Mariya Takeuchi’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Baby MineTakeuchi Mariya22rank/position

Baby Mine (From “Dumbo”/English Version)

Familiar as the Japanese end song for the live-action Disney film “Dumbo”! Supervised in translation by Mariya Takeuchi herself, this heartwarming ballad resonates deeply.

The song’s universal themes of maternal love and “shining just as you are” are expressed with the gentle nuances of the Japanese language.

Released in March 2019, it is also known for featuring her husband, Tatsuro Yamashita, on backing vocals, whose collaboration further enhances the warmth of the work.

The track was included on the album “Precious Days.” It’s the kind of song that will gently support you when you want to calm your heart on a weary night or spend time thinking of someone dear.

Stop fightingTakeuchi Mariya23rank/position

Originally written by Mariya Takeuchi as the 10th single released by Naoko Kawai, the song came out in September 1982.

In 1987, Takeuchi released her own self-cover.

This self-cover version is included on the 1987 album “REQUEST” and the 2008 album “Expressions.” The song features an extremely catchy, easy-to-hum melody and tempo, and the vocal range used is comfortable for most people, making it manageable even for those who aren’t confident singers.

Because the melody has relatively little dramatic rise and fall, it’s best to maintain a gentle overall feel while avoiding monotony—ideally by understanding and conveying the meaning of the lyrics as you sing.

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Midnight NightingaleTakeuchi Mariya24rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Midnight Nightingale (Official Music Video)

Beginning with birdsong and the gentle strum of a guitar echoing through the night’s silence, this piece is a ballad that blends tenderness with a touch of sorrow.

It conveys both the resolve to stay close to someone precious even in the darkest night and a warmth that seems to envelop loneliness.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Shiroi Kage,” it was released as a single in February 2001.

It is also included on the album “Bon Appetit!,” and shines with the meticulously crafted sound produced and arranged by Tatsuro Yamashita.

Give it a listen when you find yourself longing for someone’s warmth on a sleepless night, or when you want to calm your heart at the end of the day.

Mariya Takeuchi’s rich vocals are sure to gently soothe anxious feelings.

Once moreTakeuchi Mariya25rank/position

Once Again – Mariya Takeuchi

Released in 1984 as the artist’s 10th single, it became well known as the theme song for the hit TV drama “Kurenai-zoku no Hanran.” It was her first single in three years since the previous release.

While she had been active as a lyricist and composer during her marriage and childbirth, this work also marked her return as a singer.

The lyrics, which portray a woman’s delicate emotions, and the easy-to-sing melody are among the charms of Mariya Takeuchi’s music.

It’s no wonder that this song is sung by many people, from karaoke beginners to advanced singers.

Let’s go homeTakeuchi Mariya26rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi “Let’s Go Home (My Sweet Home)”

Released in 1992 as her 21st single, this track was cut from Mariya Takeuchi’s album “Quiet Life,” which came out the same year.

Known for portraying women’s emotions in her lyrics, Takeuchi delivers here an adult love song that conveys not so much “romantic love” as the “love of family” shared by a long-married couple.

The song also features a distinctive West Coast–style band sound, highlighted by Tatsuro Yamashita’s 12-string guitar.

Why not try singing it in a bright, pop style?

Rainy driveTakeuchi Mariya27rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi / Rainy Drive [cover]

This is a masterpiece that resonates deeply, weaving an urban, sophisticated rain sound with jazz piano into a mature love story.

Mariya Takeuchi, often called the queen of city pop, paints an evening drive in the rain.

The lyrics delicately capture the twilight scenery reflected in the car window and the subtle shifts of the heart, gently stirring the listener’s senses.

Featured on the album “Miss M,” released in December 1980, this gem from the Tokyo recording sessions stands out with an evocative piano solo by Nobuyuki Shimizu.

It’s a work of passion, with both lyrics and music by Takeuchi herself.

Perfect for a rainy-day drive date or a quiet night by the window lost in thought.

A heartfelt recommendation for those who savor a lingering adult mood or are interested in Japanese ballads with a jazz-inflected touch.

A quiet legendTakeuchi Mariya28rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Quiet Legend (Official Music Video)

A heartwarming anthem dedicated to everyone who stays true to their beliefs.

It’s a hymn for people who pursue their lives with single-minded devotion, regardless of fame, and it gently stays close to the listener’s own heart.

The story that the inspiration came from being moved by Mao Asada’s performance at the 2014 Sochi Olympics conveys Mariya Takeuchi’s compassionate gaze, wishing to celebrate the smiles that come after overcoming trials.

Released in July 2014, the song was used as the theme for a Fuji TV documentary program and is also included on the album TRAD.

The choral collaboration—reuniting Mariya Takeuchi with Tatsuro Yamashita, Keisuke Kuwata, and Yuko Hara for the first time in 26 years—symbolizes the song’s special warmth.

It’s a perfect track for when you’re striving toward a goal or when you want to quietly honor someone’s efforts.