Ranking of Moving/Japanese Pop Songs [2026]

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK36rank/position

Wherever you are

The straightforward words of love make my heart swell.

It’s a song by the globally popular rock band ONE OK ROCK, included on their album “Niche Syndrome,” released in June 2010.

Taka’s emotional vocals powerfully convey a resolve to bring a smile to the other person no matter where they are, and a deep love that promises to walk together for life.

In 2016, it was featured in an NTT Docomo commercial, gaining widespread attention.

It also remains a steadfast favorite as music played at weddings, ranking first in usage in 2017.

Give it a listen when you want to deepen your bond with your partner or immerse yourself in heartfelt emotion.

SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE37rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「Soranji」Official Music Video

Is there any other song that sings of the preciousness of life with such tenderness and strength? Released in November 2022 as Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s first single in about three and a half years, this piece was written as the theme song for the film “From Siberia With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.

In step with a story that upholds love for family against the harsh backdrop of a Siberian labor camp, the lyrics—like reciting by heart one’s feelings for a beloved—etch themselves into the soul.

Its grand arrangement featuring strings wraps unspoken everyday emotions and hope for tomorrow into a sweeping ballad.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone choosing to believe in the future, no matter how difficult the days may be.

Karakuri Pierrot40mP38rank/position

[Hatsune Miku (40mP)] Karakuri Pierrot [Original]

The Vocaloid song I want you to listen to when heartbreak makes your chest tighten is “Karakuri Pierrot.” Created by 40mP—a Vocaloid producer who also works as a singer-songwriter—it was released in 2011 and is known as one of his signature tracks.

Its catchy band sound is notable for its jazzy tones.

The melody is beautiful yet fragile, perfectly suited to Hatsune Miku’s heartbreakingly emotional vocals.

Among “emo” Vocaloid songs, this is a number I recommend to those who want to have a good cry and feel refreshed.

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A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru39rank/position

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

This is a ballad imbued with a warm message that gently accompanies the season of partings.

It paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of entrusting gratitude to a loved one and an inexpressible love to a “bouquet,” and offering it as a gift.

Released digitally in April 2016 as Hikaru Utada’s comeback work, it became familiar as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Totto-chan.

It resonated with those who had long awaited her return, earning high acclaim, including the Excellence Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards that year.

It’s perfect for moments like graduation ceremonies when you want to express thanks to teachers and friends.

This piece, which gently nudges you forward on a new path, will add color to a special day when you bid farewell with smiles through tears.

planetariumOtsuka Ai40rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.

Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.

Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu41rank/position

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

This song vividly portrays the wavering emotions of youth.

With poetic expressions of infatuation, anxiety, and a longing for freedom, it’s a beloved Spitz classic that resonates with listeners.

Skillfully capturing the exhilaration of pure love along with the accompanying unease and pain, the piece feels like one’s own story.

Released as a single in 1994 and included on the album How to Fly in the Sky, it gained broad support after being chosen as the theme song for the 1996 Fuji TV drama Hakusen Nagashi, and it reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The lyrics reflect not only sweet romance but also moments of life itself, evoking empathy across generations and enduring affection.

It’s a perfect song for making memories with someone special or for lifting your spirits.

globeYonezu Kenshi42rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

Released in July 2023, the 14th single “Spinning Globe” was written as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film “The Boy and the Heron.” It sings of the journey that continues from the beginning of life, and the preciousness of moving toward the future while experiencing repeated meetings and farewells.

The song took four years to create and was reportedly made as a “return gift” for what was received from director Hayao Miyazaki.

With its grand arrangement and vocals that convey strength within gentleness, it’s an emotional number that stirs the heart.