Koichi Sugiyama’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

The city is alive.sugiyama kouichi15rank/position

[1-hour endurance] The Town Is Alive — from Dragon Quest V

Among the most popular entries in the Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride features a very refreshing piece used in towns across various regions; as the title suggests, it evokes a lively, bustling city.

The melodies of the flute and strings are beautiful, conveying a sense of dynamism.

It is also used in Dragon Quest XI and Dragon Quest Builders.

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utatane

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A Far Journeysugiyama kouichi16rank/position

Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest II: A Distant Journey ~ BRASS EXCEED TOKYO

This is the familiar field theme from Dragon Quest II.

It’s used before all your party members have joined, and even after everyone is together, this track plays again if a party member dies.

Just hearing it conjures up the vast world of Dragon Quest, doesn’t it?

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Saitō Ayumu

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Overture from Dragon Quest Isugiyama kouichi17rank/position

"Overture" from Dragon Quest I / Japan Coast Guard Band

A grand orchestral piece with an irresistibly dignified aura! Composed by Koichi Sugiyama, it opens with a fanfare-like introduction and unfolds in a thrilling way that evokes the exhilaration of embarking on an adventure.

First featured in-game in May 1986, it has since been released in numerous versions.

Its selection as an entrance theme for athletes at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony in July 2021 attests to its timeless appeal.

With its valiant tone and steady 4/4 rhythm perfect for marching, it’s sure to add a touch of splendor to entrance and exit scenes at school sports days and athletic events.

Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest: Overturesugiyama kouichi18rank/position

Japan BGM Philharmonic Orchestra Overture / “Dragon Quest”

A piece that Japan proudly offers to the world, and the theme of the Dragon Quest series—an enduring pinnacle of role-playing games that continues to captivate fans across generations.

For anyone who has played the games, just hearing the opening notes is enough to set your heart racing and bring back memories of countless adventures.

With its richly orchestrated arrangement and hope-filled melody, it’s sure to elevate the mindset of athletes heading into battle.

It’s a number that boosts fighting spirit and motivation while also reminding you to enjoy the competition.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Combat -Life or Death-sugiyama kouichi19rank/position

Dragon Quest IV: The Battle for Glory -Life or Death-

This is the battle theme used outside of Chapter 4 in Dragon Quest IV.

If you’ve played Dragon Quest IV, this is probably the track that comes to mind when you think of the battle music.

From the brisk, urgent-feeling intricacies of the brass to the powerful, heroic lines, its depth of expression leaves a strong impression.

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Hane Keisuke

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face it boldlysugiyama kouichi20rank/position

DQ6 BGM: Bravely Confronting the Foe

Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation boasts immense popularity, even seeing a remake release.

When it comes to memorable characters from this game, Murdaw surely stands out—the green one, you know.

The BGM that heightens the excitement of the battle against him is Daring to Defy.

It’s a tense track that perfectly suits a showdown with a formidable foe.

Incidentally, this piece is also used for the Murdaw battle in Dragon Quest X: Awakening of the Five Tribes.

The track often appears in other titles where Murdaw shows up as well, so be sure to check those out.

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yamamoto

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Endless Worldsugiyama kouichi21rank/position

BGM Dragon Quest II Endless World Orchestra Version Extended

The piece that plays in-game in Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line when you venture out onto the field with your party assembled.

Its grand, dazzling sound evokes the beginning of an adventure with your companions.

Overseas, the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s arrangement also captures the game’s world in an orchestral version.

This track has been used as BGM in many titles, starting with the numbered Dragon Quest series.

Take a moment to listen to its beautiful melody, which conjures up a world that stretches on forever.

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mutō

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