Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI91rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI「RPG」

SEKAI NO OWARI’s sixth single captures the exhilaration of journeying through the adventure of life alongside your companions, set to a march-like rhythm.

Released in May 2013, the song was chosen as the theme for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-class Gourmet Survival!!,” winning affection across generations.

Its parade-style beat, driven by bass drum and hand cymbals, and its catchy, fantastical melody propel listeners’ spirits forward.

It is also popular as a brass band cheer song for high school baseball.

Telecaster B-Boysurii92rank/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!

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai93rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

When it comes to a number with bright, rhythmic brass tones, this is the song that comes to mind! Sung by Ai Otsuka, this piece expresses a love that wants to stay tightly bound, like two fruits nestled together, while looking back on memories with a lover.

Its uplifting message about giving your all to each other is sure to energize you just by listening! Released in December 2003 as her second single, it’s also included on the album LOVE PUNCH.

It was chosen as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV in December 2003, and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!.

With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, it’s a god-tier track perfect for livening up karaoke or events!

balladKetsumeishi94rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

This work by Ketsumeishi gently embraces listeners with a melody overflowing with songcraft, keeping the rapping to a minimum.

It’s their 24th single, released in January 2011, and it became widely familiar as the theme song for Nippon TV’s information program “Sukkiri!!”.

Sung over a quiet arrangement woven from piano and strings, the lyrics convey the pain of unrequited love and a yearning for a beloved that refuses to fade.

Even an adult man who usually keeps his emotions under wraps may find the long-suppressed ache welling up when he hears this song, perhaps even moved to tears.

It’s a touching adult love ballad that makes you want to listen alone, quietly, on a sleepless night.

Dear, boyHump Back95rank/position

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

This song by Hump Back, a three-piece girls band from Osaka, is a heartfelt message to everyone who keeps chasing their dreams.

Its passionate lyrics, urging the self who’s about to forget a once-held dream that it’s not over yet, strike a powerful chord with listeners.

Carried by a simple yet powerful rock sound, and highlighted by Momoko Hayashi’s straight, earnest vocals, this track was their major-label debut single released in June 2018, and it was also used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02.” It’s the perfect song to listen to when parting ways with friends after graduation or when you feel anxious about a new challenge.

It will steady a wavering heart and give you a firm push forward.