Koichi Sugiyama’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

At the risk of one’s lifesugiyama kouichi71rank/position

[1-Hour Endurance] Risking Life and Death — from Dragon Quest II

The background music used during the final battle with the last boss, Hargon’s master, Malroth (Sidoh), in Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line, released for the Family Computer in 1987.

Its heavy melody, with a resonant low end that lingers in your ears, fits the last boss battle perfectly.

In the later Super Famicom remake, it was given a slight arrangement that further enhanced its sense of weight and grandeur.

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utatane

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The decisive battlesugiyama kouichi72rank/position

Dragon Quest BGM: The Time of Decisive Battle (Symphonic Version)

The BGM used in the final battle against the fallen angel Elgiyos in Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, released in July 2009.

I think it’s a piece that really conveys the grandeur of a boss battle.

There’s also a story that when Koichi Sugiyama brought a composition he’d created after expanding on the image of the final boss, he was told, “We’ve changed the boss’s character,” and had to rewrite the piece.

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Memory of the Seasugiyama kouichi73rank/position

Dragon Quest VIII: Sea Memories — 5-Hour Endurance

A bittersweet yet magnificent orchestral sound, evocative of the boundless ocean and the timeless tales that slumber within it, resonates in the heart.

This piece is one of the background tracks from the game Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, released in November 2004.

The delicate timbre of the harp captures the sparkle on the water’s surface, while the rich strings portray the ocean’s depths, instantly drawing listeners into the world of the story.

If you’ve played the game, vivid scenes will surely rise in your mind, moving you all over again.

Gavotte of the Royal Palacesugiyama kouichi74rank/position

[Symphonic Suite] DQ VIII: Majesty of the Castle ~ Royal Palace Gavotte

The BGM that plays in the castle in Dragon Quest VIII.

Its relaxed, elegant tone perfectly matches the image of a castle.

There are only four castles in Dragon Quest VIII, so there aren’t many opportunities to hear it, but I think it’s a track that really leaves an impression.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Wedding Waltzsugiyama kouichi75rank/position

Symphonic Suite “Dragon Quest V” The Bride of Heaven: “Wedding Waltz” Dragon Quest V performance by BRASS EXCEED TOKYO

Koichi Sugiyama, a melody maker Japan is proud of.

Among the pieces he composed for the RPG Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride, this work has remained especially beloved as an exquisitely graceful waltz.

In the game, it colors the marriage scene—a major life choice—stirring the hearts of many players.

The melody was originally written for the musical Cinderella, which gives it a narrative, romantic resonance that’s deeply appealing.

It’s also very popular as BGM for real weddings and receptions, so why not choose it to celebrate a joyous new beginning?

Open a path through bloodsugiyama kouichi76rank/position

[3DS] Dragon Quest VII - Clear a Bloody Path -

This is the BGM that plays during battle scenes in Dragon Quest VII: Warriors of Eden.

Many battle themes are heart-pounding, and this one is no exception—it conveys the rising intensity of combat.

Dragon Quest VII was released for PlayStation in 2000, for Nintendo 3DS in 2013, and also has Android and iOS smartphone versions.

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A moment in the citysugiyama kouichi77rank/position

A Moment in Town — Dragon Quest IV, Symphonic Suite ver.

The piece used as the music for towns—where you prepare for adventures or take a rest to recover your strength—is “A Moment in a Town.” Many different town themes have been created throughout the series, and this one is the BGM that plays in Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen.

Its warm melody evokes scenes of peacefully passing the time, leaving a strong impression.

It’s the kind of track that gently welcomes weary warriors after battling powerful monsters.

Versions range widely, from the retro sounds used in the original Famicom game to lavish orchestral arrangements.

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mutō

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