Miki Imai’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

She and TIP ON DUOImai Miki11rank/position

She and TIP ON DUO

This is a famous song by Miki Imai that leaves a strong impression with its portrayal of an independent woman who gracefully moves on from heartbreak.

The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto and the music composed by Chika Ueda, and the urban, smooth sound is wonderfully stylish.

While acknowledging where her former partner is now, the lyrics depict her stepping forward flexibly into her own future; combined with Imai’s transparent vocals, it’s a song that seems to breathe a refreshing breeze into the listener’s heart.

Released in August 1988, the track was used in a Shiseido campaign and became a major talking point.

Jun Sato, who arranged the piece, is also known for winning the Arranger Award at the 30th Japan Record Awards for this sophisticated production.

Why not enjoy this song as background music for a weekend drive or a relaxing café time?

A weekend close to the skyImai Miki12rank/position

'A Weekend Close to the Sky': Miki Imai / Live

“A Weekend Close to the Sky” is a masterpiece that has been etched into the hearts of many people.

Personally, I’ve loved it for a long time.

It’s also a song that parents and children can enjoy together.

Beyond that, this is a true artist with many other songs I love, like “Boogie Woogie,” “Hitori de,” and “Chijo.” Usually, there’s at least one track on an album that I don’t care for, but with this artist there isn’t a single one—no complaints at all.

Take me to DRIVE.Imai Miki13rank/position

Miki Imai - “Take Me for a DRIVE” Music Video

Featured as the CM song for House Foods’ “Ripe Tomato, Eggplant, and Curry,” it has a pop sound that, true to its title, makes you want to go for a drive, and its cute lyrics lift your spirits.

It remains a long-standing favorite among longtime fans.

September PeninsulaImai Miki14rank/position

Miki Imai _ September Peninsula

A track included on Miki Imai’s third original album, Bewith, which was created around a summer theme.

The lyrics are by Yuho Iwasato and the music by Chika Ueda.

With every step forward, something is lost, and even a farewell to someone precious takes place.

It’s a song that conjures the image of a woman walking along the seaside, carrying that pain in her heart.

If anything, it feels like a song for September, when the heat still lingers.

Yet instead of joyful summer memories, it portrays sorrow and sadness, making it something you’ll also want to listen to in the early autumn as the air turns chilly.

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sasashina

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AnniversaryImai Miki15rank/position

Miki Imai – “Anniversary” (from 30th Anniversary Concert Tour 2015 “Colour”)

The CM tie-in song for EVITA’s “Bara Awa Taikentai” campaign in which she herself appeared in 2016 is Miki Imai’s “Anniversary.” It’s the lead track from her 2015 album “Colour,” her first since relocating to London.

The song has a jazzy, mature vibe, enveloping you in a pleasant mood throughout with its dazzling brass and sprightly guitar.

As the lyrics suggest, the step-like tempo and Miki Imai’s clear, translucent vocals are wonderful, turning even unchanging daily life into a special moment.

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KEI

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Goodbye YesterdayImai Miki16rank/position

Miki Imai – Goodbye Yesterday (Miki Imai Concert Tour 2008)

This song is very famous.

Among Miki Imai’s many songs, I think this one is especially popular.

It expresses the joy of a woman who has finally met someone she loves.

It’s a song I want to listen to when leaving a sad past behind and stepping toward a new future.

HikariImai Miki17rank/position

Miki Imai – “Hikari” [Theme Song for the TV Asahi drama “A Woman of the Crime Lab” (Kasouken no Onna)]

Speaking of Miki Imai, many women in their 50s have been listening to her in real time and absolutely love her, and I imagine many have made her songs karaoke staples.

Among them, this particular song was featured in the TV drama “Kasōken no Onna” (Woman of the Crime Lab), so it’s well known across a wide range of age groups and comes highly recommended.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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smells like youImai Miki18rank/position

smells like you

It’s a song included on Miki Imai’s ninth original album, “Love Of My Life,” released in 1995.

The track was used as the theme song for Meiji Seika’s Meltykiss commercial featuring Miki Imai herself.

The lyrics were written by Miki Imai, and the music and arrangement were by Tomoyasu Hotei.

I want to go back to that day.Imai Miki19rank/position

Miki Imai – I Want to Return to That Day (from “CONCERT TOUR 2014 ‘Dialogue’”)

This is Miki Imai’s cover of a classic song by Yuming.

Yuming’s beautiful lyrics are sung exquisitely by Miki Imai’s soothing voice.

I think everyone carries memories of sweet school-days romances, first loves, and relationships that didn’t work out because we were too young—full of joy and regret alike.

Although it’s a wish that can never come true, this song holds the lovely desire to go back to those youthful days and see the person you loved.

Listening to it brings back that sweet-and-sour feeling of youth and reminds you how pure young love was.

It’s a song that can return you to a pure state when you’re feeling low in the midst of unrequited love.

TIP ON DUO LIVE with herImai Miki20rank/position

Miki Imai – She and TIP ON DUO LIVE

It’s an upbeat, fun song, and the light piano tone pairs incredibly well with Miki Imai’s bright vocals.

I heard through the grapevine that my ex has a new girlfriend now and is happy, and as a fellow woman I can totally relate to the lyrics that go, “I won’t worry about my ex anymore!”