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Kyu Sakamoto’s Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Kyu Sakamoto, known as Kyu-chan, who lost his life in the 1985 Japan Airlines crash.
He was a nationally beloved singer who performed many timeless songs still cherished by Japanese people today, such as “Ue o Muite Arukō” (Sukiyaki), “Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o,” and “Ashita ga Aru sa.”
Here is a ranking of Kyu-chan’s popular songs.
Kyu Sakamoto’s Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu1rank/position
When it comes to Japan’s timeless standard numbers, this song sung by Kyu Sakamoto surely comes to mind.
Gently portraying scenes where loneliness and hope intertwine, it depicts the resolve to face forward while holding back sorrow.
Its mellow whistling melody is also captivating, and it offers comfort to the heart in any era.
Released as a single in October 1961, it became a massive hit through numerous tie-ins, including the TV program “Yume de Aimashou,” a 1962 Nikkatsu film, and even the 2011 animated film “From Up on Poppy Hill.” In 1963, it reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts, becoming beloved around the world.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re feeling down or need a gentle push forward.
Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu2rank/position
It’s a ballad whose beautiful yet bittersweet melody sinks into the heart, sung as if offering a modest prayer to the twinkling stars in the night sky.
The lyrics, which believe that any hardship can be overcome as long as the two are together, resonate with the image of a bride and groom who will now join hands and walk through life.
Originally written as a song for a musical premiered in 1960, it was released as a single in May 1963 sung by Kyu Sakamoto.
It won the Composer’s Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards and has been covered and carried on by many artists, including Ken Hirai and Yuzu.
It’s perfect as background music to enhance the magical ambiance of a candle service or to accompany a moving scene expressing gratitude to parents.
Why not let yourself be wrapped in the warm atmosphere exuded by this timeless masterpiece?
There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu3rank/position
This work humorously portrays a young man who has fallen in love with a schoolgirl in a sailor uniform he sees at the station every day, yet can’t quite find the courage to speak to her.
Its optimistic message—that even if you fail, there’s always tomorrow—warms listeners’ hearts.
Sung by Kyu Sakamoto in 1963, the song became a major hit, selling around 800,000 copies, and was later covered by artists such as Ulfuls and Re:Japan.
Its bright major-key melody and catchy chorus are the kind that make you smile the moment they start playing in an intro quiz: “Oh, it’s this one!” Why not hum along together as you reminisce about the tender feelings of youthful love?
Eyes of the heartSakamoto Kyu4rank/position
The ballad by Kyu Sakamoto, released in May 1985 as a B-side, is known as one of the last recordings he completed during his lifetime.
The song centers on themes of gratitude toward someone with whom one has shared many years and a deep love that seeks to perceive what cannot be seen.
Its structure is striking, with a calm tempo that allows the melody to rise and expand broadly.
After its release, a middle school music teacher who heard it on the radio arranged it as a choral piece, and it eventually grew into a standard song sung at graduation ceremonies across the country.
It’s a perfect choice for those who wish to deliver a gentle, piano-accompanied rendition or to express thanks to those who have supported them.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsSakamoto Kyu5rank/position
Its charm lies in the way you can enjoy it by expressing a heartwarming classic through full-body movement.
It’s a song that lets you share the joy of connecting with others along with a simple, familiar melody.
Released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1964, it became one of his signature songs alongside “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”).
Based on an American folk song, Toshito Kimura wrote the Japanese lyrics with wishes for peace and friendship.
A heartwarming experience in the Philippines inspired the creation of this song, and it is said to have spread through activities at the YMCA.
It has been widely used in films and commercials and has long been cherished in educational settings.
Why not enjoy clapping and body movements together with seniors and let the conversation blossom with fond memories?
Goodbye, TearsSakamoto Kyu6rank/position
Kyu Sakamoto’s classic is known for its bright melody and heartwarming lyrics.
Released in May 1965, it was later used as the theme song for the drama “Reaching for the Heavens.” The song portrays a young man’s feelings as he overcomes the sorrow of parting and finds hope in a new love.
It’s a tune that many older listeners will also find familiar.
With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing and perfect for enjoying at karaoke.
It’s a song that brings back fond memories while uplifting your spirits.
Singing it together is sure to give everyone energy.
friendSakamoto Kyu7rank/position
Among the classic songs of the Showa era, this work shines as a piece themed around friendship.
Its warm vocals and lyrics celebrating the beauty of nature resonate deeply.
Released in March 1965, the song was produced as a theme for an organization supporting children with polio.
The lyrics by Eiji “Rokusuke” Ei and the composition by Taku Izumi blend beautifully, while Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle voice further enhances its charm.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to feel the importance of friendship and compassion, or when you wish to find solace in nature.
Why not let Sakamoto’s warm voice envelop you as you think of someone dear to you?
The evening glow skySakamoto Kyu8rank/position
It was the ending theme song of NHK’s puppet drama “New Hakkenden,” which was based on Nansō Satomi Hakkenden.
Featuring Kyu Sakamoto’s storytelling in the style of kōdan, it was an unusual show for a children’s program.
As the heroic drama ends, this gently flowing song conveys a sense of hope for the eight people who will one day meet.
Let’s clap our handsSakamoto Kyu9rank/position
The play song “Te o Tatakimashou,” which you can sing while moving your body—clapping your hands and stomping your feet—would be lovely to perform on the melodica, don’t you think? The version sung by Kyu Sakamoto is based on a Lithuanian folk song.
The lyrics are very simple, so children can learn them quickly and have fun.
It’s perfect for music time at nursery schools and kindergartens.
It’s also often used at folk dance events, so it might be great to showcase at a sports day as well.
If the children sing and play it, it will surely become a wonderful time filled with smiles.
There’s Always Tomorrow: National Pension VersionSakamoto Kyu10rank/position
Let’s try arranging and singing a classic song that people have listened to when they’re tired or about to lose heart! Here are some ideas for the “There’s Always Tomorrow” National Pension version.
“There’s Always Tomorrow” is memorable for the hope it carries toward tomorrow and its message about the importance of not giving up and continuing to strive even after failure.
This time, since it’s a National Pension version, the key point is lyrics that express thoughts and feelings about the National Pension.
People have various feelings about the National Pension, but with lyrics that are positive and uplifting, it seems like it will put you in a cheerful mood.