Naoki Sato Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

TOKYO 2020 Victory CeremonySatō Naoki11rank/position

TOKYO 2020 Victory Ceremony | Full Official Version | SUMMER OLYMPIC TOKYO 2020 +1

This is a piece we heard often during the still-fresh-in-our-memory Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The opening evokes the start of a story, the middle builds weight as layers of sound are added one after another, and the majestic finale surges forward, bringing back memories of that hot, moving summer of 2020.

The composer, Naoki Sato, has scored numerous TV dramas and films, and won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Music for Always: Sunset on Third Street.

With that in mind, it feels like this single track also contains a drama of its own.

If you’re ever unsure, pick this one—it’s a truly recommended track.

Code BlueSatō Naoki12rank/position

[Famous BGM Often Heard on TV] Code Blue — Doctor Helicopter Emergency Lifesaving

“Code Blue” is a medical drama depicting the work of doctor helicopters and the flight doctors who ride them.

It also drew attention for how incredibly cool the lead actor, Tomohisa Yamashita, looked.

And we mustn’t forget the presence of the main theme that heightened the drama’s impact.

The main theme, “Code Blue ~the same spirit~,” is that song used in the opening and in key scenes.

The composer of this main theme is Naoki Sato, who also handled the music for the sequel, the 2nd season, as well as the movie version.

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yamamoto

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Reach for the clear blue skySatō Naoki13rank/position

Reach for the clear blue sky

A grand, beautiful melody that evokes hope for Japan’s future resonates in the heart.

Composed by Naoki Sato, this piece is the theme music for the 2021 NHK Taiga drama “Reach Beyond the Blue Sky” and is included in the album “Taiga Drama ‘Reach Beyond the Blue Sky’ Original Soundtrack I.” The woodwinds depict birdsong, while the strings express the wind and the flow of a brook, and the meticulous sound design is truly moving.

The expansive orchestral sound unfolds like the protagonist’s hope for Japan’s future, stirring the listener’s spirit.

Give it a listen when you want to take a step forward toward the future.

Ryōma-denSatō Naoki feat Risa Jerarudo14rank/position

Ryomaden OST Ryomaden (Naoki Sato feat. Lisa Gerrard)

This is the main theme song from NHK’s Taiga drama “Ryomaden.” It truly feels grand and majestic—just like a great river.

It’s a work by composer Naoki Sato, who has handled music for numerous media such as dramas and anime.

He won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Music for his score for the film “Always: Sunset on Third Street.” He combines synthesizers and orchestra, and is active across a wide range of genres.

Shinsuke Yamanaka is said to have chosen it from several tracks a friend prepared for him, and it’s the kind of piece that seems capable of injecting high energy before a fight.

Waterboys ‘Synchro BOM-BA-YE’Satō Naoki15rank/position

Synchro BOM-BA-YE

It’s as if the surging energy of youth has been turned directly into sound—an irresistibly cool, passionate vibe! It kicks off with the universally familiar 3-3-7 handclap rhythm, then fuses exhilarating synthesizer tones with grand orchestration, making for a truly pulse-pounding track.

Listening to it, you can vividly picture the single-minded drive to charge toward a shared goal with your friends, and the sense of accomplishment that awaits beyond hardship.

Composed by Naoki Sato, it was included on the soundtrack album WATER BOYS, released in August 2003.

As the main theme of the drama Water Boys, it powerfully colored the story.

It’s a classic that’s perfect for bands wanting to deliver an energetic performance that pulls the entire venue in at school festivals or concerts.

Taiga Drama ‘Ryomaden’ Main ThemeSatō Naoki16rank/position

Ryomaden

The overwhelming sound arrangement, like a wall of sound closing in, is so cool! It’s the theme song for the Taiga drama “Ryomaden,” which also made headlines for starring Masaharu Fukuyama.

Just hearing it makes you excited for what’s to come, and its sound is perfect for cavalry battles where strategy and momentum are put to the test.

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Araki Jakkan

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