Shinji Tanimura’s Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Shinji Tanimura, also known as the leader of Alice, was an exceptional singer-songwriter renowned for his outstanding vocal ability and songwriting.
Many of the songs he wrote for other artists also became hits.
We’ve compiled a ranking of his popular songs.
- Alice's Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Ranking of Beloved Hit Songs Among Women [2026]
- Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Ali's Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Yuzo Kayama’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Teens] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
- Masashi Sada Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- Yoshimi Tendo Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- Masatoshi Nakamura Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Keisuke Kuwata’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Popular Love Songs & Romance Tracks Ranking [2026]
Shinji Tanimura Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)
SubaruTanimura Shinji11rank/position
Shinji Tanimura’s classic song “Subaru.” Not only is it beloved in Japan, it’s also popular across Asia, especially in China.
When it was first released in 1980, its positions on the Oricon charts weren’t particularly high.
However, after being featured in a commercial for “Super Nikka,” it steadily climbed the rankings and ultimately sold over 600,000 records.
If you sing this song at gatherings with an older crowd, it’s sure to be a hit.
Final flightTanimura Shinji12rank/position
The song “Saishū Flight” (Final Flight) was the last track on Shinji Tanimura’s 1992 album “Santo Monogatari.” The album also includes tie-in songs such as the title track “Santo Monogatari,” used as the JR West image song, and “Kokoro Zensen,” the opening theme for TV Asahi’s “Sasowarete Futari Tabi.” It’s a love ballad filled with the longing to see you—even if it means catching the last flight—and it’s a piece that showcases the full charm of Shinji Tanimura.
Shapes of Courage: To You, Who Changed MeTanimura Shinji, Kayama Yuzo13rank/position
When it comes to the duo of Shinji Tanimura and Yuzo Kayama, most people think of Sarai, but does anyone remember this song that was used as the new theme for the 24-Hour Television broadcast in 2007? Since it wasn’t used from 2008 onward, it occupies a somewhat modest place in their catalog.
Incidentally, Tackey & Tsubasa, who served as the main hosts of the 2007 24-Hour Television broadcast, also took part in the recorded version.
Good Day, Departure (Cover)Tanimura Shinji, Nakama Yukie14rank/position
It’s a JR West commercial song made memorable by a duet cover from Shinji Tanimura and Yukie Nakama.
This piece is a classic that has long been used as a staple JR song, featuring beautiful harmonies set against snowy scenery.
In the commercial aired in February 2012, heartwarming vocals play alongside visuals brimming with the charms of western Japan.
It’s a song we’d love people to hear when setting off on a journey or beginning something new.
It might also be the perfect track while planning a winter trip.
12th Street CarolTanimura Shinji15rank/position
The word “carol” might not be very familiar in Japan, but it refers to hymns sung on Christmas Eve.
Shinji Tanimura’s “12th Avenue Carol,” released in 1985, is also one of the popular Christmas songs from the 1980s.
Its poignant lyrics about parting and its melancholy melody make it a perfect song for spending Christmas alone.
22 years oldTanimura Shinji16rank/position
When it comes to a woman at twenty-two, it might not be an exaggeration to say she is at her most beautiful.
Of course, at eighteen or nineteen she may surpass in outward beauty, but by twenty-two the heart has matured considerably, making it an age when one can experience adult love.
This song beautifully yet poignantly sings of the shifting emotions of a twenty-two-year-old woman.
It conveys the feeling that while falling in love is wonderful, at the same time one wonders why it can be so sorrowful.
The Tale of Three CapitalsTanimura Shinji17rank/position
This is Shinji Tanimura’s 28th single, released in June 1992.
It was created as the image song for JR West’s tourism promotion campaign “Santo Monogatari,” which encouraged travel to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe.
The song has a refined, mature mood throughout, resulting in a gently emotive piece.
The vocal melody doesn’t require a particularly wide range, and especially in the A–B sections, a resonant low voice is important.
I think this makes it a great opportunity for lower-voiced men to showcase the appeal of their tone.
Practice to create a clear contrast with the chorus, where the range rises slightly.
In the A–B sections, try to place the sound toward the lower jaw inside your mouth and resonate firmly in the chest cavity; in the chorus, aim your voice toward the area behind the upper molars.
This should help you achieve that contrast, so please give it a try.
GraduationTanimura Shinji18rank/position
Shinji Tanimura’s signature song “Sotsugyo” (Graduation) is a masterpiece that moved many listeners among the graduation songs released in the 1980s.
Its gentle melody and lyrics that weave bittersweet memories seep into the heart.
As you listen and picture the familiar scenes of your school days, immersing yourself in those sweet-and-sour moments, the poignancy and restlessness of youth come flooding back.
It’s a song that celebrates graduates embarking on a new path while renewing our gratitude for days gone by.
Tanimura’s warm vocals gently soothe the sadness of parting.
Beyond the cloudsTanimura Shinji19rank/position
The song by Shinji Tanimura, woven from 825 messages of thoughts for Fukushima, warmly embraces the hearts of the people striving for recovery after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Through natural motifs like the sky and clouds, the hopes of those seeking to overcome hardship and their wishes for renewal are sung over Tanimura’s uniquely grand yet delicate melodic lines.
Released in March 2017 as part of the Challenge Fukushima Project, this work also became well-loved as the 11th installment of Fukushima Prefecture’s documentary animation series “Letters to the Future.” It is a song that stands beside all who hold their hometowns dear, and those who, even while facing adversity, choose to keep moving forward—offering steadfast support to the heart.
Hokuriku Romance ~Premium Duet Version~Tanimura Shinji/Nakama Yukie20rank/position
Although it’s a 2015 song, its arrangement and melody sit squarely in the heart of classic Showa-era pop, and the lyrics evoke a sense of travel.
Hokuriku Roman is the 56th single by Shinji Tanimura, who rose to fame as a member of the music group Alice and has remained a beloved national singer-songwriter throughout his solo career.
It was written specifically as a theme song for a JR West commercial, and when it was released on CD, a “Premium Duet Version” was issued featuring a duet with Yukie Nakama, who actually appeared in the commercial.
Tanimura’s hallmark blend of mature allure, gravitas, and dandyism contrasts beautifully with Nakama’s clear, luminous vocals.
It’s not the easiest time to travel casually these days, but listening to this song will surely make you want to set off for Hokuriku.