Mariya Takeuchi’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Lovely holidayTakeuchi Mariya51rank/position

This is the song you hear every year as Christmas approaches, known as the Christmas commercial song for Kentucky Fried Chicken.

It portrays a warm, at-home family Christmas scene, so it’s recommended for children.

It’s also played in KFC stores during the Christmas season.

Days of LoveTakeuchi Mariya52rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Days of Love [Full ver] (Official Music Video)

A mid-tempo love song that delighted many fans, created in collaboration with her husband Tatsuro Yamashita for the first time in about 43 years.

Included on the album “Precious Days,” released in October 2024, the track was chosen as the commercial song for the bedding brand airweave, featuring Mao Asada.

Its soothing melody and Mariya Takeuchi’s tender, all-embracing vocals bring gentle color to the days of love.

It invites us to reaffirm the preciousness of the time spent together and the happiness that resides in life’s quiet, everyday moments.

Perfect as background music for a drive with someone special or to unwind at the end of the day.

Listening to this song may even draw out the words of gratitude that are usually too shy to say aloud.

NatalieTakeuchi Mariya53rank/position

Natalie

A mid-tempo pop tune that sings the story of a woman who came to the big city to chase her dreams.

Its urban atmosphere, carried by shimmering synths and English lyrics, leaves a strong impression.

Released as a single in December 1981, the song is also included on the album “Portrait.” Many may remember the artist herself appearing in the Kao “Liese” commercial that featured this track.

It’s a song that stirs the heart, blending hope with a touch of loneliness, and reminds you of the time you began a new challenge.

Perfect for a drive, too!

Lovely HolidayTakeuchi Mariya54rank/position

Sutekina Holiday

When it comes to Kentucky Fried Chicken, many people probably remember eating it at Christmas.

This commercial portrays how KFC’s fried chicken—loved as a classic Christmas menu item for forty years—has watched over the male protagonist.

It shows the boy growing into a man and the memories at each stage of his life, and many viewers may feel their hearts swell with, “I’ve been there too!”

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Hane Keisuke

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Twilight DiaryTakeuchi Mariya55rank/position

[Karaoke] Twilight Diary / Mariya Takeuchi

Mariya Takeuchi’s 40th single, and the theme song for the drama “Otomesan.” It was reportedly written in response to an ardent request from the screenwriter.

Now in her fifties, her talent shines brilliantly as she effortlessly puts into lyrics the psychology of women of the same generation.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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Everyone is alone.Takeuchi Mariya56rank/position

Everyone Is Alone (Subtitled Version)

In November 2006, a song provided to Takako Matsu.

In 2007, it was self-covered on the album “Denim.” The song centers on the theme of kindness and warmth that arise precisely from loneliness, and both the original and the self-cover have a refreshing feel.

Apple Papple PrincessTakeuchi Mariya57rank/position

Apple Papple Princess

Among Mariya Takeuchi’s songs, this techno kayō-style track stands out as particularly unique.

Released as a single in December 1981, it marked a milestone for Takeuchi just before she paused her career due to marriage and childbirth.

Broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” the song bursts with rhythmic, spell-like wordplay! You can almost picture a pajama-clad princess dozing and dashing through a world of dreams.

It’s surprising, isn’t it, that the composition was by Kunihiko Kase, the arrangement by Kenji Omura, and the chorus featured Taeko Onuki and EPO.

It’s the perfect song when you want to experience a charming appeal that’s a little different from her usual city pop.

Aloha-Style Love ManualTakeuchi Mariya58rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Aloha-Style Love Guide (Official Music Video)

It feels as if your heart gently unravels to a tender guide to love, sung over a breezy sound that makes you feel the trade winds of Hawaii.

Everyone has moments in love when they worry, lose confidence, or don’t know what to do, right? This song stays close to those feelings and gives you a push, telling you it’s okay to be yourself.

Delivered in Mariya Takeuchi’s warm voice, its message—to find happiness by walking your own path—soaks into the heart.

Released in June 2014, some may remember it as the theme song for the film “My Hawaiian Discovery.” The masterpiece “TRAD,” on which it was later included, won the Best Album Award at the 56th Japan Record Awards.

Why not give it a listen when you’re feeling a little worn out from love?

Synchronicity (a lovely coincidence)Takeuchi Mariya59rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Synchronicity (A Lovely Coincidence) (Official Music Video)

Have you ever felt your heart flutter at those miraculous little coincidences—like realizing you and someone special were thinking the same thing, or that your eyes landed on the very same object at the very same moment? This song is a heartwarming track that sets the fateful synchronicity of lovers to an easygoing country rock sound.

Released in September 2006 as part of a double A-side single, it also became well loved as the song for Meiji Seika’s “Almond Chocolate” commercial.

It’s included on the album Denim as well.

Anyone in love will surely relate to that feeling of “Maybe this is fate” sparked by the small coincidences that happen between two people.

It’s also a great listen when you want to reaffirm your bond with your partner.

Slow LoveTakeuchi Mariya60rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Slow Love (Official Music Video)

A song that reminds those of us who tend to push ourselves too hard of the importance of pausing for a moment.

Unusually for Mariya Takeuchi, it’s told from a male perspective, portraying the tender love of someone who gently watches over a busy partner.

The lyrics make us notice the happiness that’s right beside us yet easy to overlook, slowly soaking into the heart.

Released in December 2006, the track was created as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “Yakusha Damashii!” The warm arrangement by her partner Tatsuro Yamashita is another draw, softly soothing hearts tired from the bustle of daily life.

Why not listen to it when you want to reevaluate your relationship with someone important?