Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]

Sand Planethachi36rank/position

Hachi – Sand Planet feat. Hatsune Miku, HACHI – DUNE ft. Miku Hatsune

Kenshi Yonezu, now a leading figure in Japan’s music scene, once worked as a Vocaloid producer.

Under the name Hachi, he released this track in 2017 to commemorate Hatsune Miku’s 10th anniversary.

It portrays a figure walking on through a desolate, desert-like world, blending electro and rock with Hatsune Miku’s vocals soaring over the sound.

The song hit one million views in just six days after release, setting a new speed record in Vocaloid history.

If you were a fan of his Hachi era, it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going at karaoke!

Happy Endingback number37rank/position

back number – “Happy End” Music Video

This is back number’s 16th single, chosen as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” It beautifully conveys the contradictory feeling of deeply loving someone even while saying goodbye, carried by a delicate band sound.

The lyrics portray a brave facade masking a heart crushed by lingering attachment and inner conflict, gripping listeners tightly.

The situation that forces a sad lie, contrary to the title, is enough to bring tears to your eyes.

Released in November 2016, the song was also included on the best-of album “Encore” and remains steadily popular.

It’s a standout ballad that gently stays by your side on tearful nights, resonating with anyone who sees their own awkward, tough exterior reflected in it.

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki38rank/position

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

In addition to his overwhelming presence as an actor, Masaki Suda continues to captivate many fans as a singer.

This work is his third single, released in February 2018, and it was selected as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Kiss That Kills.” The lyrics and composition were created by Hui Ishizaki, a singer-songwriter whom Suda deeply admires.

It’s a rock number that straightforwardly portrays the struggle of seeking love while being unable to escape loneliness, as well as the poignancy of parting.

The melody carries a touch of nostalgia, and the powerful, emotionally stirring lyrics leave a strong impression.

With relatively little variation in vocal range, it’s easy to sing and perfect for livening up a karaoke session.

The chorus, full of driving energy, is sure to create a sense of unity when everyone sings together.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to energize the mood at a post-drinks after-party.

HibanaDECO*2739rank/position

DECO*27 – Hibana feat. Hatsune Miku

This is one of DECO*27’s signature numbers, marked by an electronic rock sound and cool lyrics that mix in English.

Released in August 2017, it was also included on the album “Re:Start,” commemorating Hatsune Miku’s 10th anniversary.

Its overwhelming popularity is clear from the fact that it has surpassed 80 million views on YouTube.

The interplay of English and Japanese is highly addictive, and if you can pull it off at karaoke, you’re sure to turn heads! It’s a perfect track to listen to when you want to get pumped up by a hard-hitting beat.

MesmerizerSatsuki40rank/position

Mesmerizer / Hatsune Miku, Kasane Teto SV

This is a twin-vocal track featuring Hatsune Miku and Kasane Teto SV that races by at an astonishing speed.

Created by Satsuki and released in April 2024 from the album “Circus’s Detail,” its fusion of happy hardcore and Voca-rock is so addictive it’ll get your body moving from the very first moment.

It’s perfect for those moments when you want to crank the energy to the max!

Alien AlienNayutan Seijin41rank/position

Nayutan Seijin – Alien Alien (ft. Hatsune Miku) OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Cosmic, radio-like “Alien Alien.” The chorus melody undulates—rising and falling—but it doesn’t actually move in a complex way.

The lyrics are sparse and repeat the same phrases, so even first-timers should be able to memorize it quickly.

Since the range sits quite high, start by singing in head voice rather than chest voice and get used to it.

Head voice resonates in the brow area and greatly improves pitch accuracy! If you release your breath quickly, you can produce a strong head voice and sing with ease.

In the high parts of the chorus, don’t hesitate—let the voice out!

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DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE42rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

A perfect Mrs.

GREEN APPLE track to hear during graduation season, when anxiety and excitement mix.

The lyrics question your true self and gently urge you to love yourself—including your weaknesses—giving you the courage to take a new step forward.

Written as the theme song for NHK General’s “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival” in January 2025, the song is also included on their best-of album “10,” released in July of the same year.

On the program, a chorus performance with 1,000 18-year-olds was showcased, and its sheer energy became a hot topic.

When you’re straining to meet others’ expectations, listening to this will remind you it’s okay to be just the way you are.

It’s also perfect for belting out at karaoke with friends as you celebrate each other’s new beginnings!