![The Drifters’ Popular Songs Ranking [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zJM6h5fb75k/hqdefault.jpg)
The Drifters’ Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
When The Beatles came to Japan, they appeared as the opening act and caused a huge stir, but in fact, The Drifters originally started out as a band.
People tend to associate them strongly with comedy, but if you’d like to see them performing as a band, be sure to look up some videos you like.
This time, based on feedback sent to our site from Beatles fans, we researched their most acclaimed songs and selected the most popular tracks in a ranking format.
We think everyone—from beginners to die-hard fans—will enjoy this.
Now, please take a look!
The Drifters’ Popular Song Rankings [2026] (1–10)
Drifters’ Zundoko BushiZa Dorifutāzu1rank/position
This song, which can be considered one of The Drifters’ signature numbers, captivates with lyrics that humorously depict youthful romance.
From bittersweet memories of student days to office romances after entering the working world, various love episodes unfold over a rhythmic groove.
Released in 1969, the song has remained a long-selling favorite cherished by many.
Frequently performed on television and at live shows, it continues to offer fresh appeal each time.
It’s a recommended track for anyone wanting to relive nostalgic youth or lift their spirits.
Sing it together with older listeners, and it’s sure to spark lively reminiscences.
What a nice bath.Za Dorifutāzu2rank/position
A humorous song that portrays hot springs and the Japanese spirit, the kind everyone wants to sing along to.
Originally a local tune from Gunma Prefecture, it was reinvented by The Drifters into an arrangement that tours famous hot springs across Japan and was released as the B-side of their 1968 single “Zukkoke-chan.” Its distinctive calls and lively rhythm lift your spirits just by listening.
It became the theme song for the 1969 film “Ii Yu da na Zen’in Shugo!!” and was later beloved for many years as the ending theme of “Hachiji da yo! Zen’in Shugo” and “Dorifu Daibakushō.” It’s perfect for a cold winter’s day, adding playful interjections while picturing scenes of a hot spring.
Drifters’ tongue twistersZa Dorifutāzu3rank/position
This is a fresh, humorous piece that fires off classic Japanese tongue twisters one after another over a funky groove.
Released in June 1981, the song is a comic number with lyrics by Chosuke Ikariya and music by Akihiko Takashima.
From “nama mugi, nama gome, nama tamago” to “tonari no takegaki take tatekaketa,” familiar tongue twisters are delivered with each Drifters member’s uniquely expressive voice and performance.
The inventive arrangement, which incorporates Wilson Pickett–style rhythms, also shines.
Included on the album “Drif no Hayakuchi Kotoba,” it was performed in the “Shonen Shojo Gasshodai” segment of TBS’s “Hachiji da yo! Zen’in Shugo.” It’s a purely fun track that makes you want to sing and play along with friends during school breaks.
Notteru Ondo (full ver.)Za Dorifutāzu4rank/position
“Notteru Ondo,” which is based on the Akita Ondo.
The basic melody is the same, and only the lyrics have been changed—kind of like a parody song.
It’s very Drifters-like, with a strong parody vibe, and the lyrics are pretty funny.
I didn’t know a song like this existed—what a neat discovery!
Thank you so, so much for your hard work.Za Dorifutāzu5rank/position
Among the Drifters’ songs, this one has catchy wordplay and phrases with a brisk tempo, making it a popular track.
Many of the Drifters’ songs are arrangements of existing tunes, and perhaps they were just very good at arranging.
They were quite fond of military songs, and it’s not widely known that they have many tracks related to that genre.
Even Dorifu Daibakushō is a parody of a military song.
Drif’s Wonder Dog (Living on a Farm)Za Dorifutāzu6rank/position
A quirky song in which a dog’s barking becomes music and performs alongside rock.
It became a hot topic around 1981 after originating from the TV show “It’s 8 O’Clock! Everyone Assemble,” but there was an original song titled “Living On A Farm (Wonder Dog).”
Drifters’ Vibanon OndoZa Dorifutāzu7rank/position
‘Drifters’ Vivanon Ondo’ is a song created as a parody of The Drifters’ signature hit ‘Ii Yu da na.’ It features a rhythmic, catchy melody and comical lyrics full of laughter.
Centered on the joy of everyday life and the importance of smiles, the song was released as a single in June 1973 and was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s program ‘It’s 8 O’Clock! All Gather!’ It continued to be used on Fuji TV’s ‘Drift Dai Bakushō’ until 2003, remaining beloved across generations.
The Drifters’ humor and the tune’s familiar, easy-to-enjoy melody make it a perfect song for occasions like summer festivals, where it brings smiles to people’s faces.