Debut one year after starting musical activities! Ranking of popular songs by imase

escapadeimase21rank/position

[imase] Elopement (MV)

In recent Japanese pop music, there’s been an increase in songs that use a lot of falsetto.

Since falsetto isn’t an easy technique, such songs generally aren’t ideal for aiming for high scores.

But Escape is different.

Renowned as one of imase’s masterpieces, this track has falsetto parts that are independent from the other sections, allowing you to attempt falsetto once your voice is properly prepared.

It’s also very slow in tempo, so as long as you can track the falsetto pitch, it’s possible to aim for a high score.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

pen pal correspondenceimase×Matsutōya Yumi22rank/position

[imase × Yumi Matsutoya] Correspondence (Music Video)

How about a special duet that bridges generations? It’s a song by imase, a singer of the new generation, and the legend Yumi Matsutoya.

Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of audio equipment maker BOSE, it was released in May 2025.

Crafted in a relay style like exchanging letters, the song captures listeners’ hearts with a romantic worldview that longs for someone far away.

The sophisticated, bossa nova-inspired sound is irresistible.

If you sing it at karaoke, tune in to each other’s voices and keep it tender.

Dried Flowerimase23rank/position

【imase】Dried Flower（MV）

When it comes to singer-songwriters who truly master falsetto, I think many people these days would picture imase.

Among imase’s tracks, the one I especially recommend is “Dried Flower.” This piece, arranged with a downbeat feel, is sung mostly in falsetto.

It’s practically a song that exists for the pleasure of listening to falsetto.

From a piercing, almost shrill falsetto to a soft, enveloping whispery falsetto, it lets you savor a wide range of head voice textures.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

NIGHT DANCER (English Ver.)imase24rank/position

【imase】NIGHT DANCER English Ver.（MV）

YouTube Premium is a subscription service loved by many music fans.

The song featured in its commercial, “Bundle your subscriptions with YouTube! imase,” is NIGHT DANCER (English Ver.).

It’s the English version of the song of the same name released by imase that became a huge hit.

The ultra-high-tone vocals and native-like English pronunciation are captivating.

If you’ve heard the Japanese version, be sure to give this one a listen too.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Heroineimase25rank/position

[imase] Heroine (Music Video)

Hailing from Gifu Prefecture, imase quickly rose to prominence through TikTok.

His music has earned high acclaim both in Japan and overseas, with NIGHT DANCER achieving overwhelming popularity, including surpassing 100 million views on its music video.

His single Heroine was released on December 15, 2023, and also drew attention as the CM song for the global sushi chain Genki Sushi in Hong Kong.

The lyrics, which portray the beauty of embracing personal change, evoke both poignancy and hope in listeners.

In particular, the smile that brings back happy memories with a loved one and the resolve to overcome the unpredictable turns of romance are sure to resonate.

It’s recommended for those who, despite enjoying mutual love, still feel anxious at times.

Imase’s Heroine eases the anxieties of romance and reminds us of the importance of trusting each other.

Midnight Girlimase26rank/position

[imase] Midnight Girl (Music Video)

With its laid-back beat and faintly nostalgic melody, it feels like it melts into the stillness of the night.

Crafted by imase—an artist gaining attention at home and abroad after breaking out on TikTok—this track is a groovy number with a touch of R&B.

Its bittersweet, wistful worldview quietly reflecting on a past love really strikes a chord.

The gentle vocals further underline the sentimental mood.

Released in January 2024, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Chaser Game W: My Power-Harassing Boss Is My Ex-Girlfriend,” and was later included on his debut album, “Bonsai.” It’s a chill track that softly untangles the heart—perfect for nights when you want to drift into thought at the end of the day.

Utopiaimase27rank/position

[imase] Utopia (MV)

This commercial promotes how well Kirin Hana-Yoi fits joyful autumn moments, conveyed through the smiles of Yuki Yoda and Mizuki Yamashita.

It portrays how the light fizz and fruity deliciousness make time with friends and moments savoring autumn flavors even more enjoyable.

Further highlighting the relaxed, everyday atmosphere depicted on screen is the song Utopia by imase.

With its delightfully bouncy rhythm and airy vocals, the track conveys a clear sense of fun.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

LITimase28rank/position

【imase】LIT（MV）

In GU’s commercial, a woman in a one-piece dress shows off her dance moves to upbeat music.

Fresh spring–summer dresses appear one after another, highlighting the lineup.

The danceable track playing in the background is “LIT” by imase—an original song written for the GU ad, featuring uplifting lyrics and a bright, uptempo sound.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

EGOISTimase29rank/position

【imase】EGOIST（MV）

Singer-songwriter imase is known for his use of falsetto.

His falsetto is somewhat distinctive, rooted in a vocal approach similar to funk singers.

His new track “EGOIST” features that falsetto throughout.

If that were all, it would be business as usual for imase, but in this song the falsetto sits unusually low in range, making pitch control more challenging.

The composition is also somewhat irregular, making it a piece that really tests one’s musical sensibilities.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Prismimase30rank/position

[imase] Prism (MV)

imase’s new song “Prism.” Speaking of imase, he mainly uses a type of falsetto often found in funk music, and he’s known among contemporary artists for frequently hitting high notes.

In this track, his high register really explodes.

Notably, the range of his falsetto is broad—from a funky falsetto that feels like it’s caught on the upper palate to a more whisper-leaning falsetto—showcasing a wide variety of tones.

Highly recommended for those who want to focus on training their falsetto.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem