Miyuki Nakajima’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

To Those Who Cannot ReturnNakajima Miyuki64rank/position

To Those Who Cannot Return

This is a work that stands beside those who find themselves in a place they cannot return from, even if they wish to go back.

Released in February 2006 as Miyuki Nakajima’s 39th single, the song added profound shadows to the story as the theme for the drama “Seicho Matsumoto: Kemonomichi.” In a plaintive voice, it weaves the inexpressible loneliness and heartache of people who let go of what mattered most as the price of chasing their dreams.

When you’re torn by life’s choices and feel alone at night, listening to it may gently warm your heart.

wailing in griefNakajima Miyuki65rank/position

Miyuki Nakajima - Doukoku (Lament) Cover by XXkurage

A song used as the theme for the 1993 TV drama “Ano Hi ni Kaeritai” (I Want to Go Back to That Day).

It is also known for being sung by Shizuka Kudo, who appeared in the drama alongside Momoko Kikuchi.

The lyrics are by Miyuki Nakajima, while the music was composed by Tsugutoshi Goto.

It’s a heartbreak song about a woman whose beloved finds a new partner and promptly tells her about it.

The phrase “good friends” is the most cruel one in romance—this song makes you feel exactly that.

divaNakajima Miyuki66rank/position

Diva – Miyuki Nakajima [cover]

It’s a song included on the album “Kansuigyo.” Although it wasn’t released as a single, it’s an epic piece that closes out the album and is extremely popular among fans.

The lyrics capture her charm; at first glance it’s hard to imagine what exactly is being sung about, but it seems fun to read them over and over and find your own interpretation.

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Hane Keisuke

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light sleepNakajima Miyuki67rank/position

light sleep

“Shallow Sleep” is one of her hit songs, notable for a vocal performance where power and delicacy intersect.

It portrays the subtle loneliness of a man and a woman living in the city, strongly reflecting the image of Tokyo, the city that never sleeps.

It’s also an easy pick for karaoke, since the pitch and musical changes are relatively modest—making it approachable even for those who aren’t confident singers.

It’s recommended to understand the lyrics deeply in advance as well.

By singing while visualizing the world the lyrics evoke, you should be able to express her unique musical sensibility!

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Yuuki

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If we are to set sail, then in September.Nakajima Miyuki68rank/position

If You Set Sail in September - Miyuki Nakajima Cover by XXkurage

Although it should be that I only want “you,” the lyrics saying love exists like the stars are heartbreaking.

The sorrowful lyrics set to a quiet and beautiful melody are far too sad.

This is also a song included in “Is It Okay for Me to Live?”, and it makes me look back on the dark era within me.

I’m not your little sister, you know.Nakajima Miyuki69rank/position

I mean it like Miyuki Nakajima’s “It’s not like I’m your little sister.”

These lyrics express that no matter how deeply you feel for your lover, since you’re not siblings, once you break up the relationship ends there.

It’s a relaxed medium-tempo number with a pleasant waltz rhythm.

It is included on the album EAST ASIA, released in 2001.

ingrateNakajima Miyuki70rank/position

ingrate

Despite its seemingly dismissive title at first glance, this is actually a ballad by Miyuki Nakajima that sings of unconditional love.

Released in October 2012 as her 43rd single, it colored the story as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Zenryoku Shoujo.” You can feel a gaze that wraps even the other person’s straightforward—if a bit bothersome—actions in great affection.

The simple arrangement centered on piano and strings, if anything, highlights the lyrics’ poignancy and warmth.

It’s a song that makes your heart swell with the beauty of caring for someone without expecting anything in return.