Mariya Takeuchi’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya1rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Song of Life (Official Music Video)

This song was created in 2009 as the theme for the NHK drama “Pioneers,” with lyrics written by Mariya Takeuchi under the pen name Miyabi.

“Inochi no Uta,” which includes spoken-style elements, is a ballad designed to be sung expressively without straining the vocal range.

The tempo is a relaxed 136, making it nice to sing each phrase carefully.

In particular, for the A section, if you connect the words smoothly and articulate the final vowel sounds clearly, the storytelling quality becomes stronger and the song improves as a whole.

There is a brief high note before the last chorus, but if you belt it you’ll end up using your throat, so try singing it lightly, almost like humming.

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Kubota Mami

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Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya2rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Cheer Up (Official Music Video)

Released in 1984.

It’s well-known as a song provided to Hiroko Yakushimaru, and Mariya Takeuchi’s own self-cover is also popular.

The overall melody is simple and centered in the mid-range, making it a relatively accessible key for most people to sing.

Since the song starts on the “na” sound, it can be hard to come in casually, so preparing your voice is very important! Hum along from the intro as if you’re already singing, and then, the moment the melody begins, project your voice with a quick burst of energy.

If the opening note comes out cleanly, you can keep singing with that momentum.

In general, singing with stronger accents might suit the mood of the song well.

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Kubota Mami

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Pure Love RhapsodyTakeuchi Mariya3rank/position

Pure Love Rhapsody – Mariya Takeuchi

In today’s music scene, where Japanese city pop is being reevaluated worldwide, renewed attention is being drawn to singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi’s 24th single.

The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Deatta Koro no Kimi de Ite” and as the commercial song for Nissan’s Cefiro, and it is also known as Takeuchi’s biggest hit.

Its arrangement, combining a light, buoyant feel with a comforting sense of float, and its bittersweet lyrics imbued with her own personality, create a more realistic image when sung by an adult woman.

With its stylish, gentle melody that soothes the heart, it’s a number that many men would surely love to hear sung by a woman in her 50s.

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Hoshino Takashi

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camouflageTakeuchi Mariya4rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Camouflage (Official Music Video)

A masterpiece that depicts the aching heart of love, woven by Mariya Takeuchi’s vocals and lyrics.

It carefully traces the emotions from a relationship that’s more than friends but not quite lovers, to the courage to finally express one’s true feelings.

Released in November 1998, it became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “Nemureru Mori” (Sleeping Forest).

This track highlights Takeuchi’s transparent voice and delicate expressiveness.

It’s perfect not only for those troubled by love, but also for those who keep feelings for someone special quietly in their hearts.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side when you want to face the true feelings within your heart.

SeptemberTakeuchi Mariya5rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – September [Live Version / 2000 @ Nippon Budokan]

This is Mariya Takeuchi’s third single, released in August 1979.

While the song has a bright, poppy feel, there’s a certain melancholy to it.

As summer draws to a close, it tells of the bittersweet change of heart as a loved one’s feelings drift away.

In contrast to the light, upbeat sound, the emotions of a woman watching her lover slip away cut right to the heart.

Takeuchi’s gentle, enveloping vocals only serve to highlight the loneliness in the lyrics.

Thanks to this hit, the song won the New Artist Award at the 21st Japan Record Awards and was also included on the acclaimed album “LOVE SONGS.” On a long autumn night, with a slight chill in the air, give it a listen and pay attention to the story-like lyrics as they unfold.

Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya6rank/position

“Suteki na Holiday” by Mariya Takeuchi – Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial song [How to play on piano: absolutely playable even for beginners] Level: ☆☆☆

Included on the 2001 album “Bon Appetit!,” this song was originally written for a Kentucky Fried Chicken Christmas commercial and has continued to brighten winters in Japan for over 20 years as one of Mariya Takeuchi’s signature numbers.

Its bright major-key melody is easy to remember, and the chord progression is simple, making it approachable even for those who have just started playing the piano.

Begin by playing the warm phrases with your right hand, and once you’re comfortable, try adding the left-hand accompaniment.

If you perform while picturing cozy time with family, you’re sure to welcome a heartwarming Christmas.

stationTakeuchi Mariya7rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Station [Live Version / 2000 @ Nippon Budokan]

This song evokes a scene straight out of a film: unexpectedly running into an old lover at the station at twilight.

The protagonist notices him in the familiar raincoat, yet the bitter memories that resurface keep her from speaking.

Many listeners may feel their hearts tighten at the poignancy of fate, as two years have changed them both and sent them down diverging paths.

The song was self-covered on the acclaimed 1987 album “REQUEST,” and released as a single that November.

It also served as the theme for the Shochiku-distributed film “Goodbye Mama.” Another major appeal of this work lies in how its lyrics can be interpreted differently depending on the listener.

Put it on during a night when you want to reminisce about a past love and indulge in a touch of melancholy.