Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]

PrologueUru57rank/position

"Prologue" FULL ver.

Uru is known for a singing voice that gently accompanies bittersweet stories.

The song we’re introducing today is a gem of a ballad that tugs at listeners’ heartstrings.

Written as the theme for the TBS drama “Chugakusei Nikki,” which began airing in October 2018, its lyrics resonate with many, mirroring the show’s sensitive worldview.

Beginning with quiet piano tones and building toward a chorus where emotions overflow, it represents the epitome of a “tearjerker ballad,” crafted by Uru, who wrote and composed it, and arranger Tomi Yo.

Upon its early digital release, it topped the charts on major platforms and was later included on the album “Orion Blue.” If you’ve experienced a sad love or are looking for a night to cry your heart out and cleanse your soul, this is a must-listen.

Hated by LifeKanzaki Iori58rank/position

Hated by Life

Known as a “dark” song, ‘Inochi ni Kirawarete Iru’ is famous.

Mafumafu has a well-known cover, and Kanzaki Iori also sings it himself.

The pitch gap between the A and B verses and the chorus is extreme, so be careful not to strain.

If chest voice is difficult when singing, don’t push it—use falsetto skillfully.

The overall vocal range is C3–A4, and because each melodic section occupies a clearly defined range, it’s easier to anticipate pitches and lock in.

Keep your eyebrows raised, stay primed to project, and before singing, visualize the notes—raise your hand to help you find the pitch, then sing!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE59rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「Soranji」Official Music Video

Is there any other song that sings of the preciousness of life with such tenderness and strength? Released in November 2022 as Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s first single in about three and a half years, this piece was written as the theme song for the film “From Siberia With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.

In step with a story that upholds love for family against the harsh backdrop of a Siberian labor camp, the lyrics—like reciting by heart one’s feelings for a beloved—etch themselves into the soul.

Its grand arrangement featuring strings wraps unspoken everyday emotions and hope for tomorrow into a sweeping ballad.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone choosing to believe in the future, no matter how difficult the days may be.

budKobukuro60rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

A signature ballad by Kobukuro whose lyrics, depicting both longing for what’s lost and hope for the future, strike a deep chord.

Created by Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his mother, who passed away when he was 18, it was released as a single in March 2007.

Loved by many as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad,” it also won the Japan Record Award that same year.

In March 2008, it was used as the entrance march for the 80th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

The image of enduring a harsh winter while preparing to bloom overlaps with the players single-mindedly chasing the white ball.

It’s a song for those pursuing their dreams and for anyone who needs courage during seasons of farewells and new beginnings.

Just Be FriendsDixie Flatline61rank/position

Megurine Luka | Just Be Friends

The bittersweet dance beat of “Just Be Friends.” Since the tempo isn’t too fast, it’s easy to sing at karaoke.

Among Vocaloid songs, the melody line is very simple, and the fact that it doesn’t feel so typically “Vocaloid” might also make it easier to sing.

It’s a dance track that makes your body want to move, so lightly riding the rhythm while you sing will help you relax and make it easier to stay on pitch.

Be careful not to move too exaggeratedly, or you’ll throw off the groove! Also, singing as if you’re speaking in a polite, outward-facing voice will help keep your pitch stable, so it’s recommended!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Donut holehachi62rank/position

Hachi – Donut Hole 2024, HACHI – DONUT HOLE 2024

It’s well known that Hachi is Kenshi Yonezu.

In this version of Donut Hole, Yonezu does a self-cover an octave lower, so male singers might find it useful to use that as a reference.

For female singers, listening to Hachi’s version—sung an octave higher—should make it easier to grasp.

When singing, be mindful to add thickness to your voice step by step from the A section to the B section to the chorus.

Also, since the tempo is fast and the delivery is quite quick, rather than enunciating every word crisply, aim to lightly trace the melody line.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

The Disappearance of Hatsune MikucosMo@bousou P63rank/position

The Disappearance of Hatsune Miku (THE END OF HATSUNE MIKU) – cosMo@Bousou-P

One of the signature works by Vocaloid producer cosMo@BousouP, released in April 2008.

It features an ultra-fast melodic line and an overwhelming piano riff, astonishing listeners with an expression that surpasses human singing.

The lyrics, which depict the very moment when the existence known as Hatsune Miku fades away, leave a deeply heartrending impression.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say this track helped shape the early days of the Vocaloid scene.

Give it a listen when you want to challenge your own limits!