HY's Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

AnswerHY11rank/position

HY Answer response

A ballad that could be called one of HY’s signature works, gently wrapping around a aching heart.

The lyrics portray the conflict and resolve of a woman who chooses to part ways, interwoven with Izumi Nakasone’s clear, transparent vocals that tighten the listener’s chest.

Included on the album “Whistle,” released in January 2010, this song debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a track that quietly pushes the backs of those trying to face forward despite the pain of heartbreak.

It will sit close to your heart and give you the courage to take a new step.

366 daysShimizu Shota ft. Nakasone Izumi (HY)12rank/position

Shota Shimizu feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY) “366 Days Short Ver.”

Among HY’s heartbreak songs, 366 Days is immensely popular, and in fact there’s a collaborative version with singer-songwriter Shota Shimizu.

It was released in 2012 as a cover single under the name Shota Shimizu feat.

Izumi Nakasone (HY).

When such a sublime ballad is sung with a soaring, crystal-clear voice and exceptional expressiveness, it’s impossible not to be moved.

In this cover version, Nakasone joins in the latter half with harmony parts, and the swell toward the end is a must-hear!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

RyūfukumaruHY13rank/position

"Ryuufukumaru" live footage - 20th Anniversary Tour, from the LIVE DVD "HY 20th Anniversary RAINBOW TOUR 2019-2020"

HY is a four-piece rock band beloved for their mixture sound that blends a worldview evoking their Okinawan roots with a wide musical palette.

“Ryufu-maru,” included on their indie second album Street Story, amps up the excitement with its striking guitar phrases and spacious intro.

With its driving beat and straightforward melody, it’s a song that feels great to belt out at karaoke.

If you’re going with a group that includes women, having them join the chorus can be fun too.

It’s a recommended number for men in their 30s, likely the generation that grew up with it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

White BeachHY14rank/position

HY – White Beach (Official Music Video)

Released as a single in 2006 by HY, a mixture band from Okinawa, this work is one of their signature songs from their early days.

From the opening lines, the parched wind, hints of winter, and scenes of white beaches weave a unique atmosphere that delicately captures the shifting seasons particular to the subtropics.

The refreshing guitar sound, warm vocals, and nostalgic melody resonate pleasantly, giving it a curious charm that makes you want to listen during the colder months.

Performed since the era of their early album Departure, it has remained a staple at their live shows.

Whether you’re spending a winter night reminiscing about a distant summer or feeling a sudden pang of wistfulness at the turn of the seasons, the song’s gentle warmth will be there to keep you company.

Thank youHY15rank/position

Arigatou

HY is a four-piece band from Uruma City, Okinawa, known for songs overflowing with warm humanity.

Among their works, a gem that conveys feelings directly with unadorned words is included on the album “CHANCE.” Released in March 2017, this piece also became familiar as the song for Lawson Okinawa’s Christmas cake commercial.

It’s a ballad that layers concrete scenes—being there for you when you were struggling, helping you when you were in trouble—to deliver a heartfelt “thank you” to someone important.

If you find it embarrassing to express your gratitude in everyday life, why not entrust those feelings to this song? It’s a perfect choice for a letter to your parents at a wedding or for an anniversary surprise.

Izumi Nakasone’s gentle vocals will quietly support the feelings you wish to convey.

confessionHY16rank/position

confession

A confession song by HY, who has created numerous love songs.

If you’re in love, you’ll surely find yourself unable to help but relate to the lyrics, as if they’re speaking for the very feelings you’re experiencing right now! When you try to tell the person you like how you feel, it’s easy to get scared, thinking, “What if it doesn’t go well?” and struggle to take that first step.

At times like that, you’ll likely draw courage from the protagonist in this song, who steels themselves and confesses.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Closest to meHY17rank/position

HY – The Closest to Me (Official Music Video)

This is the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Jun to Ai, created by HY, a band from Okinawa.

Its lyrics, which depict bonds deepened by belief and the preciousness of the love right beside us, resonate with the heroine’s pure determination as she faces hardships, making the story all the more moving.

Included on the album Route 29 released in December 2012, the song is a classic—there’s even an anecdote that the executive producer praised it as “the number one theme song in the history of morning dramas.” Lead actress Nana also commented that she “couldn’t stop getting goosebumps,” speaking to the song’s powerful impact.

People of the pastHY18rank/position

[A Tearjerker] A Song That Makes Everyone Remember the Past: “To People of the Past” by HY

The person who was supposed to vow eternity with you has gone on to find happiness without you.

This HY song captures that bittersweet reality.

Even though you’ve decided to “fall in love with someone else,” you still find yourself drifting into “what ifs” in quiet moments, clinging to the hope that maybe you could still go back.

Many of us have been there.

The track was included on the album GLOCAL, released in February 2014, and was performed on a nationwide tour covering 22 locations that same year.

When you’ve been through a divorce and your ex-partner’s happiness unsettles you, the harder you try to forget, the more vivid the memories become.

Perhaps letting yourself sink fully into the melancholy while listening to this song might actually become the very push you need to face forward.

The wind that thinks of youHY19rank/position

HY – The Wind That Thinks of You

The five-member group HY from Okinawa, overwhelmingly popular among young people, brings us the song “Anata o Omou Kaze” (The Wind That Thinks of You).

With rap sections and call-and-response between male and female vocals, they offer richly colored music.

What stands out in this track are the lyrics: a straightforward portrayal of a love that many can relate to, making it a masterpiece that likens heartfelt wishes to the wind, hoping they will reach the one they’re meant for.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

letterHY20rank/position

HY – Tegami (Official Music Video)

A track included on HY’s third studio album, TRUNK, released on July 14, 2004.

It’s a charming piece with an endearing, poppy melody.

The harmony is basically structured with the female vocal singing an upper harmony over the male lead, and that upper harmony is a simple third above.

This makes it great material for a man and a woman to enjoy harmonizing together at karaoke.

Please enjoy singing the harmonies comfortably.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem