Dolphin’s Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Lingering Snowiruka1rank/position

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

When it comes to timeless masterpieces about parting in spring, many people probably think of this song by folk singer Iruka.

Released as a single in November 1975, it is a cover of a track originally included on Kaguyahime’s 1974 album “Sankaidate no Uta.” Set on a station platform where a train is due and unseasonal snow is falling, the scene of farewell permeates listeners’ hearts.

The lyrics, portraying the poignant distance between “you,” who is becoming a grown woman, and “I,” who watch your figure recede, resonate across generations.

It’s a warm song that gently stays by your side during the season of departures, when you’re weighed down by the sadness of parting from someone dear.

Seaside Avenueiruka2rank/position

Coastal Road / Dolphin (With Lyrics)

A love song by Iruka whose unique, vintage-tinged vocals and refreshing atmosphere carry lyrical verses that, tinged with melancholy, add depth.

She’s an artist well known among women in their 60s, and it’s a song you’ll want to sing at karaoke—one that creates an elegant, gently intimate mood.

Back then, I wasiruka3rank/position

Back then, I was

This is Iruka’s memorable debut single, released in 1974 when she began her solo career after the breakup of the Shrieks.

The lyrics and music were written by Shozo Ise of Kaguya-hime, marking the start of a brilliant career that would lead to a major hit the following year.

The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar evoke scenes from days gone by.

Now that we’re adults, we can understand the struggles born of youth and the vague anxieties about the future.

Many listeners may find themselves overlaying their own adolescence onto the “me back then” portrayed in the lyrics.

Iruka’s clear, transparent voice feels as if it affirms the slightly overreaching version of ourselves from that time, leaving our hearts warmly comforted.

A Round Lifeiruka4rank/position

A Round Life / Dolphin

Even tiny insects, animals, and humans—we’re all living beings with the same life.

This heartwarming classic teaches us exactly that.

Released as a single in 2007 by folk singer Iruka and also featured in a commercial, it’s a song many people will recognize.

Carried by a gentle rhythm and sound, each word reaches you clearly, and by the time it ends you’ll feel strangely refreshed, as if the haze in your heart has lifted.

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Araki Jakkan

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Life full-courseiruka5rank/position

Life full-course

Along with gratitude to her parents, this song is also the story of Iruka’s own life.

Marrying young, she went on to care for her husband, who developed a serious illness, for over 20 years.

Although she eventually became a widow herself, she never viewed her life with pessimism.

Life has its ups and downs, and this path is surely equal for everyone.

A Tale of Rainiruka6rank/position

Rain Story (Single Version)

Speaking of Iruka, her classic “Nagori Yuki” is famous, but she also has a masterpiece that depicts rain.

Released in 1977, it became a hit second only to “Nagori Yuki.” This one, too, was written and composed by Shozo Ise.

It portrays a richly lyrical romance between adults and is incredibly heartrending.

Listening to it when you’re out of sync with your lover or on the verge of breaking up will likely deepen your sense of empathy.

The song shines with Ise’s signature literary scene-setting, and the deeply expressive guitar tone further enhances its appeal.

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KEI

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