Popular Cute Songs: Japanese Music/J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026]

Heavy rotationAKB4815rank/position

[MV full] Heavy Rotation / AKB48 [Official]

Released as their 17th single in 2010, this song became a national hit as one of AKB48’s signature tracks, something you’d hear almost daily on karaoke and TV.

Its cute lyrics, set to a brisk rock tempo, sing honestly about a straightforward crush, capturing the fluttery excitement of love that everyone experiences at least once.

The way it surges from the chorus is irresistibly catchy, making you want to sing along, and it’s designed so friends and groups can enjoy the chorus and dance together.

It was heavily aired as the CM song for UHA Mikakutou’s “Puccho,” and in karaoke it set a record by ranking No.

1 for a total of 81 weeks in 2012.

It’s the perfect number for sharing that love-struck feeling with everyone or getting the whole room hyped at karaoke.

Love♡Scream!AiScReam16rank/position

AiScReam “Love♡Scream!” Music Video

AiScReam, a limited-time unit born from the Love Live! series, debuts with a pop dance track that likens sweet-and-sour first love to ice cream.

The feelings of girls who want to be more than friends are expressed through flavors like chocolate mint and strawberry, making hearts flutter just by listening.

Released in January 2025, the song hit No.

1 on Spotify’s Japan Daily Top Songs and ranked 7th on the Oricon weekly singles chart.

With its catchy melody and cute choreography, it’s sure to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages.

Double Double FIGHT!CANDY TUNE17rank/position

[Mirrored Full] CANDY TUNE “Double Double FIGHT!” Dance Practice (Full) Mizuki Kirihara, Rino Fukuyama, Nanako Ogawa, Natsu Minami, Kotomi Tachibana, Shizuka Miyano, Hinata Murakawa (honorifics omitted)

Released in 2025, “Double Double FIGHT!” grew in popularity thanks to its catchy melody, and its striking dance also became a hot topic.

It’s a bright, glamorous track that can instantly turn any place into a live venue.

As the title suggests, the rhythm is quite fast, so keeping up with the speed might be challenging at first.

There aren’t any difficult steps like stomping or switching feet side to side, so start by learning the intricate hand movements.

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sasashina

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Chocolate DiscoPerfume18rank/position

[Official Music Video] Perfume “Chocolate Disco”

An electropop tune by Perfume, released in February 2007, perfect for coloring Valentine’s Day.

It portrays the push-and-pull of love—where calculation and anticipation intersect—set to minimal, repetitive synths.

The delicate, cute vocals balance exquisitely with the mechanical beat, vividly depicting a heart where sweetness and poignancy coexist.

The simple yet catchy choreography is easy for anyone to copy and can be enjoyed by all ages at company year-end parties.

It’s become a staple that trends every year around Valentine’s season, a song everyone can get excited about together while sharing the thrills of romance!

Pig Thunder (feat. Kaai Yuki)Yukopi19rank/position

Yukopi – Pig Thunder (feat. Kaai Yuki)

Yukopi, a Vocaloid producer who has gained popularity for their original musical style.

While many Vocaloid songs tend to pack in a lot of words, Yukopi’s tracks are less inclined that way, featuring vocal lines that make effective use of rests.

Among Yukopi’s works, the one I especially recommend is “Buta Thunder (feat.

Kaai Yuki).” The surreal and cute melody is as charming as ever, but this particular track keeps the vocal range relatively modest.

With key adjustment, the range is absolutely manageable for most female singers, so be sure to find the right key for you and give this song a try.

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Ryo

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cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai20rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

This is Ai Otsuka’s second single, released in December 2003.

It was used as the opening theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV and as the ending theme for the variety show Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!.

The portrayal of a couple two years into their relationship—likened to two fruits joined together—is charming, conveying a bond that deepens as they overcome quarrels.

Its bright, poppy melody and lively brass arrangement are sure to lift your spirits.

It’s a recommended track for those enjoying happy times with a partner or looking to start a wonderful romance.

paprikaFoorin21rank/position

[Paprika] Dance Music Video | Foorin × Kenshi Yonezu | NHK

Written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu, this song was released in August 2018 and, after being broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” became a long-running hit loved by people of all ages across Japan.

Choreographed by Tomohiko Tsujimoto and Koharu Sugawara, its easy-to-dance moves have helped the song be passed down at school events and local festivals.

In 2019, it won the Japan Record Award and was performed on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

With its bright, uplifting lyrics and catchy melody that warms the heart, it’s the perfect song to hum along to with family and friends.