Kumi Koda’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Song of LoveKōda Kumi1rank/position

Kumi Koda - 'Ai no Uta (album version)' ~ 20th Year Special Full Ver. ~

Released in September 2007 as her 37th single, this work is a deeply resonant ballad in which Kumi Koda sings from a new perspective she realized through giving love advice to friends and fans: “love is something you give.” She found inspiration while driving along the coast on a getaway to a hot spring inn, and wrote the lyrics immediately upon arrival.

They delicately portray a young woman’s aching heart as she senses a breakup approaching yet tries to convey unwavering love.

The song was featured in the MTI “music.jp” commercial and served as a support song for Fuji TV’s World Judo 2007.

Composed entirely of Kumi Koda’s vocals without any backing chorus, it centers on mid-to-low registers, making it easy to sing even for those who struggle with high notes, and it’s a track anyone who has experienced the end of a romance can relate to.

ButterflyKōda Kumi2rank/position

Kumi Koda - “Butterfly” ~ 20th Year Special Full Ver. ~

A dance number sung by Kumi Koda that expresses the strength and beauty of women.

Like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis and soaring into the sky, the lyrics capture the joy of setting yourself free and living openly.

The sultry vocals and Latin-infused sound make you feel like you’ve become a confident, irresistible woman just by listening.

Released as a single in June 2005, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama Ai no Gekijo: “Cosme no Mahou 2.” It won the Japan Record Award the same year and became a classic that also contributed to the massive success of her best-of album BEST ~first things~.

Bud of LoveKōda Kumi3rank/position

Koda Kumi - “Bud of Love” ~ 20th Year Special Full Ver. ~

A song released in 2006 that was chosen as the theme for the drama “Busu no Hitomi ni Koishiteru” (Falling in Love with the Eyes of an Ugly Girl).

It straightforwardly expresses the feelings of a woman in love, and anyone with an unrequited crush will instantly relate.

You like them and want to confess, but when you’re in front of them, the words just won’t come out.

The occasional Kansai dialect is adorable, too.

It’s up-tempo and easy to get into, and it’s sung in a range that’s comfortable for women with lower voices.

If you find ballads hard to sing but still want something easy to perform, give this one a try.

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sasashina

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Don’t Stop LoveKōda Kumi4rank/position

Koda Kumi — “Don’t Stop Love” ~ 20th Year Special Full Ver. ~

A medium-tempo ballad by Kumi Koda portraying the forbidden love of an affair.

It beautifully expresses the conflict and sorrow of a man and woman who, despite their pure affection, live a love that cannot be allowed.

Released in September 2011, the song drew attention as the theme for the film “Second Virgin” and was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Included on the albums “JAPONESQUE” and “WINTER of LOVE,” it has become one of Koda’s signature songs.

It is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who relates to the loneliness of not being able to be with the one you love and the earnest desire to go on loving despite the gaze of society.

Moon CryingKōda Kumi5rank/position

Koda Kumi / “Moon Crying” (from the new album “WINTER of LOVE”)

Kumi Koda’s songs are diverse, and her ballads in particular are captivating.

Among them, “Moon Crying” is especially popular for its world woven from heartrending lyrics and a beautiful melody, conveying a profound sense of love.

It’s also a great choice for karaoke, since the song showcases the mid-to-low range and is approachable even for those who struggle with high notes.

The way it expresses the pain of heartbreak through a gentle melody that gradually transforms into strength is something anyone who has experienced a breakup can likely relate to.

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utatane

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Cutie HoneyKōda Kumi6rank/position

Kumi Koda - “Cutie Honey” ~ 20th Year Special Full Ver. ~

If you want a song to get everyone hyped, I recommend Cutie Honey.

It’s known across generations, so it’s a blast to sing at karaoke! Since many people are already familiar with the tune, you can probably breeze through it even if you’re not confident in your pitch.

The chorus does go a bit higher, so try to keep relaxed and avoid forcing your voice.

That said, this is a song where vibe matters more than vocal technique—if you move your body and use hand gestures to the rhythm, the tension naturally eases and it becomes much easier to sing! In fact, for people who aren’t used to karaoke, gestures are surprisingly important.

Standing stiff will almost always make you sing from your throat, so I highly recommend moving your body to the beat.

You’ll have a great time—don’t be shy, give it a try!

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Kubota Mami

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youKōda Kumi7rank/position

Koda Kumi - 'you' ~ 20th Year Special Full Ver. ~

A major project of 12 consecutive weekly releases that began at the end of 2005.

As the memorable first installment, Kumi Koda’s work was released in December 2005.

It’s a heartrending love ballad that captures feelings for a lover far away, with an Alaska-inspired worldview that accentuates the chill of winter.

The lyrics, written by Kumi Koda herself, are said to reflect her genuine emotions at the time.

It was also used in commercials for GemCEREY and music.jp, and became her first single to debut at No.

1 on the Oricon charts, so many of you have likely heard it.

It was later included on the album “BEST ~second session~.” On winter nights when you long for warmth, when you want to sink into a mellow mood, or when you want to belt out a ballad at karaoke, be sure to give it a listen!