Misorah Hibari Popular Song Rankings [2026]

It’s Only a Paper MoonMisora Hibari22rank/position

Paper Moon

Some versions use “It’s Only a Paper Moon.” This timeless classic, created in 1933, has been loved by people all over the world.

It’s also known for being covered by artists like Miles Davis and Frank Sinatra.

And the singer performing “It’s Only a Paper Moon” in this commercial is Hibari Misora, one of Japan’s most iconic vocalists.

She sings it with great elegance, but in fact, it’s said she didn’t speak English.

It’s amazing that she mastered the pronunciation just by listening!

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yamamoto

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Lover, Come Back To MeMisora Hibari23rank/position

hibari misora – lover,come back to me

This song, released in 1928, is a classic that ranks among the older jazz standards and has been beloved and performed by many artists, both vocal and instrumental.

While it’s a lively, up-tempo piece, the lyrics aren’t particularly dense, making it relatively easy for Japanese speakers to sing.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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A Poem by a WomanMisora Hibari24rank/position

Hibari Misora “A Woman’s Poem”

Hibari Misora’s “Aru Onna no Uta” (A Woman’s Poem) is a masterpiece that depicts profound emotion and human drama.

Released in November 1972, the song weaves a story of a woman’s love and life through Misora’s richly expressive vocals.

It earned broad support, with Misora closing the 23rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1972 and the song later being used as a film’s theme in 1976.

It’s a moving piece that captures the bittersweet yet powerful feelings of a mature woman shaped by life’s experiences.

Why not listen to it slowly, perhaps as older listeners fondly recall their youthful days?

Love LetterMisora Hibari25rank/position

Hibari Misora — Love Letter

It’s “Love Letter,” a famous song by Misora Hibari, one of Japan’s most iconic singers—so famous that you might say there’s no one who doesn’t know it.

It’s a slow-tempo, somewhat short piece, but I think it’s a masterpiece that makes you fall in love with her wonderful vocals.

Melancholy WharfMisora Hibari26rank/position

Melancholy Wharf

Rapidly shifting pitches, a deeply emotional vocal delivery, and exquisitely controlled kobushi ornamentation—this song truly embodies the essence of enka.

Released in July 1960 as the B-side to the single “Aishu Hatoba” (“Melancholy Wharf”), it drew attention as a piece that fully showcases Hibari Misora’s vocal prowess.

Its difficulty is well-known, but that’s exactly what makes it worth the challenge.

Sing it at karaoke and you’re sure to earn instant respect.

And when performed by someone rich in life experience, it’s guaranteed to be all the more moving.

A Young Woman’s Dashing Traveling AttireMisora Hibari27rank/position

A Young Woman’s Dashing Traveling Attire

Misora Hibari’s “Musume Dōchū Date Sugata” vividly portrays a woman traveling alone without bothering to dress up.

You’re overwhelmed by Hibari’s vocal prowess, and it conjures the image of a valiant woman—so much so that you can almost hear the familiar line, “Don’t underestimate me just because I’m a woman!”

Sad WhistleMisora Hibari28rank/position

Sad Whistle

A signature song by Hibari Misora that colored the Showa era.

Sung as if to accompany the hearts of postwar Japanese, this piece portrays the sorrow and heartache of a lost love.

Released in October 1949 as a film’s theme song, it made a powerful impression of Hibari’s appeal as a singer.

Its iconic melody—expressing sadness while whistling—likely resonated with many people.

It is sure to strike a chord with those in their 80s who have experienced parting from someone dear.

Why not listen to this song along with your nostalgic memories?