Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]

orionYonezu Kenshi43rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Orion, Kenshi Yonezu

A song imbued with an earnest wish to be united with someone precious, like constellations shining in the winter night sky.

The words, as if praying to God, convey the lover’s anxiety and pure heart, and feel like a gentle push for someone hesitating to confess.

Released as a single in February 2017, it was also included on the acclaimed album BOOTLEG.

It’s known as Kenshi Yonezu’s first song written specifically for an anime, and as the ending theme for March Comes in Like a Lion, it has been deeply cherished alongside the work’s worldview.

It’s a perfect song for a Valentine’s night when you want to express your feelings to someone you love but can’t find the courage.

When you’re thinking of someone beneath the cold winter sky, this piece will surely wrap you in warmth.

Happy Endingback number44rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

A ballad that portrays the heartrending feeling of trying to force a smile while hiding the sorrow of parting.

It vividly depicts the protagonist’s struggle, unable to fully accept the breakup and cut off lingering feelings for their former partner.

Their attempt to act tough and pretend there’s a happy ending is so poignant it brings tears to your eyes.

Released in November 2016 as their 16th single, this song was written as the theme for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” which premiered in December of the same year.

It’s one of back number’s signature tracks, also included on the album “Encore.” Why not listen to it on a night when you want to let your emotions flow and cry your heart out to feel refreshed?

HibanaDECO*2745rank/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.

Don’t go.Souta46rank/position

Uta-nee Yuki “Don’t Go” (remaster)

A delicate, heartrending song about parting with someone dear.

Released by Sota in October 2013, this track moved many listeners from the moment it came out.

Kae Yuki’s gentle vocals, the faintly nostalgic melody line, and the lyrics that capture the inexpressible emotions felt at the moment of farewell all strike straight to the heart.

I think it especially resonates when you listen to it after being separated from a friend or going through a heartbreak.

Alien AlienNayutan Seijin47rank/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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Kubota Mami

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Yi-Er Fan ClubMikito P48rank/position

Mikito-P “Yi-er Fan Club” MV

A catchy piece woven from Chinese-style sounds and a lively beat.

As one of Mikito-P’s signature songs, released in August 2012, it charms with a fun style that fuses electropop and rock.

The lyric’s story about learning Chinese to convey one’s feelings to a crush is heart-fluttering, too.

It’s definitely a song you’ll want to sing with multiple people.

Ride the four-on-the-floor rhythm and get hyped together with everyone!

Marigoldaimyon49rank/position

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It’s a bittersweet yet warm love song that tugs at the heart, with scenes of a summer gone by and unwavering feelings for someone special.

The protagonist’s earnest emotions—the joy of love, the anxieties it brings, and the wish for an eternal bond—come through alongside vivid floral imagery.

This track is the fifth single by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter known for a captivating, androgynous voice, released in August 2018.

Despite having no tie-ins with films or TV shows, it became a huge hit in the late Heisei era and has remained a beloved classic.

With its appealing, soothing acoustic guitar sound, it’s perfect for those moments when you want to look back on past love and sink into nostalgia.

Be sure to take it along for a drive and let the memories blossom into conversation!