Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN22rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Just hearing the guitar in the intro is enough to make many people’s hearts swell.

It’s a masterpiece that portrays a protagonist gazing up at the night sky, facing hope and anxiety about the future in a world without clear answers.

Released in March 2001 as BUMP OF CHICKEN’s third single, it became a major hit after being featured as a TV drama insert song.

It’s also included on the album “jupiter.” The song reflects the inner conflicts carried by vocalist Motoo Fujiwara, and the katakana words born from his handwritten notes also drew attention.

It’s perfect for those who feel uncertain about moving toward their dreams, or when you want to reminisce about youthful memories with friends.

Put it on at a drinking party and it’s guaranteed to liven up the mood.

Happy SynthesizerEasy Pop23rank/position

[Megurine Luka, GUMI] Happy Synthesizer [Original Song]

An exceptionally happy technopop that matches the sweet Valentine’s vibe.

It was released on Niconico in November 2010.

The sparkling synthesizer tones and the relentlessly bright melody, layered with the vocals of Megurine Luka and GUMI, naturally bring a smile to your face.

The lyrics, which try to carry the feelings in your heart on the rhythm, are perfect for anyone who needs a little courage.

It’s also known for being included in the rhythm game “Project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE! feat.

Hatsune Miku.” The positive energy of this track is sure to give a strong push to anyone hesitating to confess.

Give it a listen to lift your feelings for the one you love!

Night Sky Patrol of TomorrowOrangestar24rank/position

Orangestar – Asunoyozora Shoukaihan (feat. IA) Official Video

Posted in 2014, this Vocaloid song was the first track using the voice synthesizer IA to be inducted into the “Legendary” category on Nico Nico Douga.

As one of Orangestar’s signature songs, it captivates with its driving rock sound and shimmering, shifting synthesizers.

The lyrics, which intertwine anxiety about whether tomorrow will come with the determination to keep moving forward, have resonated with many listeners.

It’s included on the album “Mikansei Eight Beats,” and a later band-arranged version was also released.

If you sing it at karaoke, aim for a natural, unforced vocal delivery to bring out the song’s atmosphere.

With numerous covers by singers, it’s a track that can liven up karaoke even with people who aren’t very familiar with Vocaloid.

Ghost RuleDECO*2725rank/position

DECO*27 – Ghost Rule feat. Hatsune Miku

A track that truly showcases DECO*27 at their best, fusing fierce scratching with a high-velocity rock sound! The lyrics, depicting the inner turmoil of piling on lies until you can no longer tell who you really are, pierce straight into the listener’s heart.

Released in January 2016 and included on the album “GHOST” later that year, its popularity has never waned.

It’s a classic every Vocaloid fan knows, so give it a listen when you want to fire up a karaoke session or let your emotions explode.

Meltryo26rank/position

Hatsune Miku "Melt"

A gem of a love song that colored the dawn of the Vocaloid scene.

Posted to Nico Nico Douga by ryo in December 2007, it had reached 11.7 million views by December 2017.

You’ll be moved by the lyrics, which straightforwardly depict a girl’s feelings of love when faced with the person she likes.

The piano-driven, fast-paced sound conveys a fluttering, racing heart.

Hatsune Miku’s vocals are also captivating—mechanical yet somehow human.

The track is included on the first album “supercell” and helped lay the foundations of Vocaloid culture.

It’s the perfect song for reminiscing about your youth or getting hyped with friends at karaoke.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro27rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

The classic song “Himawari no Yakusoku,” covered by numerous artists, is a single released by singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata in August 2014.

It was created as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon” and was also featured in many tie-ins, including an NTT West commercial.

The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar and the beautiful harmony of the strings have a calming effect.

Filled with warm feelings of cherishing someone, it’s sure to gently ease the tension of everyday life.

How about listening to it during a peaceful moment with someone special?

Patchwork Staccatotoa28rank/position

Toa – Patchwork Staccato – ft. Hatsune Miku

This is a Vocaloid song that portrays a bittersweet heartbreak where the characters can’t bring an end to a patchwork, pieced-together relationship.

Released by Toa in June 2014 on Nico Nico Douga, it reached a million views in August 2016.

Over an electropop sound, the protagonist lays bare their feelings, unable to say goodbye.

The gap between the cute-sounding onomatopoeia and the piercingly honest confessions really hits home.

It gently stays by your side when you want to look back on a one-sided love.