Eiichi Ohtaki Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Christmas Ondo (Christmas Bon Dance)Ohtaki Eiichi29rank/position

Eiichi Ohtaki - Christmas Ondo

A signature bon-odori-style song by Eiichi Ohtaki, released in December 1977 as the track representing December on the album Niagara Calendar.

With humor and satire, the lyrics depict how Christmas became an annual custom in Japan, vividly capturing scenes of the holiday spreading through shopping streets and neon-lit districts.

Fusing the traditional ondō form with pop elements, the sound features a meticulously crafted structure highlighted by twelve key changes in the coda, offering new discoveries with every listen.

Its nimble wordplay and playful arrangement give it an appeal that goes beyond a mere novelty song.

A classic that portrays Showa-era Christmas from a unique perspective and remains enjoyable no matter how many times you hear it.

Mitsuya CiderOhtaki Eiichi30rank/position

[Hand Play Song] Mitsuya Cider

The hand game inspired by the refreshing fizz of Mitsuya Cider is a big hit with kids! The choreography, which uses fingers to count numbers as you go, also helps with number learning.

With its breezy rhythm and fun movements, it’s perfect for keeping spirits high even in hot weather.

It’s ideal for starting an activity or when you want to draw everyone’s attention.

When teachers and children enjoy it together, it creates summer memories too.

You can freely adapt it by changing the tempo to suit different ages or having pairs face each other to play.

You can just picture the children’s eyes sparkling with excitement!

Love TrainOhtaki Eiichi31rank/position

Eiichi Ohtaki – Love’s Choo-Choo Train

This is the debut single by singer-songwriter Eiichi Ohtaki, who first emerged as the vocalist of the legendary rock band Happy End, a pioneering force in Japanese rock history, and who pursued a solo career in parallel with the band.

With guitar riffs and arrangement reminiscent of Western rock ’n’ roll, its sound clearly set itself apart from the mainstream kayōkyoku of the time—a cool aesthetic.

His smoky vocals and the antique band sound may feel surprisingly fresh to many listeners today.

A pop yet emotional rock tune that laid the groundwork for countless rock bands active in the current J-pop scene.

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Hoshino Takashi

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A Midsummer Day’s DreamOhtaki Eiichi32rank/position

Eiichi Ohtaki - A Midsummer Day’s Dream

“A Midsummer Daydream” is a love song with a waltz-like feel that highlights a triple meter.

It’s a track by Eiichi Ohtaki—vocalist and guitarist of Happy End, pioneers of Japanese rock.

While celebrating the sweetness of love, the song also carries a hint of melancholy, making full use of the dreamy qualities inherent in 3/4 time.

His falsetto-heavy singing style is so soothing that, as you listen, it practically lulls you to sleep!

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Yuuki

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Fall in love on Side AOhtaki Eiichi33rank/position

Encore ~ “Fall in Love on Side A” ♡ Eiichi Ohtaki

It’s a song released in 1981 by Eiichi Ohtaki, Motoharu Sano, and Makoto Sugiyama as Niagara Triangle, and it could be called one of his signature tracks.

The stylish title enhances the chic sound.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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Velvet MotelOhtaki Eiichi34rank/position

Eiichi Ohtaki – Velvet Motel

Regardless of borders, Japanese city pop is currently experiencing a renewed boom and explosive popularity.

Among the genre, Eiichi Ohtaki’s 1981 studio album A Long Vacation is frequently highlighted as a masterpiece! The second track, Velvet Motel, is a retitled version of Summer Breeze, which was originally intended for Ann Lewis.

Its bouncy groove is playful and makes you want to listen to it over and over again!

heavy; weighty; serious; profound; feelings/emotions (context-dependent)Ohtaki Eiichi35rank/position

Omoi / Eiichi Ohtaki

Initially, Otaki himself intended to make it an a cappella song like the Beach Boys, but it is said that this arrangement came about on the advice of engineer Kinji Yoshino.

This vocal style is also one of Eiichi Ohtaki’s fortes, and you could say he successfully incorporated it into a pop song.