Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE29rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

Released as a single on January 9, 2019, this is a hymn to life written as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It’s a grand ballad themed around self-affirmation that embraces realities like setbacks and efforts that don’t always pay off.

The song is generally high and might be challenging for many singers, but once you master falsetto, you’ll be fine.

As you sing it more often, your falsetto will grow stronger, so I encourage you to try it repeatedly.

The image is to sing your heart out as if you’re “delivering this song” in a wide-open space—your voice will soar more freely, which I highly recommend.

If you use your breath well and sing with sustained lines, it matches the song’s atmosphere and feels good for listeners too.

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Kubota Mami

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All of the YouthFujifaburikku30rank/position

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

Fujifabric’s “Wakamono no Subete” is filled with the bittersweet, fleeting feelings that come at summer’s end.

Used as the opening theme for NTV’s “On-moe!” in January 2008, this song was released in 2007 and still enjoys enduring popularity.

The lyrical melody crafted by Masahiko Shimura beautifully portrays the lingering attachment to passing time and the struggle to move forward.

Its romantic resonance, like a snapshot of twilight loneliness, will seep deeply into your heart.

If you play it together at the finale of a school or cultural festival, at the close of youth spent with friends, tears of emotion are sure to flow.

It’s a perfect tearjerker to color those irreplaceable memories.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number31rank/position

Back Number – Hanako-san on a High Pedestal

When summer rolls around, this is the unrequited-love anthem you can’t help but crave.

The three-piece band back number released the single “Takane no Hanako-san” in June 2013.

Also included on the album “Love Story,” the song, true to its title, portrays the ache of longing for someone out of reach.

The protagonist imagines, all on his own, the kind of boyfriend she’d date—someone nothing like himself—and sinks into gloom, clinging to hopes of a chance reunion; his flailing is both endearing and heartbreaking.

In 2019 it was featured in a “Tanrei Green Label” commercial, drawing attention when Iyori Shimizu performed a stripped-down rendition.

Despite its breezy melody, the lyrics clutch at your heart.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on nights when you’re burning with an impossible love.

Cute Girlfriendsyudou32rank/position

【Ka Fu】Cute Girlfriend【syudou】

Vocaloid producer syudou is known for his dense worldbuilding where love and madness intertwine.

His song “Cute na Kanojo,” released in February 2021, is a spine-tingling yandere track.

The downtempo arrangement paired with a sweet vocal leaves a deep impression on listeners.

The protagonist’s feelings for their beloved are pure—and that purity is precisely what makes it so frightening.

Take your time with this masterpiece of a Vocaloid song by syudou: turn up the volume and savor it.

together; along with; bothWANIMA33rank/position

Together / WANIMA [Simple Choreography for Toddlers]

How about moving your body freely to this pop-rock number that portrays the determination to overcome past hardships and stride powerfully toward a bright future? Sung by WANIMA, this song overflows with gratitude for past encounters and the protagonist’s fiery resolve to face forward and move ahead as themselves.

Included on the single “JUICE UP!!” released in August 2016, it also became familiar as a Kao commercial song.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced sound is perfect for kids dancing energetically at a school sports day.

Even simple moves—swinging both arms wide or jumping to the rhythm—turn into a wonderful dance that sparks big smiles.

Be sure to create a heart-thumping, joyful time together with everyone in your class.

SenbonzakuraKurousa-P34rank/position

"MV" Senbonzakura WhiteFlame feat. Hatsune Miku

Even if you don’t usually listen to Vocaloid songs, the moment you hear the driving, Japanese-style rock sound of the intro, you’re guaranteed to go “Ah!”—it’s an ultra-famous track! Released by KuroUsa-P in September 2011, it explores deep themes like Japan’s transformation through the introduction of Western culture and satire of modern society.

A piano arrangement was used in a Toyota Aqua commercial, and Sachiko Kobayashi performed it on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen, showing its broad popularity.

It’s a god-tier song that’s essential when you want everyone—across generations—to get hyped, whether for intro quizzes or karaoke!

GIFTMr.Children35rank/position

GIFT　Mr.Children

A treasured number by Mr.Children, the beloved national rock band behind countless smash hits.

Released in July 2008 as their 32nd single, this song was chosen as NHK’s theme for the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, capturing the hearts of many.

Conveying a warm message about exchanging the “gifts” we all possess—beyond winning and losing—it unfolds over a grand band sound enriched with strings.

Kazutoshi Sakurai’s gentle yet powerful vocals bring a festive feeling perfect for celebrating a new beginning.

It’s an unbeatable choice as BGM for the opening movie before the bride and groom’s entrance, heightening guests’ anticipation and smiles.