Toshio Majima Popular Song Rankings [2026]

The wind of MayMajima Toshio1rank/position

1997 Contest Piece (III) – The May Wind

May Breeze is a march composed by Toshio Mashima, a legend who led Japan’s wind band scene.

Chosen as a set piece for the 1997 All-Japan Band Competition, it became very popular, with more than half of that year’s participating ensembles performing it.

True to its title, it’s a refreshing march that evokes the feel of spring.

The opening section is written in 6/8 time and is played with a different sense of rhythm from the main march theme.

Getting into the groove of this changing meter is the key to playing it well.

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Hamada Takuya

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Three JaponismesMajima Toshio2rank/position

Les Trois Notes du Japon / Toshio Mashima

“Three Japanese Dances” is a piece by Toshio Mashima, known for his wind band arrangements such as those for the game Dragon Quest.

A major feature of this work is that it is an approximately 18-minute large-scale composition consisting of three movements: “Crane Dance,” “Snowy River,” and “Festival.” Performing all three movements seems challenging, but for concerts, Mashima himself has released a shorter version titled “Three Japanese Dances: Composer’s Edition,” so it might be a good idea to perform that instead.

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Yuuki

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Overture from Dragon Quest I for Wind BandSakkyoku: Sugiyama Kouichi / Henkyoku: Majima Toshio3rank/position

From Dragon Quest I for Wind Ensemble: Overture | Koichi Sugiyama, arr. Toshio Mashima | Dragon Quest Overture March

An opening piece that begins with a heroic fanfare, inviting listeners into a world of grand adventure.

Koichi Sugiyama’s brilliant melodies blend seamlessly with Toshio Mashima’s wind band arrangement, with brass and percussion sonorities further enhancing the work’s appeal.

Since its debut in 1986 as the iconic theme of a popular game series, it has been performed widely by school bands and professional ensembles alike, becoming a staple of the wind band repertoire.

This work is a perfect fit for those who excel at powerful performances, offering a captivating piece that showcases the full exhilaration of wind band music.

Omens of LoveIzumi Hirotaka, Mashima Toshio4rank/position

Hirotaka Izumi / Omens of Love

Known as a staple of wind ensemble repertoire, this piece is a masterpiece that arranges one of T-SQUARE’s signature songs for concert band.

The original version, released in 1985, was composed by Hirotaka Izumi.

Through Masahiro Majima’s arrangement, the charm of fusion music is expressed in a wind ensemble setting, making it a popular piece frequently performed at many band concerts and competitions.

Characterized by a melodious and dramatic style, it resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s the perfect piece to energize a wind ensemble performance.

Carpenters ForeverMajima Toshio5rank/position

Carpenters Forever / Arranged by Toshio Mashima

It turned out to be an upbeat track that starts with surprisingly light, lively music.

There’s a saxophone solo that really draws you in.

It’s super cool and gives you chills.

I haven’t performed it myself, but it’s a piece I’d love to bring back and try playing.

It also has moments that let you listen quietly and soak it in.

Ghibli MedleyMajima Toshio6rank/position

Ghibli Medley / arranged by Toshio Mashima

You can savor masterpieces from Ghibli films with your ears, such as Carrying You from Castle in the Sky and Name of Life from Spirited Away.

It begins with sparkling high woodwinds and a horn fanfare, instantly making you feel as if you’ve stepped into the world of Ghibli.

Each piece is relatively long, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of each film.

Another hallmark is the abundance of solo parts, and there are scenes where, in true wind ensemble fashion, dramatic shifts in mood are created by varying the density of the instrumentation—one of the standout highlights.

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Kanako

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Treasure IslandMajima Toshio7rank/position

Saxophone Octet ∞ Möbius “TAKARAJIMA (Treasure Island)” Sax Octet

Takarajima is one of the most beloved wind band classics throughout Japan.

If you’ve played in a wind ensemble, chances are you’ve performed it at least once.

The original is a tune by the fusion group T-SQUARE, which served as the source material.

Toshio Mashima’s wind band arrangement is performed by ensembles across the country, and today the arranged version is even more famous than the original.

Saxophones shine throughout, but the alto sax solo is unquestionably the highlight!

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HATSUMI

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