Popular Band Rankings [2026]

HOWEVERGLAY36rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

GLAY, known for their legendary concert that drew 200,000 people in 1999, released their 12th single in August 1997—a gem of a ballad that became the band’s first million seller.

Written and composed by TAKURO, the song sets a grand melody to lyrics about the preciousness of meeting a loved one and the resolve to move forward beyond past wounds.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for five consecutive weeks and became a social phenomenon, selling a cumulative total of about 1.34 million copies.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TBS drama “Ryodatsuei: Abunai Onna” (Stolen Love: Dangerous Woman), it captured even more listeners’ hearts.

TERU’s emotionally rich vocals blend beautifully with the band’s dramatic sound, making this a masterpiece that feels like it gently stays by your side when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special.

Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts37rank/position

Creepy Nuts “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” × TV Anime “MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES” Collaboration Music Video #BBBB Dance

Perfect for the season that makes you want to start dancing under the spell of spring sunshine, this track by Creepy Nuts—leaders of the scene with their exceptional skills—fits the bill.

Released in January 2024 as the opening theme for season 2 of the TV anime “Mashle: Magic and Muscles,” the “Divine Visionary Candidate Exam Arc,” it sparked a social phenomenon, topping Billboard JAPAN’s year-end Japan Hot 100 that same year.

The lyrics—where the pride of a protagonist who fights in a magical world using nothing but his own body overlaps with that of artists who rose to the top through rap alone—are nothing short of exhilarating.

The chant-like hook and fast-paced Jersey club beat are highly addictive, making your body fall into the groove before you know it.

As March ushers in a new chapter, this is the perfect track to fire yourself up or to get hyped with friends doing the BBBB dance—guaranteed to make you want to move.

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon38rank/position

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

An exhilarating track from the rock band Sakanaction, led by Ichiro Yamaguchi—often hailed as a “sound shapeshifter.” From the intro, where retro synthesizers ring out, it instantly grabs the listener’s heart and won’t let go.

The lyrics carry a determination to carefully carve a path toward an as-yet-unseen destination, and that positive stance gives you courage.

Released as a single in September 2015, the song was created as the theme for the film “Bakuman.” Its music video, modeled after a Showa-era TV music program, also became a hot topic, and the track continues to be cherished as one of the band’s signature works.

Sway your body to the brisk rhythm and your daily stress will fly away, leaving you with a pleasant sweat.

It’s perfect for a change of pace or as a companion for a walk.

Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS39rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Linda Linda” [1st Single (1987/5/1)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Linda Linda

THE BLUE HEARTS, the legendary band that shook Japan’s punk rock scene.

Their landmark major-label debut single bursts with a driving beat and lyrics that question true beauty, continuing to stir listeners’ souls.

Released in May 1987, it has a different version included on the album “THE BLUE HEARTS.” Beyond being performed in the film “Linda Linda Linda,” it was also featured in an Airbnb commercial in 2024, proving its timeless appeal.

Many people have probably played it as a staple at school festivals or graduation gigs.

Belt it out like a shout, and the fiery feelings of your youth will come vividly rushing back.

whiteoutreGretGirl40rank/position

reGretGirl "Whiteout" Official Music Video

This is a track included on reGretGirl’s 2017 mini-album “my,” by the three-piece rock band from Osaka.

It’s a winter song that beautifully fuses poignancy with a catchy melody, portraying a modern heartbreak haunted by the anxiety of unread messages.

The exhilarating guitar sound and lyrics about the quiet fading of love are seriously emotional.

Give it your all at karaoke during the Christmas season.

Dear, boyHump Back41rank/position

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

This song by Hump Back, a three-piece girls band from Osaka, is a heartfelt message to everyone who keeps chasing their dreams.

Its passionate lyrics, urging the self who’s about to forget a once-held dream that it’s not over yet, strike a powerful chord with listeners.

Carried by a simple yet powerful rock sound, and highlighted by Momoko Hayashi’s straight, earnest vocals, this track was their major-label debut single released in June 2018, and it was also used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm 02.” It’s the perfect song to listen to when parting ways with friends after graduation or when you feel anxious about a new challenge.

It will steady a wavering heart and give you a firm push forward.

From Me to Youflumpool42rank/position

flumpool “Kimi ni Todoke” Music Video

Set to an exhilarating, fast-paced band sound, this song gives voice to a straightforward devotion to someone special.

It portrays that frustrating yet pure feeling of wanting to say it but not finding the words, carrying a strength that gently gives listeners a push forward.

The story of Takafumi Yamamura choosing to sing in a deliberately high key—almost like crying out his feelings—for his first work after surgery is especially moving.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Kimi ni Todoke,” it was released as a single in September 2010 and later included as the opening track on the January 2011 album “Fantasia of Life Stripe.” It’s a number brimming with the radiance of youth—perfect not only for romance, but also for expressing gratitude to an irreplaceable friend.