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

The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro1rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Natsuno Owari

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

It’s a ballad whose shocking opening line makes everyone doubt their ears—and then captures their hearts.

Sung by Naotaro Moriyama, who frames the world from a unique perspective, this masterpiece lays bare both the pain and joy of living.

The lyrics, written by poet Ochanomizu Kazu around 1997, were turned into a song after Moriyama happened upon them.

Released in August 2008 as his 16th single, it also drew attention as the CM song for Shuto Iko, Osaka Isen, and Nagoya Isen.

Its paradoxical wording delivers a message that affirms “living,” one that should especially resonate with those carrying deep worries.

Rather than forcing yourself to be cheerful, why not listen quietly on a night when you want to face your heart with calm?

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro3rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

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

Sakura

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 –

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

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.

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KOH-1

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To my belovedMoriyama Naotaro7rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama - To My Beloved (Live)

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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utatane

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DecemberMoriyama Naotaro8rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – December

A season when winter’s cold seeps into your bones.

At such times, the songs of Naotaro Moriyama truly resonate with the heart.

With its beautiful melody line and heartrending lyrics, this work paints a scene of love.

Long supported by fans as a hidden gem, the song was first released digitally in 2005, and later received its first CD release when the 2016 version was included on his second best-of album, “Daikessakusenk.” Moriyama’s vocals carry a warmth and softness that suit winter, something that gently envelops the listener’s heart.

It’s a masterpiece you’ll want to savor in a warm room on a day when the cold wind blows.

That figures.Moriyama Naotaro9rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama / “Samo Arinan” Music Video

Naotaro Moriyama, who has released numerous classic ballads, wrote “Samo Arinan” as the theme song for the film Lost Care.

He read the screenplay and drew inspiration from it to compose the piece.

The song explores the idea of “kindness,” yet carries a delicate, somewhat lonely tone—an aspect that resonates with the film’s storyline.

Incidentally, “samo arinan” means something like “that’s only natural” or “so it would be.”

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yamamoto

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New WorldMoriyama Naotaro10rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama / “New World” Music Video

This is a ballad that weaves together feelings for one’s father and mother.

It was created as the theme song for Naotaro Moriyama’s documentary film “Where Is This Wonderful World?” and released in March 2025.

The song, which reflects on feelings for a mother lost in early childhood, is marked by a gentle melody carried by acoustic guitar and piano, and a delicate vocal performance.

Describing heaven as a “new world” is such a beautiful sensibility.

Why not give it a listen when you want to reflect on the bonds and love of family?