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!

DramaturgyEVE37rank/position

Dramaturgy – Eve MV

The rhythmical cutting guitar from the intro instantly draws listeners into a unique world.

Crafted by Eve, who enjoys enormous support as a singer-songwriter, the track was released in October 2017 and is also included on the album Culture from the same year.

Its decadent yet danceable beat feels great, while the whirlwind of melodies and wordplay-like lyrics creates an addictive pull.

With a catchy chorus and exhilarating, high-speed sound, it’s a surefire hit for an intro-quiz among friends.

Perfect for anyone looking for a stylish Vocaloid track.

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki38rank/position

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

Masaki Suda’s famous song “Sayonara Elegy.” Although it carries a vibe similar to Kazuyoshi Saito’s works, it was written and composed by Huwie Ishizaki, featuring a distinctive blend of decadent atmosphere and hopeful melody.

The vocal range is mid1 C# to mid2 G#, which is typical—or perhaps slightly high—for a male song.

While it’s a guitar-rock style piece, Suda’s version doesn’t include sections that require belting.

The highest note, mid2 G#, is often sung in falsetto in recent trends, but since this is fundamentally rock, it’s better to sing it in chest voice, even with a bit of a shout.

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MesmerizerSatsuki39rank/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!

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE40rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “Darling” gently nestles up to the pains of youth.

Released digitally in January 2025, the song was written as the theme for NHK General’s “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival.” It’s filled with a warm message that affirms, just as they are, hearts worn down by trying to meet someone’s expectations and the suffering of comparing ourselves to others.

A version featuring a choir of around 1,000 voices is also included, making it a perfect track both for quietly listening alone on a lonely night and for singing together with someone to set your heart free.

The Howling of the Lost OneNeru41rank/position

Neru – The Wail of the Lost One (Lost One’s Weeping) feat. Kagamine Rin

This song can rightly be called a landmark of Vocalo-rock, sharply capturing the unique conflicts and restless urgency of adolescence.

Released in March 2013 by Vocaloid producer Neru, known for his diverse musicality, it is also included on the album “World Domination.” Its breakneck guitar riffs fuse with a heart-wrenchingly poignant message, powerfully shaking the listener to the core.

The track is featured in titles such as “Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X” for PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4, as well as the popular mobile game “Project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE! feat.

Hatsune Miku,” earning widespread support from a broad fanbase.

Put it on at karaoke with friends or during an intro quiz, and its high-octane sound is sure to send everyone into a frenzy.

StoryAI42rank/position

AI – Story

A memorable ballad featuring AI’s powerful yet gentle husky voice.

The moment the piano intro begins, you can imagine the entire venue being enveloped in a moving atmosphere.

It conveys a deep love and desire to support someone precious, and it’s a song that makes your heart swell every time you listen.

Released as a single in May 2005, it was a long-running hit that stayed on the charts for over 20 weeks.

It’s also well known for being used as the ending theme for the Japanese version of the film Big Hero 6.

This piece is popular for wedding performances and as BGM when the bride leaves the reception to change outfits.

Why not gift it to a friend who’s always been by your side, along with your heartfelt thanks?