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Naotaro Moriyama’s Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

Naotaro Moriyama’s Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
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Naotaro Moriyama’s Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

Naotaro Moriyama is a singer-songwriter also known for being the son of Ryoko Moriyama.

The musical sensibility he inherited from his mother resonates with many people.

This time, we’ll introduce some of his moving songs and popular tracks.

It’s a ranking that truly captures the best of Naotaro Moriyama!

Naotaro Moriyama’s Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro1rank/position

A gem-like ballad by Naotaro Moriyama that gently sings of the parting that comes at the fleeting end of summer.

Released in August 2003, this work was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Netto Koshien” and reached No.

6 on the Oricon charts.

Its acoustic tones and strings weave a melody that resonates deeply, comforting those who carry thoughts of someone precious they have lost.

Like summer memories fading, it evokes the bittersweet feeling of memories slowly receding, while also conveying the strength to keep looking forward and walking on.

If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro2rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – If Being Alive Is Painful
If being alive is painfulMoriyama Naotaro

When life’s hardships weigh you down, Naotaro Moriyama’s “If Living Is Painful” becomes a powerful support.

The lyrics by poet Okanemachi Kaito evoke deep empathy and won the Lyricist Award at the 50th Japan Record Awards.

This ballad delivers gentleness and hope when your heart feels close to breaking.

Its message—focusing less on others and more on your inner self, cherishing the spark of hope that lies within—can give you strength.

When the burden of living feels heavy, listen to Moriyama’s clear, transparent voice and take slow, steady breaths.

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro3rank/position

This song, themed around cherry blossoms that brighten the spring graduation season, gently sings of farewells, reunions, and the treasured memories that remain in our hearts.

Naotaro Moriyama’s clear, pure vocals and the majestic arrangement of piano and strings resonate deeply.

The beautiful story, intertwining life’s important moments with the fleeting nature of cherry blossoms, leaves a lasting impression on listeners.

Released in March 2003, the track was chosen as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki,” and was later included on the album “In Search of New Spices.” Embraced as a song that accompanies life’s milestones such as graduation and school entrance ceremonies, it has also become a gentle, comforting piece for elementary school children.

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro4rank/position

It’s one of the quintessential “sakura songs” you want to listen to when spring arrives.

Virtually synonymous with Naotaro Moriyama, this track was released as a single in March 2003 and sold over a million copies.

Its lyrics superimpose farewells to dear friends and moments of new beginnings onto the image of cherry blossoms that bloom beautifully and fall all too quickly, resonating deeply in the heart.

Beyond the sadness of parting, the song also conveys a warm, resilient strength, pledging to reunite in the future while holding onto unchanging feelings.

It was also beloved as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizai-ki.” It’s a classic you’ll want to play on the day of graduation, reminiscing about the days spent with your friends.

To all living thingsMoriyama Naotaro5rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – To All Living Things –
To all living thingsMoriyama Naotaro

Isn’t this the very embodiment of a song with powerful lyrics? Centering on life and death as its theme, the grand, almost literary lyrics stir the listener’s heart.

And Moriyama Naotaro’s robust vocals lend it even greater conviction.

Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro6rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – “Sakura (2019)” Music Video
Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro

March is the season of meetings and farewells, when you can begin to feel the arrival of spring—and many people are reminded of this song at that time, aren’t they? This is Sakura, an early signature song by singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama, released in 2003 and a massive hit.

Although it’s now established as a standard number, it actually debuted at No.

80 on the Oricon charts when it was first released.

Sales then grew gradually, and by the ninth week it had climbed all the way to the top.

Many of you may also remember the music video, with Moriyama singing solo in casual attire accompanied by Nobuo Kurata’s piano—an image that leaves a strong impression.

Because the arrangement is pared down to the extreme, the melody, his voice, and the lyrics—celebrating a new departure while pledging to meet again—come through with striking clarity.

By the way, the version introduced here is a new one by Hiroko Sebu, used in the 2019 drama Mr.

Hiiragi’s Homeroom (Synchronous Sakura), and the must-see music video was filmed as a one-take live vocal and live performance.

To my belovedMoriyama Naotaro7rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama - To My Beloved (Live)
To my belovedMoriyama Naotaro

Though the lyrics are very simple, this song, “To My Beloved You,” shakes the heart and loosens the tear ducts.

Who you picture when you hear it may differ—an old flame, family, someone you can no longer meet.

It’s a single track packed tightly with feelings for a beloved person who is no longer here.

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