Koichi Sugiyama’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Dragon Quest Overturesugiyama kouichi57rank/position

Dragon Quest Overture - by Koichi Sugiyama

This is a promotional commercial for Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, a remake of the game Dragon Quest VII released in 2000.

Adorable characters rendered in doll-like 3D CG make an appearance.

By showing actual gameplay footage, the spot conveys the game’s appeal to the fullest.

The familiar Dragon Quest Overture is used as the BGM, and its catchy yet heroic melody stirs the spirit of adventure.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Paddock Marchsugiyama kouichi58rank/position

Paddock March

From 1987 to 2007, for 20 years, the Kanto region’s special races were heralded by the much-loved entrance theme “Paddock March.” With this piece playing in the background as the racehorses appeared and the announcements chimed in, the scene surely heightened the anticipation for the races to come.

Composed by Koichi Sugiyama of the Dragon Quest series, it’s a grand march that unmistakably bears his signature touch.

Its dynamic contrasts are part of the appeal, and the moments when the sound swells and intensifies are truly exhilarating!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

Lotto Themesugiyama kouichi59rank/position

Dragon Quest: March - Loto’s Theme

This is a commercial that introduces Asahi’s series of Jukki Cans and conveys the wish for people to include them in their enjoyable Golden Week moments.

It depicts Banana Man, Junichi Okada, and Riho Yoshioka opening the cans and savoring their taste, which also expresses trust in the flavor.

The music that further emphasizes the start of such fun times is “Loto’s Theme,” well known as the theme song of the Dragon Quest game series.

Drawing on the game’s imagery, the piece strongly evokes the beginning of an adventure, and its grand musical development elevates the sense of excitement.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Fivefold Demon Towersugiyama kouichi60rank/position

[DQ10] Fivefold Demon Tower

This is a piece you can hear in Dragon Quest X.

It’s the BGM that plays in the game’s Japanese-style region, the Eltona Continent, at majestic towers and ancient shrines.

The charm of this track lies in how it expresses the ethereal aesthetic of gagaku using only Western orchestral instruments—for example, rendering the koto with a harp and the hichiriki with an oboe.

It beautifully fuses the tension of exploring the tower interiors with a mysterious atmosphere.

It’s a rare, Japanese-flavored work in the Dragon Quest series—be sure to give it a listen.

From the Symphonic Suite “Dragon Quest VII: Warriors of Eden” — “Magic Carpet”sugiyama kouichi61rank/position

Dragon Quest VII Orchestra - Magic Carpet

This piece showcases the flute’s timbre to enchanting effect.

A buoyant, floating melody depicts an adventure aboard a magic carpet soaring freely through the sky.

Brilliant high-register woodwinds and strings are used effectively, evoking both the grandeur of gazing down upon vast landscapes and a spirited, thrilling sense of adventure.

Included on the 2000 album “Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest VII: Warriors of Eden,” it was performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Characteristic of Koichi Sugiyama, the work incorporates classical elements and is praised for elevating the artistry of video game music.

Recommended for those who want to revel in the flute’s allure or experience a sense of adventure through music.

Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride — “Into the Heat of Battle ~ Confronting the Undying Foe”sugiyama kouichi62rank/position

Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride — From Engaged in Battle to Challenge the Immortal Enemy – BRASS EXCEED TOKYO

One thing that’s hard to leave out of a school cultural festival is a wind ensemble performance of video game music.

Among game music, the soundtrack of the national favorite “Dragon Quest” is truly iconic.

Affectionately known as “DQ,” the series has multiple titles that sold over three million copies, and many students at school have surely played it.

These days even teachers are part of the Dragon Quest generation, so performing it will undoubtedly be a huge hit.

Especially recommended are selections from the Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest V; in particular, “Fighting Spirit ~ Confronting an Immortal Enemy,” which features the regular battle and boss battle themes, delivers the kind of powerful impact only a wind band can provide.

The moment the character of the piece comes through, the audience will recognize it as “Dragon Quest,” and you’ll see plenty of grins during the performance.

There are published wind band arrangements available for purchase, so we’d be delighted if you’d consider adding this to your list of potential pieces.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sai-kisaragi

Report a problem

Companions of the Herosugiyama kouichi63rank/position

DQ4 The Hero's Companions

This is a suite that’s often performed at concerts for the Dragon Quest series.

The six pieces—Interlude, A Warrior Goes Forth Alone, Princess Tomboy’s March, Torneko the Arms Merchant, Gypsy Dance, and Gypsy Journey—are collectively called “The Hero’s Companions.” If you’re familiar with the Dragon Quest series, you’ve probably heard them all, right?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem