Sakai Yu’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Storysakaiyuu8rank/position

Yu Sakai – Story

“Story” is a song that candidly sings about overflowing feelings for a loved one.

Singer-songwriter Yu Sakai released it in 2009.

The lyrics portray waiting for a message from someone you like and the moments when your feelings speed up.

The bright piano sound adorned with brass band tones is striking, as if celebrating the beginning of two people’s story.

It’s a song that depicts positive emotions, offering support to those hoping for unrequited love to be fulfilled or those wanting to start a new romance.

Give this pop song a listen—its melody, lyrics, and performance are sure to lift your spirits!

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mutō

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Inokashira Parksakaiyuu9rank/position

Yu Sakai “Inokashira Park”

He plays the electric piano while delivering gentle vocals.

The melody is truly beautiful.

Perhaps his appeal lies in how he exudes a soulful aura yet still conveys a sense of elegance.

I’m so glad that a singer like this exists in our time.

Lonely Genius (So What)sakai yū feat Terrace Martin10rank/position

Loneliness Is Not Always Bad Thing (So What)

Yu Sakai, who delivers authentic black music sounds honed at the source, included “Kodoku no Tensai” (“Genius of Solitude”) on his 2020 album Touch The World.

The song’s intro quotes a phrase from “So What,” the classic by Miles Davis, the jazz trumpeter whom Sakai deeply admires.

The recording features renowned American jazz musicians.

Although the tempo is relaxed, the forward-driving 16-beat groove makes it a very satisfying track.

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Hamada Takuya

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Happy☆BoogieNakanō Yoshie, Sakai Yū, Shuri11rank/position

"Happy☆Boogie" (Yoshie Nakano, Yu Sakai, Shuri) Official Audio

Happy☆Boogie is a collaborative track by Yoshié Nakano, vocalist of EGO-WRAPPIN’, singer-songwriter Yu Sakai, and actor Shuri.

Created as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Boogie Woogie, starring Shuri, the number stands out with its dazzling brass arrangements and ensemble.

The interweaving vocals of the three and the pop melody are enough to lift your spirits just by listening.

It’s a heartwarming pop tune you’ll definitely want to sing as a trio at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Lalalaisakaiyuu12rank/position

Sakai Yu / Lalalai [from TOUR 2012 “How’s it going?”]

Lawson Kochi’s 2015–2016 image song is “Lalalai ~Igossou ver.~” by Sakai Yu, an artist also from Kochi Prefecture.

It was arranged for the commercial to evoke the image of an “igossou,” a Tosa-dialect term meaning a stubborn, strong-spirited man.

Gaze ☆ Daydreamsakaiyuu13rank/position

Yu Sakai / Manazashi☆Daydream

With silky vocals and refined piano melodies, this track stylishly colors your workspace as you work.

Created by singer-songwriter Yu Sakai, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Nodame Cantabile Finale.

Released as a single in February 2010, it was later included on the album Yes!!.

Blending classical elements—including an homage to Bach—with an R&B groove, the sound pairs perfectly with the anime’s music-college setting.

Its depiction of the sweet, bittersweet flutter of first love is sure to gently soothe you in unguarded moments.

It’s a number you’ll want to add to your playlist if you’d like to study or do desk work in a relaxed, café-like mood.

Happy☆Boogiesakaiyuu14rank/position

“Happy☆Boogie” (Yoshie Nakano, Yu Sakai, Shuri) Lyric Video

An irresistible, feel-good boogie with a rhythm that makes your body start moving all on its own.

It served as the theme song for the latter half of 2023’s NHK morning drama series “Boogie Woogie,” brightening up the show’s opening.

Composer Takayuki Hattori wrote this piece as a “Reiwa-era boogie,” inspired by the music of his grandfather, Ryoichi Hattori.

The empowering lyrics, together with the soulful vocals of Yoshie Nakano, Yu Sakai, and lead actress Shuri, blend beautifully.

It’s the perfect track to play on mornings when you want to lift your mood or anytime you need a boost!