Drawing attention with poetic lyrics and powerful vocals! Ranking of Ayano Kaneko’s most popular songs

Homesick Night Homesick BluesKaneko Ayano1rank/position

Ayano Kaneko – Homesick Night, Homesick Blues

A celebrated song by Ayano Kaneko that reflects her feelings for her family.

Included on her 2015 album “Koisuru Wakusei” (Planet in Love), the track was written and composed by Kaneko herself.

The lyrics convey the loneliness of leaving one’s hometown to live far away, as well as a deep love for family.

The protagonist, holding dear the memories of everyday life back home, strives to live strongly in the present—an impression that lingers.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those who have moved out to live on their own or who live apart from their loved ones.

It will remind you of the value of family and give you the courage to keep moving forward.

Toward the lightKaneko Ayano2rank/position

Kaneko Ayano – Toward the Light / Kaneko Ayano – Hikari no Hō e

It’s a commercial that conveys the sense that various constraints are gradually being lifted and that a world full of diverse expressions is beginning to return.

The idea is that by deliberately creating expressions and conveying emotions, people form connections and spark the way to a richer world.

Kaneko Ayano’s “Hikari no Hou e” is used as the BGM; its light, airy feel and bright vocals seem to further enhance the positive impression.

It also feels like a CM that communicates Shiseido’s philosophy of wanting to support rich expressions that clearly convey emotion.

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kappamaki

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To usKaneko Ayano3rank/position

Kaneko Ayano – To Us / Kaneko Ayano – To All of Us

In Kanebo ALLIE’s 2022 “Toward Sustainability” commercial, the artist and song needed a natural, down-to-earth feel to highlight the product’s environmentally conscious packaging materials.

That’s why Ayano Kaneko was chosen.

Her song “To Us” perfectly suits a commercial that focuses even on the materials used for the packaging, thanks to Kaneko’s clear, expansive vocals.

It’s a song that faces us and sings to us about that frustrating, universal feeling of wanting to change but being unable to.

Declaration of RomanceKaneko Ayano4rank/position

Kaneko Ayano – Romance Declaration / Kaneko Ayano – Romance Sengen

It’s a pop song that boldly proclaims one’s own ideal! It’s by the singer-songwriter Ayano Kaneko and is included on her album “Shukusai,” released in April 2018.

The lyrics, which imagine an ideal family plan from the perspective of someone living alone, are utterly charming.

The contrast between her cheerful vocals and the exhilarating, fast-paced band sound is another major draw.

If you listen during an ordinary day or in a quiet moment when you find yourself thinking about the future, you may feel a warmth that validates your muddled feelings.

radiant; in full bloom; pure and unaffectedKaneko Ayano5rank/position

Kaneko Ayano – Ranman

Singer-songwriter Ayano Kaneko has a certain everyday, lived-in feel to her songs that’s so appealing.

When she plays with a full band, she can also deliver a sound reminiscent of ’80s psychedelic rock—that’s another part of her charm.

Her lyrics are distinctly from a woman’s perspective, but she’s an artist men should definitely listen to as well.

The track “Ranman” pairs a comforting melody with a noisy fuzz guitar, letting you enjoy folk music through a boldly innovative sound.

It’s the kind of song that feels like it puts an end to the boredom of mass-produced singer-songwriters and run-of-the-mill J-pop.

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Murakami Shinpei

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I’m not lonely.Kaneko Ayano6rank/position

Kaneko Ayano – I'm not lonely / Kaneko Ayano – I'm not sad

It’s a track where psychedelic elements merge with pop appeal, marked by lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.

While carrying complex emotions, it delicately conveys a sense of release from loneliness, unfolding a poetic world uniquely characteristic of Ayano Kaneko.

Included on the single “Lucky / Sabishikunai,” released in April 2024, this piece is her first new song in about a year and three months since the previous release.

Rooted in indie-pop and singer-songwriter styles, it also hints at new musical challenges.

The lyrics, which casually reference a snowy day and cigarettes, are rich in emotion—be sure to check it out.

Gentle LifeKaneko Ayano7rank/position

Ayano Kaneko “A Gentle Life”

Ayano Kaneko is a singer-songwriter known for the charm of her simple, unadorned vocals.

“Yasashii Seikatsu” (Gentle Life) is a track included on her album “Muretachi,” released on vinyl in 2017 and on CD in 2018.

The song carries an atmosphere that overlaps with her down-to-earth image, and its lyrics convey a desire to stay true to one’s authentic self.

While its words may not resonate with everyone, for those they do reach, they cut deeply—making this very much a hidden gem of a song.

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Hane Keisuke

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convenience storeKaneko Ayano8rank/position

convenience store

A convenience store song that captures the feelings you have at the corner shop near home.

It’s a track from singer-songwriter Ayano Kaneko’s 2015 album “Planet of Love,” and it’s said to be a staple often played at her live shows.

When a convenience store is close to your house, you end up going there a lot, right? In the midst of that, the song is about starting to notice a newly hired clerk.

Told from a woman’s perspective, it’s that sweet, heart-fluttering feeling of wanting to say something but not being able to.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking about a convenience store clerk, this is definitely a song you should listen to!

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KEI

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Solitude and PrayerKaneko Ayano9rank/position

Kodoku to inori

Ayano Kaneko’s “Loneliness and Prayer” is music that weaves a story resonating with the heart.

Featured on her 2021 album Yosuga, the song explores themes of everyday solitude and prayers offered in the stillness of night.

The lyrics, rendered in her distinctive turn of phrase, invite personal introspection and evoke empathy in listeners.

Its melody, imbued with quiet melancholy and a fervent sense of longing, is sure to comfort anyone troubled by an uncertain world.

It’s a recommended track for long nights when you want to look inward alone, or when you’re overwhelmed by thoughts of someone dear.

Horoscopes and the MorningKaneko Ayano10rank/position

Ayano Kaneko – Horoscope and Morning / Kaneko Ayano – Hoshiuranai to Asa

This song has a mood that feels like a breakfast table, and those kinds of scenes even appear in the lyrics.

Singer-songwriter Ayano Kaneko, who shines in both solo acoustic and full band styles, released the single “Horoscope and Morning” in 2020.

Its airy, sprightly, and crisp sound feels a bit retro yet romantic.

I think it suits both busy mornings and leisurely ones.

It might be nice to get ready to head out while “Horoscope and Morning” plays.

It’s a lovely morning song, featuring Ayano Kaneko’s uniquely comforting way of depicting everyday life.

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KEI

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