Ranking of Moving/Japanese Pop Songs [2026]

Letterback number78rank/position

back number – Letter (full)

If you want to express your gratitude to a senior who has always watched over and supported you, how about singing “Tegami” by back number? Released in 2015 as their 13th single, it was featured in an NTT Docomo commercial and reached No.

4 on the Oricon singles chart.

“Tegami” was originally a song about family love.

However, the gratitude for being raised and cared for can also apply directly to a senior who has guided you, don’t you think? Go ahead and sing it with all the appreciation you haven’t been able to express in your daily life!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

KBUMP OF CHICKEN79rank/position

[High Quality Audio] BUMP OF CHICKEN “K”

Among BUMP OF CHICKEN fans, the song “K” enjoys extremely high popularity.

The meaning of the letter K becomes clear by the end as you read the lyrics… and that stylish device is just so cool.

The lyrics unfold entirely like a story, creating an atmosphere that truly says, “This is BUMP!!” The craftsmanship of weaving a message into a narrative structure—and even embedding the meaning of the title itself—is nothing short of superb.

You’ll surely be moved by the black cat who keeps running to fulfill a bond of friendship.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi80rank/position

Aoi Teshima “Letter to Tomorrow (Drama Version)”

Aoi Teshima’s “Letter to Tomorrow” is a track included on her 2014 album Ren’dez-vous.

A newly arranged version was later released in 2016 as the ending theme for the drama “Love That Makes You Cry.” Its piano-centered sound carries a poignant atmosphere, over which her delicate vocals are layered, expressing a determination to move forward despite the pain.

The song was also used in an Aflac commercial, where its theme aligns with the message of taking a step forward even in the face of uncertainty.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

If you laugh at the skywacci81rank/position

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

Let me introduce a motivational song packed with a powerful message: when you feel like crying, look up at the sky and smile.

This track by the five-member band wacci was released digitally in July 2018 and was later included on their album “Gunjo Refrain,” released in November of the same year.

While hard work doesn’t always lead directly to results, the warm perspective that the days you’ve built up are never wasted gently encourages listeners.

Starting in August 2019, it was also selected as the support song for the “Japan Tsunagaru Project” segment on the TV program Mezamashi TV, moving many people alongside the images of those doing their best.

It’s a perfect recommendation for graduation season—an uplifting song that stands by students retiring from club activities and anyone setting out on a new path.

Close your eyesHirai Ken82rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Close Your Eyes' MUSIC VIDEO

This is a song that resonates with the aching feeling of holding on forever to the memory of a beloved person you’ve lost.

It’s the 20th single by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, known for his unique musical world, released in 2004 and written as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” It topped the year-end Oricon singles chart and became a massive hit, with total shipments exceeding one million copies.

It’s a ballad overflowing with the sorrow of only being able to meet that person in memories—when closing your eyes brings their smile to mind.

If you’ve experienced parting from someone dear, or if you want to quietly reflect on the past, please give it a listen.

Motherkariyushi 5883rank/position

Kariyushi58 “Anma”

A heartwarming song whose title means “mother” in the Okinawan dialect.

Released in July 2006 as Kariyushi 58’s debut single, it was initially available only in Okinawa and later issued nationwide.

At the time of their debut, the band was facing the possibility of being dropped by their label after not achieving the results they’d hoped for, but this work straightforwardly sings of gratitude and regret toward one’s mother.

In December 2006, it won the Newcomer Award at the 39th Japan Cable Music Awards—an exceptional feat for an indie artist.

Set to a comfortable melody that blends warm Okinawan music with reggae and rock, it poignantly portrays the parent–child relationship from childhood to adulthood.

It may well make you think of your mother back home and fill you with nostalgia.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE84rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

This grand rock ballad by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is an ode to life that, set to a marching rhythm, portrays both its beauty and its cruelty.

Even as it confronts the reality that hard work doesn’t always pay off, its powerful message grips the heart, as if affirming every step you’ve taken so far.

Released as a single in January 2019, it was written as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Championship and also drew attention as a Calorie Mate commercial track.

With lyrics that gently encourage not only the winners but also those who fell short, it’s a warmhearted song that graduating students who’ve felt the sting of club activities or entrance exams won’t be able to listen to without tears.

Highly recommended as a masterpiece that helps you recognize yourself and gives you the courage to hold your head high and take a new step forward!