Koichi Sugiyama’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

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Dragon Quest / Shrine Medley: Dragon Quest – Shrine Theme Medley (Strings)

A medley of the shrine BGM used from Dragon Quest II through Dragon Quest V.

Listening to them side by side like this, you can really tell they’re similar yet each slightly different.

They’re all wonderful, but which ‘shrine’ BGM do you like best?

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Saitō Ayumu

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Godzilla 1989sugiyama kouichi51rank/position

From Godzilla vs. Biollante: “Godzilla 1989”

This is the theme song from the 1989 film Godzilla vs.

Biollante.

It mainly played during the battle scenes between Godzilla and Biollante.

The composition and conducting were by the famed Koichi Sugiyama.

From around the latter half of the piece, the previously calm tempo gradually becomes more intense.

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Dragon Quest Shrinesugiyama kouichi52rank/position

Dragon Quest III “Hokora – Small Shrine” (accordion)

This is the background music that plays during the Shrine scene in the popular game Dragon Quest.

With its fantastical and rich tones that capture the listener’s heart as if by magic, this piece lets you fully savor the appeal of the resonant accordion.

The melody, which invites players on a fantasy journey, seeps so deeply into the heart that you almost forget it’s game music.

While the original is performed by an orchestra, playing it on the accordion seems to heighten the sense of poignancy and melancholy, resulting in music that speaks even more directly to the emotions.

Dragon Quest Battle Themesugiyama kouichi53rank/position

Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest III: Battle Theme ~ BRASS EXCEED TOKYO

This song, the theme of the popular role-playing game Dragon Quest, has become indispensable to high school baseball.

When the brass band plays the Dragon Quest theme, the cheering naturally heats up as if charging into an adventure, and the venue instantly comes alive.

Dragon Quest / Overture ‘Loto’s Theme’sugiyama kouichi54rank/position

[Easy-to-Play Piano Sheet Music] Dragon Quest / Overture “Loto’s Theme” March [Beginner & Intermediate / DQ]

The pieces composed by Koichi Sugiyama, one of Japan’s leading composers, possess a grand worldview that transcends the realm of video game music.

Skillfully incorporating elements of classical music, this work is marked by an impressive, orchestral-style solemn melody.

Since its release in 1986, it has continued to be cherished as a masterpiece that remains in many people’s hearts.

The march-like tune that begins with a heroic fanfare powerfully evokes the start of an adventure.

Its structure heightens anticipation for an epic story, reminiscent of the curtain rising on a grand opera.

Its use at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics is proof that its appeal is recognized internationally.

In recent years, many musicians have performed game music, and this piece is also recommended for beginning pianists for its clarity; despite its simple structure, it allows for a moving performance.

From Dragon Quest I Overture (from the Piano Music Collection “Dragon Quest” I, II, III Official Score Book, supervised by Koichi Sugiyama (Sheet Music))sugiyama kouichi55rank/position

Overture/Dragon Quest I/Symphonic Suite Version/Overture March/DQI [Piano] I-1

Composed as the main theme for the video game Dragon Quest, this piece is notable for its exhilarating melody that evokes the beginning of an adventure.

Characterized by grand orchestration influenced by classical music, it perfectly suits a world that conjures images of medieval knightly tales.

Its widespread recognition and popularity are evident, for example, in its use as an entrance march for national teams at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.

This work is beloved far beyond the realm of video game music.

Supervised by the composer Koichi Sugiyama himself, the official piano book offers an arrangement of moderate difficulty that is ideal for piano performance, making it a brilliant, crowd-pleasing choice even for an elementary school recital.

Dragon Quest V: Overture Marchsugiyama kouichi56rank/position

Dragon Quest V: Overture March

This is the famous Dragon Quest “Overture.” The arrangement differs with each entry in the series, and in the fifth installment, the overture has a particularly strong orchestral feel, resulting in a richly weighty sound.

Its expansive, world-opening tone makes it perfect for signaling the start of the game, and when the opening begins, it heightens your excitement to dive in even more.

It’s truly one of those pieces that deserves to be called the quintessential opening!