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

As a ballad portraying a farewell with a loved one, this masterpiece has continued to resonate closely with many hearts.

It is the 19th single by the Japanese rock band Spitz, and when it was released in July 1998, it was a double A-side with its coupling track.

The song has also been used as an insert track in Fuji TV dramas Over Time and, in 2022, Silent.

Released as a single cut from the album Fake Fur, the piece features lyrics where a sense of loss intertwines with the will to move forward, carried by an ensemble of piano and acoustic guitar.

Masamune Kusano’s clear, translucent vocals further enhance the poignant melody.

When covering it in a solo voice-and-guitar arrangement, focusing on a progression from quiet arpeggios in the first verse to strong strumming in the chorus will help convey the song’s dramatic worldview.

threadNakajima Miyuki87rank/position

thread

It has been covered by many artists—such as Bank Band, JUJU, Chris Hart, and Masaharu Fukuyama—and remains an unshakably popular staple at weddings.

This masterpiece likens encounters between people to “threads,” expressing fate and bonds.

The lyrics portray the miracle of meeting “you” after life’s confusion and after dreams have been shattered.

If you exhale to leave a lingering resonance at the end of the chorus and phrases, it heightens the poignancy.

Since it’s not a song meant to be belted, singing in a relaxed, loose state will naturally help you release your breath.

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Kubota Mami

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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.

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI90rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI「RPG」

Amid the grand adventure we call life, this piece gives you the courage to keep moving forward, even while carrying loneliness and a sense of loss.

Created by SEKAI NO OWARI, it was produced in the wake of a crisis stemming from conflicts among the members, and it portrays a protagonist with a strong will to seek their own answers without being bound by others’ values.

Released as a single in May 2013, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-class Gourmet Survival!!.

Its melody—combining a powerful, march-like beat with a fantastical sound—is captivating.

It’s the perfect song for anyone trying to take a new step forward or looking to reaffirm their bond with cherished friends.

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!