying the urban landscape and a longing for freedom.

Inspired by the city-pop classic “DOWN TOWN,” this single was released in December 2015 and drew attention as the theme song for the TBS drama “Kounodori.” Riding on a familiar melody and a comfortable groove, Hoshino’s gentle vocals resonate throughout.

The lyrics convey a liberating feeling—like dashing through the city—tinged with just a hint of thrill, captivating listeners and never letting go.

It’s the perfect track for when you want a change of pace, whether on your commute home from work or on a drive with friends.

gagHoshino Gen48rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Gag (Official Video)

With a very upbeat tone, it’s a fun song to listen to.

The music video uses animation and is quite comical.

However, when you focus on the lyrics, you get a completely different feeling.

Hoshino Gen’s songs are basically about the “everyday ordinary.” It’s a song that reminds you that life is indeed moving within the mundane moments of daily life.

Oh timeHoshino Gen49rank/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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Scooping the Sea (House ver.)Hoshino Gen50rank/position

Scooping the Sea (House ver.)

This is a song by Gen Hoshino with an irresistible, gently floating feel.

A house arrangement, different in character from the original, leads you to scenes of a summer seaside.

The lyrics, which depict fleeting memories like water slipping through your fingers and wavering emotions, overlap with the sophisticated sound to create something achingly beautiful.

The track is included on the single “Crazy Crazy / Sakura no Mori,” released in June 2014.

A studio live performance is also featured as a bonus video on the first-press edition of the album “POP VIRUS,” making it a valuable record for fans.

Why not give it a listen while cooling off by the shore lost in thought, or when you want to relax with a touch of sentiment at summer’s end? It’s sure to become one of your favorite seaside songs.