Rats & Star Popular Song Rankings [2026]

A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR1rank/position

Rats & Star / Megumi no Hito

They revamped their group name, and marking this new beginning was this ultimate summer song released in 1983.

It was featured in a Shiseido commercial and became a massive hit, topping the Oricon charts and selling a total of 622,000 copies.

The lyrics, which capture a man’s feelings as he’s swept off his feet by a chic, dashing woman he meets on a summer beach, are exciting just to listen to.

Blending funk and Latin into a danceable track, the song left a striking impression with a sound that overturned their previous image and choreography you can’t help but imitate.

Blast it while driving along the coast, and you’ll be in peak summer mode.

RunawayRATS&STAR2rank/position

Runaway

When it comes to the groups that laid the foundation for soul music and R&B in Japan, Rats & Star surely comes to mind.

As their black-coated appearance suggested, they had deep respect for Black music.

Their song “Runaway” is one of their signature tracks, blending elements of Black music with kayōkyoku and J-pop into a very singable style.

The vocal range is relatively narrow, from mid1 D# to mid2 G, so as long as you focus on the groove, you should be able to aim for a high score.

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Ryo

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If I can see you in my dreamsRATS&STAR3rank/position

Masayuki Suzuki - Rats & Star - If We Meet in My Dreams

Released in 1996 as Rats & Star’s ninth single.

It’s a cover of “Yume de Aetara” (“If I Could See You in My Dreams”), a song previously performed by artists such as Minako Yoshida and Cilia Paul, produced with the song’s writer and composer, Eiichi Ohtaki, serving as supervisor.

Although many artists had sung this song, it is said that Rats & Star were the first to turn it into a hit—nearly 20 years after its original release.

People of the Me-gumi (firefighters’ brigade)RATS&STAR4rank/position

[Wa-soul★Nostalgic Melodies Dance Diet] J-POP 80s “Megumi no Hito” / Rats & Star (Shanels) ♪ Easy 3 and a half minutes / Have fun singing and dancing to a Showa-era classic to burn fat 🔥 Beginner-friendly, anyone can do it

It was quite a shock when, at the height of their popularity, Chanels changed their name to Rats & Star.

These days, it’s not unusual for comedians to change their stage names and become more popular, but back then it felt groundbreaking.

Their memorable first single under the new name was Mekumi no Hito.

People today might be more familiar with Kumi Koda’s cover version.

As long as you can nail the signature pose—the “Me!”—you can pretty much move however you like.

It’s a high-energy track that makes you want to move your body while reminiscing about the old days.

A Member of the Fire BrigadeRattsu & Sutā (Suzuki Masayuki)5rank/position

Masayuki Suzuki “Megumi no Hito” - Masayuki Suzuki Taste of Martini Tour 2016 Step 1.2.3 ~ Dolce Lovers ~

Rats & Star, who also performed at the 2022 Fuji Rock Festival, continue to broaden their activities to this day.

Debuting in 1975 as Chanels, they played a key role in bringing Black music such as soul and doo-wop into living rooms across Japan, and “Me Gumi no Hito” was released in 1983.

Kumi Koda covered the song in 2010, and a sped-up version went viral on TikTok in 2018, drawing attention from younger audiences as well.

Their deep, resonant, and suave chorus has only grown more refined with time, evolving into an even richer masterpiece.

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hiyori

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Physical tonightRATS&STAR6rank/position

Tonight Is Physical / Rats & Star

It’s a track distinguished by its bold lyrics.

Released by Rats & Star in December 1983, the song drew attention for its provocative theme centered on same-sex love.

Rooted in R&B, it features a vibrant, rhythmic groove that reflects the trends of the time while blending in a distinctive sound.

It achieved commercial success, reaching No.

35 on the Oricon Singles Chart and selling around 47,000 copies.

Born amid the disco boom of the ’80s, this song is perfect for anyone looking to light up the dance floor.

If I can see you in my dreamsSuzuki Masayuki (Rattsu & Sutā)7rank/position

If We Meet in a Dream — Masayuki Suzuki

This is a legendary masterpiece that has been used in many ways up to the present, including as the theme song for a Fuji TV–hosted event and as the departure melody on trains.

Its sweet, beautiful melody resonates deeply when you listen to it.

It’s popular not only among people in their forties and older, but also among younger listeners these days.

Be sure to pay attention to the harmony parts as well.