Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]

peace signYonezu Kenshi50rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

The gradually building intro is so cool! It’s a song by hit-making singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, released as a single in June 2017.

It was used as the opening theme for the anime My Hero Academia and became a hot topic.

With a fast-paced guitar rock sound, the arrangement ramps up in intensity toward the chorus, and just listening to it fills you with motivation.

It carries a powerful message about facing your own weaknesses while still moving forward, making it perfect as BGM for a school sports day relay or a cheer battle.

It’s a track you can get hyped up with together with the kids!

Happinessback number51rank/position

Shiawase

A back number ballad that tightens your chest with overwhelming poignancy.

It delicately depicts the pain of unrequited love, where the closeness of being right next to someone only makes them feel farther away.

Knowing there’s someone else in their heart, you still force a smile—some listeners may find themselves in tears at that image.

Included on the single “Hanabira,” released in April 2011, and later featured on the October album “Superstar,” this song offers gentle, beautiful tones to those burdened with feelings they can’t express or hearts troubled by unattainable love.

Why not listen to it on a night when you just want to cry your heart out?

broad daylightKing Gnu52rank/position

King Gnu – Hakujitsu

Released in 2019, this long-running hit dramatically boosted King Gnu’s popularity.

It was created to align with the drama “Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer,” infusing the heavy themes of past mistakes and wrongful convictions with a resolve and sorrow to “expose them under the light of day.” Since the key is particularly high, few people sing it in the original key, but by using breath like Iguchi does and adding falls, you can get much closer to the vibe.

Lowering the pitch at the ends of phrases in the A and B sections works especially well.

Try singing while staying relaxed.

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Kubota Mami

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Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN53rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

It’s a song you can’t forget after just one listen, with a bouncing rhythm and lyrics that capture the sweetness and bitterness of life.

That sharp social perspective woven into a pop sound is exactly what you’d expect from the skilled band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN! Released as a single in May 2015, it became a hot topic when it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Blood Blockade Battlefront.

It has an exhilarating feel that blows away everyday gloom and makes you want to start dancing, so it’s perfect for when you need a boost or for a stylish night drive!

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru54rank/position

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

This is a celebrated song by Hikaru Utada, widely cherished as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan.” Released digitally in April 2016, it was later included on the album “Fantôme.” Her gentle, conversational vocals and the quietly permeating piano melody tenderly scoop up the feelings that are apt to slip through our fingers in everyday life.

While imbued with a sense of profound loss and gratitude, the warm, enveloping sound offers quiet companionship on nights when your heart feels taut from the day’s demands.

It’s a song I hope you’ll listen to when you want to let your shoulders relax and softly care for yourself in solitude.

migratory bird[Alexandros]55rank/position

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

[Alexandros]’s “Wataridori” is a perfect fit for older kindergarteners who want to dance at the sports day! Released as a single in March 2015, it’s well-loved as the theme song for the film “Ake Garasu (Akegarasu)” and in several commercials.

Inspired by migratory birds soaring through the sky, the song’s exhilarating sound and high-tone vocals are incredibly appealing.

It conveys determination to move forward and a refreshing feeling, instantly boosting listeners’ excitement.

The chorus features a melody that feels like the view suddenly opening up, making the children’s energetic dancing shine even brighter and filling the entire venue with emotion.

Choose this track for an unforgettable, amazing dance performance!

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE56rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A refreshing rock number released as a digital-only single in April 2024! It’s also hugely popular as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery.” Mrs.

GREEN APPLE returns to their roots, packing in the raw impulse of a school-days cover band, highlighted by captivating, technical guitar riffs.

It embraces the bittersweet memories and inner conflicts of youth, gently giving you a push to try loving yourself just as you are.

With its brisk, catchy melody, it’s the kind of song that will have everyone grinning and throwing their hands up the instant it plays in an intro quiz.

Perfect for getting hyped with your friends!