Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]

Matryoshkahachi85rank/position

Hachi MV “Matryoshka” HACHI / MATRYOSHKA

This is a piece released in August 2010 under the name Hachi, the Vocaloid producer persona of Kenshi Yonezu, who is active as a music producer and singer-songwriter.

It was later included on his independently produced album “OFFICIAL ORANGE.” From the intro, the irregular rhythms and synthesizer sounds resound, instantly pulling you in with a gripping progression.

The chaotic lyrics—filled with suggestive coined words and onomatopoeia—combined with the high-tempo beat are incredibly addictive! Play it at an event where Vocaloid fans gather, and it’s sure to get everyone hyped—a fiery, high-energy track.

Maplesupittsu86rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

Released as a single on July 7, 1998, this renowned ballad crafted by Masamune Kusano depicts parting, loss, and the resolve to move forward.

Included on the album “Fake Fur,” the song also serves as the original theme for director Isao Yukisada’s film of the same name, slated for release in December 2025, and it’s extremely popular.

Many people practice it in vocal lessons; the high notes in the chorus can be a hurdle for male singers, but it’s highly recommended for resonant chest singing.

If you aim not to push yourself, you can avoid straining and stay loose, so I think it’s best to sing in a relaxed manner.

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Kubota Mami

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threadNakajima Miyuki87rank/position

thread

Miyuki Nakajima’s “Ito” evokes the warmth of human connection.

First released in 1992 as a track on the album “EAST ASIA,” it later became widely cherished as a double A-side single after being chosen as the theme song for the 1998 drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints).

Its universal lyrics, likening life and encounters to the vertical and horizontal threads of a woven fabric, carry a gentle warmth that nestles close to the listener’s heart.

Loved for many years—including winning the Gold Award at the 2017 JASRAC Awards—this song is a timeless masterpiece filled with kindness, one that loosens the tautness of a weary heart under daily pressures.

Be sure to listen to it on a quiet night spent alone.

SaudadePorunogurafiti88rank/position

Pornograffitti “Saudade” MUSIC VIDEO

Pornograffitti’s fourth single, a heartfelt song of farewell set to passionate Latin melodies.

Released in September 2000, it still enjoys enduring, cross-generational popularity.

The track is included on the classic album “foo?” and has been featured as the theme for a mini-drama on a variety show as well as the ending theme for the anime ReLIFE.

The lyrics, which deliberately depict aching memories and deep regrets from a different perspective, are likely to resonate with many listeners.

In September 2021, a performance on a video platform sparked a huge response, surpassing 10 million views.

Up-tempo yet tinged with melancholy, this song is perfect for nights when you want to look back on a past romance.

Pour your heart into it and belt it out at karaoke.

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism89rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Just a school event, and yet more than a school event.

This moving number by Official HIGE DANDism resonates powerfully in the heart, as if embracing that burning passion.

The beautiful piano melodies and the vibrant horn arrangements blend magnificently, gently enveloping both the victories and setbacks you seize together with your friends.

Released as a single in July 2019, it was chosen as the Asahi Broadcasting Corporation’s summer National High School Baseball Championship support song and the theme for “Nettō Kōshien.” It was later included on the acclaimed album Traveler.

It’s a perfect song for students who want to color a page of their youth vividly—whether performing as a band on the culture festival stage or singing in chorus with the whole class.

A Love Like Ephemeral LightSakishima Jun90rank/position

“Latest Popular Enka Rankings 2025” No. 1: ‘Tamayura no Koi’ by Jun Sakishima (Short Ver.) Official Music Video

This is a Japanese-style ballad that captures the fleeting beauty of love.

Jun Sakishima’s translucent vocals exquisitely convey a dreamlike world.

While honoring traditional Japanese melodies, the modern arrangement draws out a fresh allure.

Released in March 2025, the piece pairs a lyrical melody with gentle vocals that deeply resonate with listeners.

Its artistic quality has been highly praised, including a nomination as a candidate work for the Japan Music Authors Association’s “Songs of the Heart Concert.” It’s recommended for anyone who wants to connect with the delicacy and poignancy of being in love, or who seeks the soothing comfort of a tender voice.

Telecaster B-Boysurii91rank/position

Telecaster B-Boy (long ver.) / Surii feat. Kagamine Len

That crisp guitar sound feels great! This track is by Surii, also known for “Junky Night Town Orchestra,” with a short version released in April 2019.

Its bouncy rhythm and memorable phrases are packed into 60 seconds—truly a quintessential “one-minute Vocaloid” piece.

In 2020, a long version was included on the album Pandemic, and it was also added to the rhythm game Project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE! feat.

Hatsune Miku.

Highly recommended when you want to get pumped up!