Mr.Children’s Most Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

A gentle songMr.Children15rank/position

Mr.Children “Kind Song” MUSIC VIDEO

A “gentle song” recommended for when you’re feeling muddled or want to give yourself a pep talk.

It’s the 20th single released in 2001 by Mr.Children, a band that celebrated its 30th anniversary in May 2022 and continues to lead the J-pop scene.

The lyrics contain strong words, including expressions of anger directed inward, but even more than that, the song teaches a kindness that thinks of someone else.

The rolling bassline is cool, offering a different kind of swagger than the title suggests, while the mellow tenderness you can hear in the live versions can even bring you to tears.

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KEI

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whistlingMr.Children16rank/position

Mr.Children "Whistle" MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a poignant ballad by Mr.

Children, one of Japan’s most iconic rock bands, who continue to enjoy immense support across generations.

The song is memorable for its chorus line, “Come on, hold my hand so our present won’t be cut off,” and I can highly recommend it.

At the sea, the heart longs to be laid bare.Mr.Children17rank/position

Mr.Children “At the Sea, the Heart Wants to Be Naked” from Mr.Children Tour 2018–19: Gravity and Breath

Mr.

Children, aka Misuchiru, have songs that are perfect for the end of summer, don’t they? Among their tracks, “Umi nite, Kokoro wa Hadaka ni Naritagaru” is a top recommendation for this time of year.

Its sound evokes an ocean-like freshness, and the beautiful, soaring melody is deeply moving.

There’s a touch of wistfulness in the tune, which fits the end-of-summer vibe perfectly.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Summer 1999, OkinawaMr.Children18rank/position

Mr Children 1999, Natsu, Okinawa; English Sub LIVE

This song was the B-side to the single “NOT FOUND,” released in 2000.

The lyrics are mainly based on an experience from a trip to Okinawa in 1994.

Compared to typical Mr.Children songs, it leans much more toward folk and has a lot of lyrics.

That makes sense, as it was reportedly created with Takuro Yoshida—one of Sakurai’s musical roots—in mind.

It seems to be a song with deep personal meaning for Sakurai.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Starting OverMr.Children19rank/position

Mr.Children「Starting Over」Live from TOUR 2015 REFLECTION

A song by the hugely popular band Mr.Children—so famous it’s no exaggeration to say everyone knows it.

Since it was the theme song of an animated film, its recognition is likely quite high.

Beyond the message in the lyrics themselves, many people probably recall the film’s moving scenes and feel deeply touched.

Seesaw Game: A Song of Brave LoveMr.Children20rank/position

Mr.Children “Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~” MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a song with a mysterious charm that lets you look at yourself from a bird’s-eye view, almost as if you’re teasing yourself, yet still feel encouraged and positive.

I think it’s a song that gives you a push, wholeheartedly affirming the joy of falling in love and of living.

Sakurai’s vocals are also outstanding.

The Summer When You Were ThereMr.Children21rank/position

Mr.Children “The Summer You Were Here” MUSIC VIDEO

This is Mr.

Children’s very first single, known for its refreshing guitar sound.

It blends the melancholy of late summer with faint memories of young love, making listeners’ hearts ache in the sweetest way.

It’s as if the melody itself carries the purity of youth and nostalgia for days gone by.

Released in August 1992, the song was featured again in 2017 as the theme for NTT Docomo’s 25th anniversary commercial, etching itself into many hearts once more.

Play it on a summer drive or by the seaside at dusk, and you’ll be wrapped in a feeling that’s bittersweet yet warm.

It’s also perfect for when you want to bask in the sweet-and-sour memories of youth.