Kobukuro’s Moving Songs and Popular Hits Ranking [2026]

budKobukuro1rank/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.

O flowers now in full bloom,Kobukuro2rank/position

Kobukuro – Oh flowers now in full bloom

Set to a triple-time melody, this song expresses the hope and possibilities that bud with the arrival of spring.

Released in February 2014 as the theme song for NHK’s Sochi Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts, it features Kobukuro’s warmly enveloping vocals that leave a lasting impression.

Included on the album “One Song From Two Hearts,” it reached No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It is an anthem for those moving forward, a song that gives a supportive push to anyone striving toward their goals.

Together foreverKobukuro3rank/position

Kobukuro “Together for Eternity”

A classic by Kobukuro that captured many hearts with its heartwarming message and beautiful melody.

Released in October 2004, the song is said to have been written for a friend’s wedding—an anecdote that adds to its charm.

Beloved as a staple wedding song, it stayed on the Oricon charts for an impressive 99 weeks.

Its lyrics, celebrating pure love and an eternal bond, gently embrace couples embarking on a new chapter in life.

It’s a gem that resonates deeply—perfect for moments when you want to feel the connection with someone special or when you’re beginning a new chapter in your life.

futureKobukuro4rank/position

Kobukuro “Mirai” film “orange” version

A heartwarming ballad dedicated to those who live life with all their might.

This gem of a song layers gentle compassion for others with wishes for the future.

Released in December 2015, it was written as the theme song for the film “orange” and was later used as a tie-in track for the anime series as well.

With Kobukuro’s signature powerful harmonies and a melody line that resonates deeply, this piece leaves a lasting impression.

Performed on a school festival stage, it will tenderly color the bonds with dear friends and the memories of student days.

cherry blossomKobukuro5rank/position

Kobukuro “Sakura”

Sakura, a poignant yet warm classic ballad that comes to mind with the arrival of spring.

It was released by Kobukuro in November 2005 as their 12th single.

Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Ns’ Aoi, it also won a Gold Award at the 47th Japan Record Awards.

Cherished and performed since their indie days, the song’s harmony—woven from Kentaro Kobuchi’s delicate guitar and Shunsuke Kuroda’s powerful vocals—gently envelops the listener’s heart.

Many will find their hearts stirred by the lyrics, which layer the fleeting transience of falling cherry blossoms over unchanging feelings.

In this season of meetings and farewells, when you want to pause and look back on the past, or spend a quiet night facing your heart, take the time to listen closely.

A flower that blooms only hereKobukuro6rank/position

A Flower That Blooms Only Here / Kobukuro

The exquisite ballad crafted by Kobukuro gently guides you to that precious place in your heart, no matter how far away you may be.

With the warmth of acoustic guitar tones and the duo’s soul-stirring harmonies, this work, released in May 2005, moved countless listeners as the theme song for the drama “Ruri no Shima.” Within its acoustic resonance, it tenderly sings of the dignity of being able to shine even in the middle of nowhere, and the importance of a place where the heart can be at ease.

When you feel anxious in a new environment, when you live apart from someone dear to you, or when you are searching for where you belong—this song will stay close to your heart and quietly give you the courage to face forward.

the red threadKobukuro7rank/position

Kobukuro “Red Thread”

This song by Kobukuro is a moving ballad that symbolizes a fateful romance with a red thread.

While depicting everyday, fleeting moments, it warmly expresses the bond between lovers and the power of love.

It was first included on the 2000 album “Root of my mind,” and a re-recorded version was later featured on the 2008 single “Toki no Ashioto.” It was also used in a Nippon Life commercial and has been loved by many.

The song is popular as wedding background music, especially for the outfit-change segment.

With its catchy melody line and a key that’s not too high, it’s easy to sing at karaoke.

Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a recommended track for anyone who wants to feel the bond with someone special.

NOTEKobukuro8rank/position

NOTE

One of Japan’s most iconic music duos, Kobukuro.

From their album “NAMELESS WORLD,” let me introduce the song “NOTE.” The album contains many hit tracks, and among them, this is a song that has received a great deal of response.

It likens a man’s heart—or a life—to a blank notebook, depicting how a variety of emotions and events are written onto its pages.

Listening through, you’ll feel the beauty and fragility of life—that’s its appeal.

It’s a song that anyone can relate to, and it’s sure to leave you with a sweet ache.

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yamamoto

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STARTING LINEKobukuro9rank/position

Kobukuro Starting Line

Kobukuro is a musical duo that continues to captivate fans with gentle melodies layered over instantly recognizable, distinctive harmonies.

“Starting Line,” included as the B-side to their blockbuster 12th single “Sakura,” was chosen as the support song for Nippon TV’s 84th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Its message—that you’re not the only one walking toward your dreams and goals—may blow away the loneliness you feel in moments of discouragement.

With beautiful choral work that gives you a push forward, it’s a track we recommend listening to when you feel anxious about starting a new chapter in life.

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Hoshino Takashi

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STAYKobukuro10rank/position

STAY　

Kobukuro’s 18th single.

The theme song for “The Summer of Bureaucrats.” It is a song that earnestly sings of a breakup with a lover, memories of happier times in the past, and regret.

The heart that has dried up after the breakup is expressed as a “desert,” and love is expressed as a “flower.” It is a song about being unable to accept the separation and still longing intensely for the lover.