Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]

Exploding Brain Girlrereriri15rank/position

Brain Fluid Explosion Girl – rerulili feat. Hatsune Miku & GUMI

A masterpiece of Vocaloid rock packed with dizzying twists and turns.

Created by rerulili, this track features a duet by Hatsune Miku and GUMI, with an incredibly addictive melody that captivates listeners.

Its high-speed tempo, along with lyrics that portray social satire and the struggles of youth, are major draws.

Many people probably found themselves listening to this song on repeat back in the day.

It’s a perfect track to belt out at karaoke and have a blast!

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci16rank/position

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

This is a song that captures a woman’s complex feelings: while she speaks of her current partner’s kindness, she can’t help but recall the comfort of the days spent with her ex.

It’s a track released in August 2018 by the pop band wacci, known for crafting music that sits close to everyday life, and it’s also included on the album “Gunjou Refrain.” The lyrics, written by vocalist Yohei Hashiguchi based on a female friend’s story, contrast the perfection of a new partner with lingering feelings for an ex, tightening the listener’s chest.

In June 2021, it surpassed 100 million streams, cementing its status as a long‑loved classic.

After a springtime parting, when forcing yourself to look ahead leaves your heart tired, this song might gently stay by your side.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number17rank/position

back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (full)

Don’t birthdays feel a little bittersweet when you’ve got an unrequited crush? In moments like that, the music of back number, a three-piece rock band from Gunma Prefecture, gently keeps you company.

It’s a night spent longing to hear “Happy birthday” from the person you like.

The protagonist’s frustration—able to think of silly small talk, yet unable to say the one thing that matters—really tugs at your heart.

Released in February 2019 as their 20th single, this song also made waves as the theme for the TV drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love.” It’s perfect for those nights when you’d rather step away from the circle cheering “Happy birthday!” and sink into your feelings alone.

Or maybe you could sing it at karaoke and let them notice how you really feel…

that might just work!

Charlesbarūn18rank/position

Charles / Balloon (self cover)

“Charles,” known for how easy it is to sing.

Plenty of people probably sing it at karaoke, right? In the high notes of the chorus, the more you can relax and sing without forcing it, the higher your score will be.

It’s a wistful song that naturally draws out emotion, but if you’re aiming for a high score, try to sing it in a matter-of-fact way.

Also, because it has a band sound, the rhythm feels like it doubles right before the pre-chorus, which can make you rush the tempo.

The tempo actually doesn’t change there, so focus on staying calm and steady.

To get a high score, pitch accuracy is ultimately the most important.

If your rhythm drifts, your pitch accuracy will drop and that’s a waste… Do your best to maintain a consistent rhythm.

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Kubota Mami

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LemonYonezu Kenshi19rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

A bittersweet yet beautiful melody, this ballad seeps deeply into hearts burdened by the pain of loss.

Kenshi Yonezu’s experience of losing his grandfather during the production period is strongly reflected, imbuing the song with love for days that will never return and a prayer for repose.

Written as the theme song for the TBS drama “Unnatural,” it became a social phenomenon upon its release in March 2018 thanks to its singular worldview.

As of March 2025, the music video has surpassed 900 million views, earning record-breaking acclaim in Japanese music history.

It’s a perfect listen on a quiet, rainy night or when you want to sink into gentle nostalgia for someone dear.

This masterpiece softly stays close to the sorrow deep within and wraps it in kindness.

Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE20rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Blue and Summer

Released in August 2018, this song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE was written as the theme for the film “Ao-Natsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30-Nichi” (Blue Summer: The 30 Days I Fell in Love with You).

Vocalist Motoki Omori’s soaring voice and lyrics that encourage you to feel like “we’re the main characters” make it a perfect fit for elementary school girls working hard at love or extracurriculars.

It’s also become a staple cheer song for high school baseball and is so powerful it’s even performed in the Koshien Alps stands.

Sing it with friends and you’re sure to feel energized.

It’s an incredibly emotional track that colors a sparkling page of youth.

366 daysHY21rank/position

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)

There may be many people suffering from lingering feelings of love that won’t fade even after a breakup.

This is a poignant ballad by HY, a band from Okinawa, known for being written by Izumi Nakasone based on her own experiences.

It vividly portrays the depth of love so strong you remember your ex’s scent and gestures, and the turmoil of an unattainable love—piercing straight to the heart.

The track was included on the album “HeartY,” released in April 2008.

At the time, it was used as the theme song for the film and drama Akai Ito, and became a major talking point.

It continues to be cherished, even serving as the theme song for a drama starting in April 2024.

On nights when your heart aches from an unfulfilled love, or when you just need a good cry, please give it a listen.