Koichi Sugiyama’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Overture from Dragon Quest I for Wind BandSakkyoku: Sugiyama Kouichi / Henkyoku: Majima Toshio8rank/position

From Dragon Quest I for Wind Ensemble: Overture | Koichi Sugiyama, arr. Toshio Mashima | Dragon Quest Overture March

An opening piece that begins with a heroic fanfare, inviting listeners into a world of grand adventure.

Koichi Sugiyama’s brilliant melodies blend seamlessly with Toshio Mashima’s wind band arrangement, with brass and percussion sonorities further enhancing the work’s appeal.

Since its debut in 1986 as the iconic theme of a popular game series, it has been performed widely by school bands and professional ensembles alike, becoming a staple of the wind band repertoire.

This work is a perfect fit for those who excel at powerful performances, offering a captivating piece that showcases the full exhilaration of wind band music.

Gypsy Dancesugiyama kouichi9rank/position

[1-Hour Endurance] Gypsy Dance from Dragon Quest IV

It’s one of the battle themes used in Dragon Quest IV.

As the title suggests, it has a gypsy-inspired atmosphere, but rather than just skimming the surface, Koichi Sugiyama said he “studied it thoroughly and composed it.” It’s a well-crafted piece that conveys a strong sense of folk music influences.

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Hane Keisuke

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Dragon Quest V “Overture”sugiyama kouichi10rank/position

[High-Quality Audio] Dragon Quest V "Overture" / Piano Duet / Tokyo 2020 Olympics Opening Ceremony Parade Entrance Theme

While searching for a piano duet piece for a recital, game music is also an option.

The “Overture” from the beloved national hit series Dragon Quest captivates audiences from its opening fanfare and is performed throughout the franchise.

Included in the piano collection “Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride,” supervised by Koichi Sugiyama, it can be performed with a level of fidelity that closely recreates the game’s original sound when using that score.

Frequently arranged for orchestra, the piece has a distinctly classical resonance, and its brilliant, grand melody will surely invite listeners into a hero’s adventure.

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sai-kisaragi

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To the wide worldsugiyama kouichi11rank/position

[15-Minute Endurance] To the Vast World - Dragon Quest VIII (BGM)

The background music that plays when you walk across the vast, fully explorable 360-degree field in Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is one of the most beloved tracks in the series.

Its quietly opening melody evokes the hero’s very first step into an unknown world.

From there, the layers of sound gradually build, giving you the sensation that the endless horizon and grand scenery are unfolding before your eyes.

Even without lyrics, it conveys a clear sense of anticipation for the adventure to come.

Koichi Sugiyama himself reportedly called it “one of my best works,” which further speaks to the game’s high level of polish.

In Search of Lost Timesugiyama kouichi12rank/position

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

This is the ending theme that is deeply etched in the hearts of players who saw the story of Dragon Quest XI through to the very end.

As a work that could be called the culmination of the series, it is sprinkled throughout with nostalgic melodies from past entries.

It is also included on the album Symphonic Suite “Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age,” released in January 2018, where the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra’s magnificent performance brilliantly adorned the finale of a long-running adventure.

Please take your time and savor the lingering afterglow of this grand tale!

And then, into legendsugiyama kouichi13rank/position

And then, into legend

Among the Dragon Quest series, the third installment, Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation, is often hailed as both highly popular and a masterpiece.

Its subtitle theme, “Into the Legend,” is a piece many people may have heard even if they aren’t familiar with Dragon Quest.

When talking about the signature works of Koichi Sugiyama—renowned as both a composer of numerous pieces and a conductor—the Dragon Quest series is indispensable, and this track in particular cannot be overlooked.

It’s also well known for being used as the live show intro (SE) by the three-piece rock band 10-FEET.

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utatane

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Across the open plainsugiyama kouichi14rank/position

[1-Hour Endurance] Into the Vast Plains - from Dragon Quest

The field BGM used in the very first entry of the Dragon Quest series, released in 1986.

I think it beautifully conveys the loneliness and solitude of venturing alone across a vast land.

It’s no exaggeration to say this piece represents the musical origin of Koichi Sugiyama’s work for Dragon Quest.

It’s a familiar classic, appearing in other entries in the series and sometimes in partially arranged forms.

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utatane

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