When it comes to singer-songwriters from Hokkaido, Chiharu Matsuyama is the first that comes to mind.
His popularity is evident from the many amateur musicians who cover his songs, such as “In the Great Sky and Land,” “A Long Night,” and “I Won’t Forget You.”
Here is a ranking of his popular songs.
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Chiharu Matsuyama Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu1rank/position

A smash hit released in 1981.
One of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs, this classic Showa-era ballad straightforwardly conveys the “ache of a man’s heart.” The overall vocal range spans D3 to D5, and it’s a song most people can handle if they sing the talk-like phrasing in the verses and release fully in the chorus for contrast.
However, since the chorus jumps up into higher notes, be careful not to strain your throat.
Like Matsuyama himself, keeping your eyebrows raised while singing makes the high notes much easier to hit—highly recommended! When you project your voice, don’t hesitate—use instant power and send it far.
In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu2rank/position

Some of you may picture the majestic nature of Hokkaido.
This is an encouraging song about life by folk singer Chiharu Matsuyama.
After being included on the album “A Song Made for You,” released in June 1977, a newly recorded version was produced in 1998 as the B-side to the single “I Love You Most in This World.” Its powerful message—grab happiness with your own two hands—continues to spur on those who are trying to take on a challenge.
Featured on the soundtrack of the drama “The Ugly Duckling” and used in numerous commercials, it has become a long-loved standard.
As the school admission season brings a leap into new environments, be sure to give this classic a listen to blow away those anxious feelings.
loveMatsuyama Chiharu3rank/position

It’s a love ballad by Chiharu Matsuyama, and it’s the kind of song where you really need to be mindful of the spaces, or you won’t quite catch the groove.
If you only look at the lyrics, you might feel like singing line after line without pause, but if you place each phrase carefully and let the resonance linger, it will deepen the sense of poignancy.
The overall vocal range is C3 to G4, so it’s not too high and there’s no need to belt.
When the chorus comes, project your voice, add clear dynamics, and sing with confidence—the performance will land stylishly.
That way, even listeners who don’t know the song will recognize where the chorus is and will be able to groove along with you!
DepartureMatsuyama Chiharu4rank/position

It’s Chiharu Matsuyama’s debut song, released in 1977, and one of his signature works.
This song is a memorable one for me because I performed it as a duo with a student, singing while playing.
The structure repeats the opening melody several times, and the chorus finally appears toward the end.
The overall vocal range is C#3 to B4, with a big lift at the chorus, so the high notes come at the end.
It might be a bit high, but if you nail the high part, it’s a really cool song.
Be careful not to force the high notes and strain your throat.
Sing so that your head and chest resonate and your whole body carries the sound.
Since you’ll need plenty of breath, try to inhale deeply using diaphragmatic breathing, and make a conscious effort to project your voice accordingly.
Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu5rank/position

Released in 1978, Chiharu Matsuyama’s “Kisetsu no Naka de” was featured in a Glico Almond Chocolate commercial.
In 1979, it also drew major attention when it was selected as the entrance march for the 51st National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, making it a particularly prominent work in Matsuyama’s discography.
True to its folk roots, the song begins with a subdued vocal over acoustic guitar accompaniment, but the mood shifts dramatically at the chorus, where Matsuyama’s passionate voice rings out.
The dynamic contrasts make it highly engaging, so be sure to listen to the whole track.
GraduationMatsuyama Chiharu6rank/position

Chiharu Matsuyama, a folk singer from Ashoro, Hokkaido, enjoys immense popularity.
This song, included as the B-side to the single “Mado” released in March 1979, is a renowned ballad themed around farewells and new beginnings that come at life’s turning points.
It lyrically portrays not only graduation as a school event but also the various transitions in life, resonating deeply with listeners.
A longer version with a different arrangement was also included on the album “Sora o Tobu Tori no Yō ni No o Kakeru Kaze no Yō ni,” released in May of the same year, offering fans the pleasure of comparing the two.
Its wistful yet warm melody is perfect for singing with emotion at karaoke.
It is a timeless song that continues to be loved across generations.
I won’t forget you.Matsuyama Chiharu7rank/position

Released in 1996 as Chiharu Matsuyama’s 39th single.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “The Ugly Duckling.” This classic resonates with Matsuyama’s clear, soaring vocals and lyrics that delve into the meaning of life, conveying the importance of living without giving up.
The prank of timeMatsuyama Chiharu8rank/position

A masterpiece that delicately depicts a winter landscape was created by Chiharu Matsuyama.
It sings of the sorrow of relationships that have changed with the passage of time, as a cold wind blows.
Former affection has now become a memory, and the lyrics—filled with a sense of resignation toward the flow of time—pierce the heart.
Released in November 1977 as Matsuyama’s third single, this song captured the hearts of many fans.
The anecdote involving Miyuki Nakajima’s “Wakare Uta” is also well known.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to alone in a quiet moment when winter’s chill overlaps with the coldness in your heart.
As a classic winter song of the Showa era, why not give it a listen on a cold, windy day?
From the sky of life (journey)Matsuyama Chiharu9rank/position

From the Skies of Life (Tabi) is a romantically captivating song where the melancholy melody and lyrics are a perfect match for Chiharu Matsuyama’s clear, lustrous voice.
It was his ninth single, released in September 1980.
A song I made for youMatsuyama Chiharu10rank/position

This is the title track from Chiharu Matsuyama’s debut album, released in 1977.
With its simple melody and straightforward lyrics about love, this song leaves a very positive impression, and both the tune and the words are easy to remember.
Singing it can give the impression that you’re earnest and single-minded, so it’s best to perform it without embellishment or affectation—just as you are.
Strongly associated with Matsuyama’s youth, it’s an irresistible track for longtime fans.


