Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI81rank/position

Sakanaction “Sazanka”

A ballad that portrays the loneliness and anxiety felt in the pursuit of a dream, as well as the warmth of someone watching over you.

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Sazanka” is a single released in February 2018 and became widely known as the NHK theme song for coverage of the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics.

Rather than simply urging listeners to “do your best,” the song is filled with a gentle kindness that seems to affirm every attempt to overcome setbacks and pain.

Anyone chasing a dream may wonder, “Is this really the right path for me?” In those moments, this song will quietly stand by you, saying, “I know how hard you’ve been trying.”

March 9Remioromen82rank/position

Remioromen – March 9

A classic by Remioromen with a warmth that makes you pause amid the passing seasons and reaffirm the bonds with those you love.

Its lyrics, which speak of the trust you feel for someone whose presence appears behind your closed eyelids and the joy of dreaming together, resonate deeply with listeners.

It was originally created to celebrate a friend’s wedding, but after being used as an insert song in the 2005 drama “1 Litre of Tears,” it became a staple for graduation season as well.

Released as a single in March 2004, it’s also included on the acclaimed album “ether.” A nostalgic tidbit is that Maki Horikita appeared in the music video before her big break.

It’s the kind of song you want to listen to in spring, as you take a new step forward and think of someone you want to thank.

1106WANIMA83rank/position

WANIMA-1106 (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

WANIMA’s “1106” is a heartwarming song that expresses deep feelings for a loved one who has passed away.

Dedicated by member KENTA to his late grandfather, the track conveys his respect for a man who loved the sea and never gave in to hardship.

His grandfather’s words—“Sing the way you feel”—became a driving force behind KENTA’s passion for music.

Released in October 2014, the song was a milestone for WANIMA as it was the first to receive a music video.

Filmed by the sea in their hometown of Amakusa, the MV also communicates their love for family.

It’s a piece that gently stays by your side when you’re thinking of someone dear.

Dawn and Firefliesn-buna84rank/position

[Hatsune Miku] Dawn and Fireflies [Original]

“Yoake to Hotaru” is a song by the Vocaloid producer n-buna, released in 2014.

It was included on the 2015 album “Hana to Mizuame, Saishuu Densha” (Flowers and Sugar Water, Last Train).

It’s a deeply nostalgic number that makes effective use of rests and muted guitar techniques.

In the song’s climax, the sound surges like a wave.

It’s a piece that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.

Matryoshkahachi85rank/position

Hachi MV “Matryoshka” HACHI / MATRYOSHKA

With an irresistibly addictive rock sound that grabs your heart and never lets go, this is one of Hachi’s signature songs.

Posted to Niconico in August 2010, it surpassed one million views in just about a month.

By December 2017, it had reached ten million views, becoming an emblem of the Vocaloid scene.

Hatsune Miku and GUMI give voice to a somewhat decadent, unstable emotion.

Sing it with handclaps and the whole venue is guaranteed to become one.

It’s a sure-fire hit anywhere Vocaloid fans gather!