Japanese Rock Music Popularity Rankings [2026]

Maplesupittsu96rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

If you’re in the mood for a gentle, heart-soothing rock ballad, this song by Spitz is highly recommended.

Released in July 1998, it’s a single from the album “Fake Fur” and is also one of their signature tracks.

Many listeners have surely been moved and found resonance in the lyrics, which portray someone accepting a farewell and moving forward while holding on to their memories.

This masterpiece has been covered by many artists and continues to be cherished for the unique worldview of Masamune Kusano that it conveys.

MPRINCESS PRINCESS97rank/position

Princess Princess “M”

The heartrending ballad that depicts the pain of heartbreak remains a beloved hidden gem among Princess Princess’s fans.

Inspired by drummer Kyoko Tomita’s own experiences, the lyrics leave a strong impression, centering on lingering feelings and sorrow for a past lover.

Released in April 1989 as the B-side to “Diamonds,” it went on to achieve remarkable commercial success, including becoming the first million-selling single CD in history.

It’s a song we highly recommend not only to those who have experienced heartbreak, but to anyone who has ever felt the ache of longing for someone.

FLY AGAINMAN WITH A MISSION98rank/position

MAN WITH A MISSION「FLY AGAIN」 (Official Video)

This is a signature song by MAN WITH A MISSION, whose striking, unconventional visuals featuring wolf heads leave a powerful impression.

It portrays an indomitable spirit that searches for the meaning of life, looks back on the past, and spreads its wings to take flight once more.

Confronting life’s impermanence and harshness, it delivers a strong message about finding one’s own truth, fused with an energetic sound that inspires listeners.

The track was included on their major-label debut album “MAN WITH A MISSION,” released in June 2011, and was chosen as a theme song for tvk’s “Mutoma” and TV Tokyo’s “Goddotan.” When you’ve been knocked down yet still want to look ahead, its straightforward lyrics will stand by you.

It’s a song that makes you want to experience the unity of a massive sing-along at a live show.

FlowerORANGE RANGE99rank/position

ORANGE RANGE – Flowers

Featured as the theme song for the film “Be with You,” this track became a runaway hit.

It’s a song by ORANGE RANGE, a mix-genre rock band from Okinawa, released in 2004 as their eighth single.

The moving worldview that sings of the miracle of meeting the one you love is truly touching.

It might be the perfect song to listen to when you feel like crying.

By the way, the song is divided into high, mid, and low vocal parts, so it’s also recommended for karaoke with multiple singers.

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Monkey MagicGodaigo100rank/position

Monkey Magic / Godiego

“Monkey business” means wrongdoing or mischief.

Words that start with “monkey” generally carry the sense of being second-rate or insignificant.

Does that make “Monkey Magic” a trivial magic trick, then? Be that as it may, doesn’t this song instantly bring to mind the TV drama “Journey to the West”? Many people probably used to imitate Masaaki Sakai’s action scenes as Sun Wukong when they were kids.

Masako Natsume, who played the monk Tripitaka, was stunningly beautiful.

Sung entirely in English, this song’s mechanically tinged intro, reminiscent of progressive rock, made everyone feel the future.