Japanese Rock Music Popularity Rankings [2026]

cherrysupittsu71rank/position

Spitz / Cherry

A song that delicately captures the joys and bittersweet moments of youth was released in April 1996 and continues to be loved across generations.

The magical fusion of Spitz’s gentle melodies and poetic lyrics tenderly embraces a range of feelings—love, parting, and hope for the future.

Included on the album Indigo Chiheisen, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart despite having no tie-in.

Since 2019, it has also been used in NTT East’s commercials, continuing to resonate with many people.

It’s a heartwarming track that stays close to those who carry feelings for someone dear and a faint sense of wistfulness, while holding hope for the future.

The Zero Sense10-FEET72rank/position

10-FEET – The Zero Sense (Ending Theme Song of the Film 'THE FIRST SLAM DUNK')

A rock tune that powerfully conveys the determination to keep pursuing a passion and dream for basketball.

Alongside the emotional melodies delivered by 10-FEET, it carefully depicts the bittersweetness of youth and the spirit of taking on challenges.

The characters portrayed through sports mirror those striving toward their goals, overflowing with a charm that invites deep empathy.

Included on the album “COLLINS,” the song was released in December 2022 as the ending theme for the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” showcasing a new frontier for the band.

When you need the courage to face the obstacles before you, or when you want to keep moving forward without giving up on your dreams, it’s sure to become a powerful anthem of support.

HOWEVERGLAY73rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

One of GLAY’s signature ballads, released in 1997.

The song features a well-crafted structure with clear shifts in tempo and intensity, and unfolds dramatically with the addition of strings.

For a ballad, the beauty of the melody is key, and the chorus of this track is truly beautiful and catchy—so captivating that it lingers in your ears after just one listen.

Combined with lyrics that pledge straightforward, sincere love, it becomes an incredibly moving piece.

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Hane Keisuke

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I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka74rank/position

Special feature clip from the film “Hot Road”: Yutaka Ozaki’s “I LOVE YOU”

Released in 1991 as Yutaka Ozaki’s 11th single, this classic has since been covered by numerous musicians, including Hikaru Utada and Kobukuro.

It’s a ballad with a piano-centered, acoustic sound that strikes a chord, weaving a poignant love story between a young man and woman.

As you listen, it may bring back fragile yet beautiful memories of an awkward youth.

It’s also recommended to immerse yourself in the version now carried on by his son, singer-songwriter Hiroya Ozaki, and experience its unique world.

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hiyori

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STOMPING STEPGOOD 4 NOTHING75rank/position

GOOD4NOTHING「STOMPING STEP」MV

STOMPING STEP, included on the album Kids At Play released by GOOD4NOTHING in September 2015.

It’s such a captivating piece that it pulls you in from the very first moment of the intro.

The song is about living each day to the fullest and never giving up.

It’s a track I want people to hear if they’re searching for their place in this busy world or feeling like they’re about to break.

It will surely give you the courage to look ahead and the energy to get up and dance.

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN76rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

An emotional ballad that gently sings about the importance of compassion and friendship.

Created by BUMP OF CHICKEN’s vocalist Motoo Fujiwara with heartfelt feelings for the manga and anime characters that have been precious to him since childhood, the song conveys the warmth of quietly staying by someone’s side and the joy of being able to do your best for someone else.

It was written as the theme song for the animated film Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings, released in February 2011.

The warm horn section and string arrangements are striking, harmonizing beautifully with the film’s world.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’ve experienced parting from friends or loved ones, or when your heart is full of excitement for new encounters.

swim04 Limited Sazabys77rank/position

04 Limited Sazabys『swim』(Official Music Video)

04 Limited Sazabys’ songs are all catchy, easy on the ears, and guaranteed to hype up the crowd! Their word choice in the lyrics is also excellent—not rap, but the way the words feel as sounds is incredibly pleasing.

Despite their popularity, you don’t see many cover bands performing their songs, right? It’s probably because each part is technically demanding, and above all, the high notes in the vocals are tough to pull off, making it hard to jump in casually.

If you’re confident in your high range, definitely give it a try! If you can sing and play it well, it’ll be undeniably cool.

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Hane Keisuke

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