Koichi Sugiyama’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Heavenly Prayersugiyama kouichi29rank/position

Heavenly Prayer: Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest IX

A sacred piece from Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, released in July 2009, that’s sure to move any fan.

Composed as the BGM for the Celestrians’ realm where players spend much of the early story, it unfolds from a harp prelude into a majestic yet somehow poignant melody.

It seems to carry the tenderness and sorrow of the angels watching over the world, and every listen tightens my chest.

The piece was later used at key moments in Dragon Quest X as well, moving many fans all over again.

In the dappled sunlightsugiyama kouichi30rank/position

Tried playing “In the Dappled Sunlight” from Dragon Quest VI (DQ6)

Among the tracks you hear most often while playing Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation, “In the Town” (Kimorebi no Naka de) stands out.

It’s the music that plays when you step outside after sleeping at home.

While the Dragon Quest series features many grand and tense pieces, this one has a relaxing atmosphere.

It’s even a great choice for an alarm tone.

By the way, this track is also used briefly in other titles.

See if you can find where it appears!

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yamamoto

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Rondo of the Royal Palacesugiyama kouichi31rank/position

Dragon Quest III: And into the Legend – Rondo of the Royal Palace

This is the piece that you first hear in Dragon Quest III, the one playing in the castle.

It’s a quintessential example of the series’ hallmark: stately, refined orchestral music with a rich, weighty sound.

In short, it’s a very cool composition, which is likely why it enjoys high popularity and recognition.

Dragon Kingsugiyama kouichi32rank/position

Dragon Quest BGM: VS Dragonlord

The background music used in the battle against the final boss, the Dragonlord, in the original Dragon Quest for the Family Computer released in 1986.

It’s a superb track with a weighty feel that heightens both fear and excitement.

As a classic, it’s also used in other entries like Dragon Quest IX and X.

It’s essentially the foundation for the series’ final boss themes.

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utatane

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Overture from the Suite “Dragon Quest”sugiyama kouichi33rank/position

Dragon Quest “Overture” [With Sheet Music] 4K – Dragon Quest – Piano Cover – Tried Playing – CANACANA

Despite originating as in-game music, the Suite ‘Dragon Quest’ has been widely performed and acclaimed at wind ensemble, brass band, and orchestral concerts.

Among the orchestral arrangements made by the composer himself, the Overture—which captures the excitement of the beginning of an adventure—is especially popular and is frequently performed at piano recitals.

This piece is recommended not only for middle schoolers who love video games, but also for students who excel more at brilliant, showy playing than delicate expression.

Using orchestral performances as a reference, aim for a grand scale by applying plenty of dynamic contrast in your performance.

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yuri

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Monster Appearssugiyama kouichi34rank/position

Monster Appearance ~ Dragon Quest VI Symphonic Suite ver.

This is a piece first introduced in the 1995 Super Famicom title Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation, used during boss battles.

True to its title, it primarily played in mid-boss encounters featuring monster-like foes.

Among Koichi Sugiyama’s boss themes, its tension-filled dynamics and ebb-and-flow arrangement evoke a strong sense of fear.

In Dragon Quest VI, it served as the BGM for memorable battles against Mudo, Gracos, Durahan, and others.

Rather than a bombastic, explosive tune, it delivers a gripping, palm-sweating intensity that feels exhilarating.

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Murakami Shinpei

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This feeling…sugiyama kouichi35rank/position

These feelings... Dragon Quest VIII

A beautiful melody that seems to give voice to the characters’ unspoken feelings in a pivotal scene from Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King.

It opens with a plaintive harp line, then gradually adds strings and woodwinds to delicately portray subtle shifts in emotion, building to a grand orchestration at the climax.

Even without lyrics, you can sense the complex emotions—deep sorrow, poignancy, and the strong will that lies beneath.

It’s a perfect piece for a quiet night when you want to calm your mind and drift into contemplation.