Koichi Sugiyama’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

This road, my journey.sugiyama kouichi36rank/position

Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest II: 'This Road, My Journey' — BRASS EXCEED TOKYO

Dragon Quest II: Gods of the Evil Spirits, the second installment in the Dragon Quest series released in 1987, captivated children of the time.

The ending theme of this game is the song “Kono Michi Waga Tabi” (“This Road, My Journey”).

Composed by Koichi Sugiyama, who is responsible for the music of the Dragon Quest series, it’s a piece that evokes a sense of grandeur and depth you wouldn’t expect from video game music.

It’s a symphonic work perfectly suited to a game’s ending, bringing past gameplay memories beautifully back to life, while delivering a refreshing sense of fulfillment.

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utatane

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Ole! Silvia!sugiyama kouichi37rank/position

[15-Minute Endurance] Ole! Silvia! - Dragon Quest XI (BGM)

This is the theme BGM for Sylvando, the traveling entertainer who joins your party in Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age.

Led brilliantly by a sparkling trumpet, the piece has the feel of a cheerful parade.

Listening to it vividly brings to mind Sylvando’s personality—always bright and eager to delight everyone around him.

The album “Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age,” released in January 2018, includes an orchestral performance that adds an extra layer of elegance to the lively in-game arrangement.

Perfect for lifting your spirits!

Grade Equus Marchsugiyama kouichi38rank/position

Grade Equus March (Tokyo and Nakayama G1 Main Track Entry Theme)

In 1987, this piece, “Grade Equus March,” was used for GI-level races in eastern Japan.

Composed by Koichi Sugiyama, it captivates with a grand, powerful style in the tradition of classic marches.

As the great racehorses entered to this music, it must have significantly heightened the atmosphere at the racetrack.

Since it was used for the highest-ranked races, many people likely recall those events the moment they hear this piece.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Dragon Quest V “Wedding Waltz”sugiyama kouichi39rank/position

Bridal Waltz Piano Duet (Bridal Waltz from Dragon Quest V, four hands)

The nationally popular game Dragon Quest, which invites players on a hero’s adventure, features the “Wedding Waltz,” now arranged for piano four hands.

Supervised by composer Koichi Sugiyama, it is included in the piano collection Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride.

The piece plays during a pivotal scene in the game and leaves a strong impression on those who have played it.

It’s no exaggeration to say this piece represents Dragon Quest V.

Stylistically, it’s a typical Viennese waltz of the 19th century, giving it a very classical feel.

It’s a brilliant, fully realized composition that could easily be mistaken for standard classical repertoire if one didn’t know the game, and it would fit naturally in a piano recital.

It’s best performed with a bright, bridal image in mind.

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sai-kisaragi

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From Dragon Quest: “Overture March”sugiyama kouichi40rank/position

Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest I Overture - BRASS EXCEED TOKYO

Composed by Koichi Sugiyama, this piece opens with a grand, fanfare-like resonance that heralds the beginning of an adventure.

Performed by an orchestra, it incorporates elements of classical music while brilliantly capturing the game’s worldview.

Since its debut in 1986, it has been beloved as a symbol of the Dragon Quest series and is highly regarded as a work that expanded the possibilities of video game music.

The piece’s tone instills anticipation and courage for a new journey, evoking the feeling of a majestic tale about to unfold.

From Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride onward, the fanfare is played by trumpets, and the overture’s melody is well-suited as a trumpet practice piece.

It’s approachable even for beginners, so why not give it a try?

Melody of the Bladesugiyama kouichi41rank/position

Dragon Quest X: Blade's Melody [DQX BGM]

This is a piece known as the regular battle theme from Dragon Quest X: The Five Awakened Races Online.

Beginning with a vivid fanfare from the brass section, it stirs the fighting spirit of countless players as they face the foes they encounter.

Interestingly, there’s an anecdote that the striking introduction was extended by one measure during development to match the interval before battles begin—evidence of the game’s meticulous craftsmanship.

It’s a rousing track, perfect for recalling days of adventure or finding the courage to confront the challenges before you.

with all one’s mightsugiyama kouichi42rank/position

[DQX BGM] Regular Boss Battle: “With All My Might”

This is the BGM used in boss battles from Dragon Quest X: Awakening of the Five Tribes Online, released in 2012.

As the title suggests, it is an online game with a monthly subscription, and many users have played it for a long time.

The Wii U version was released in March 2013, the Windows version in September 2013, and later PlayStation and Switch versions were also released.

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