Debut one year after starting musical activities! Ranking of popular songs by imase
Singer-songwriter imase began his music career in November 2020 and made his major debut in December 2021.
His fifth digital-only single, “NIGHT DANCER,” gained attention overseas through social media and became a major talking point, surpassing 100 million streams on the Oricon Weekly Streaming Ranking in 2024.
His modern tracks featuring a distinctive, gentle singing voice have become especially popular among younger listeners.
This time, we’re introducing a ranking of imase’s most popular songs!
Debuted one year after starting his music career! Ranking of imase’s popular songs (1–10)
NIGHT DANCERimase1rank/position
A dance tune with a pleasant sense of buoyant float, as if drifting through the city at night, and sophisticated beats.
The beautiful sound of Japanese blends with a four-on-the-floor rhythm, and the falsetto-driven vocals stick in your ears.
Released in August 2022 by imase, a singer-songwriter from Gifu Prefecture who broke out thanks to social media.
Its rhythmic sound, which even inspired overseas artists to post dance videos, is perfect for anyone who wants to sway their body and enjoy the music.
Add it to your driving BGM or a playlist to color a stylish night.
Outlineimase2rank/position
This is a song packed with a charm that warms your chest and, before you know it, brings you to tears.
Created by imase, who rose to prominence through social media, the track is a pep song that carefully portrays the doubts, inner conflicts, and hopes that arise while chasing a dream.
Its grand sound layered with strings and powerful beats shakes the listener’s heart.
Released in October 2024, it was chosen as the support song for the 103rd All Japan High School Soccer Championship.
imase himself devoted his student days to soccer, and the song is imbued with real emotions that can’t be summed up by wins and losses alone.
It will gently push forward not only those striving toward their goals, but also those who’ve stumbled and come to a stop.
But you know, sometimesimase3rank/position
This is a song by imase that gently conveys the importance of taking a breather in our busy daily lives.
With a soothing melody and warm vocals, it tenderly embraces the feelings of modern people who are so caught up in hectic days that they don’t even have time to gaze at the sky.
Released in July 2022 and written as the theme song for JT’s corporate ad series “Hitoiki Shūkan” (A Breather Habit), the track was included on the first EP, “POP CUBE,” and sparked conversation.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to spend time facing your own feelings, on the way home after a day of pushing yourself too hard, or whenever you want to calm your mind.
It’s us.imase4rank/position
Imase’s music is characterized by a calm sound that conveys hope for the future.
Written specifically for NTT Docomo’s “ahamo” pricing plan special movie, this piece was released as a digital single in February 2023.
Its lyrics portray the struggles of today’s youth with themes like “becoming an adult” and “the meaning of living in society,” while carrying a warm, forward-looking message.
If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain about the future, Imase’s powerful vocals will gently give you a push forward.
Nagisaimase5rank/position
Singer-songwriter imase, whose track “NIGHT DANCER” recently became a global hit, is still fresh in our memories.
He also made waves by making his major debut just one year after starting his music career.
This song is a refreshing, danceable number inspired by 1980s city pop.
The retro synthesizer tones evoke the arrival of summer and feel so pleasant.
The lyrics feature a strong-willed woman who boldly pushes a romance forward, yet the nuanced shifts in his vocals convey her fragility too, making your heart skip a beat.
Released in May 2023, the track was also used as the theme song for the news program ABEMA Prime, so many listeners may find it familiar.
It’s a stylish song you’ll want to play on your way to school, and it’s included on his first album, Bonsai.
Have a nice dayimase6rank/position
This is the major-label debut single released on December 19, 2021, and it became a huge hit thanks to TikTok! The overall vocal range is fairly wide, from D3 to C#5, but if you sing the high notes in the chorus in falsetto rather than chest voice, you can hit them comfortably.
That makes it easier to aim for a perfect 100 score! First, when it comes to scoring in karaoke, pitch accuracy accounts for most of the points.
Listening to imase’s “Have a nice day,” you’ll notice it’s built around the mid and high ranges.
Many people may think falsetto is difficult, but in fact, falsetto resonates in the right place, making it much easier to stay on pitch.
Be sure to use your breath well and focus on singing in falsetto as if the sound is coming from the top of your head.
I say byeimase7rank/position
This is a song by imase that portrays the pain of heartbreak and the poignancy of parting.
Set against the lonely nights of Tokyo, it delicately expresses the protagonist’s inner struggle to let go of their feelings for the other person.
Through the lyrics and the ineffable, bittersweet sound, you can feel how the heart lags behind even as they try to accept the breakup.
Released in September 2023, it drew attention after being featured in a TV commercial for the fashion brand GLOBAL WORK.
It’s a track that offers comfort to those trying to move forward despite the pain of heartbreak, and to anyone who has experienced saying goodbye to someone important.
Outlineimase8rank/position
This song was specially written as the official support anthem for the National High School Soccer Championship, drawing on imase’s experiences from his own high school days.
It features beautiful strings, a catchy chorus, and a powerful beat.
The positive lyrics—“Run toward your goal”—offer a strong message of encouragement to young people who keep taking on challenges.
Newly released in October 2024, the track is set to be used as the cheering anthem for the 103rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, supporting the players on the field.
It’s a song we especially recommend to first-year students stepping into new environments and to those dedicated to their club activities!
18imase9rank/position
This is a track by imase that sings, over a light, upbeat groove, about the complex feelings of standing at the threshold of adulthood at 18.
In the graduation season, when anxiety and anticipation mingle, it’s sure to give you the courage to take a new step.
It was written as the theme song for Suntory’s “Otona Jan” web video series released in April 2023.
The song is also included on the album Bonzai, released in May 2024, and has been embraced as a work that resonates with the generation that lived through the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s perfect as BGM for reel videos connecting your memorable photos and clips, and it inspires a sense of hope for the future.
Its positive message—affirming youth behind masks and days under restrictions, and vividly coloring the life that begins now—really strikes a chord.
FRIENDS!!!imase10rank/position
A track by imase that rides a sprightly beat to sing about that perfect sense of distance with friends.
Released in February 2025, this piece was written for “Minna no Ensoukai,” a collaborative project between the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha.
The dazzling brass and strings arranged by Shingo Kubota make your heart leap just by listening! In March 2025, a video was also released featuring imase performing together with over 120 general participants, capturing the joy of connecting through music.
It’s perfect for when you want to get hyped with new friends you’re about to meet or when you’re thinking of friends far away.
Be sure to give it a listen as a song to color the encounters of spring.