Hikaru Utada’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

traveling (Re-Recording)Utada Hikaru71rank/position

“Ayataka meets Hikaru Utada ‘traveling’” Special Movie

It’s a commercial that feels like a slice of everyday life for Oji Suzuka, with Ayataka by his side, built around the theme “Go at your own rhythm.” Ayataka appears not only at mealtimes but also during travel scenes, clearly conveying that you can easily enjoy its authentic umami.

Elevating the atmosphere even further is Hikaru Utada’s “traveling (Re-Recording).” It’s a newly recorded version of the 2001 track “traveling,” included on the 2024 best-of album SCIENCE FICTION.

While preserving the original’s cyber, floating feel, it gives the impression of bringing the rhythm even more to the fore.

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kappamaki

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friendUtada Hikaru72rank/position

Utada Hikaru – Tomodachi (Amigos) (Sub Español)

This song delicately portrays the boundary between friendship and romance.

It is one of the tracks included on the album “Fantôme,” released in September 2016, created through a collaboration between Hikaru Utada and Nariaki Kobukuro.

Characterized by a simple, minimal sound centered on piano and strings, the lyrics reflect Utada’s inner conflict.

It conveys the poignant feeling of harboring emotions beyond friendship while being unable to express them openly.

The artist has explicitly stated that it is about same-sex love.

From Kingdom Hearts: “Hikari (-KINGDOM Tres Orchestra Instrumental Version-)”Utada Hikaru73rank/position

HIKARI (KINGDOM Tres Orchestra Instrumental Version)

This is an orchestral version of the song famous as the theme for the Kingdom Hearts series.

The original lyrics convey a yearning for light, hope, the struggle against darkness, and the will to regain oneself.

The grand orchestral arrangement evokes the game’s moving scenes and resonates deeply with listeners.

Piano, strings, and brass blend beautifully to create a wide, expansive soundscape.

From the middle to the latter half, the snare and other instruments build by repeating the same rhythm in a Boléro-like structure, playing a crucial role in raising the tension through to the finale.

While the original vocal track is wonderful, the orchestral arrangement adds even more impact, elevating it into a majestic masterpiece that recalls the game’s story.

It’s recommended not only for fans of video game music but also for anyone who enjoys sweeping orchestral sound.

sunglassesUtada Hikaru74rank/position

Utada Hikaru – Sunglasses

A singer-songwriter who has maintained unwavering popularity with lyrics and musicality deepened by life experience: Hikaru Utada.

This track, included on her second album Distance—which set a first-week sales record of over three million copies—pairs a funky guitar sound with an emotionally stirring vocal that feels so good.

The mature lyrics, hard to believe were written when she was still a teenager, have a charm that draws many listeners in.

It’s a gem you won’t encounter by listening only to the singles—a soulfully arranged, irresistibly satisfying masterpiece.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Time LimitUtada Hikaru75rank/position

Hikaru Utada – Time Limit

This is a song by Hikaru Utada that poignantly portrays the constraints of time in romance.

Using phrases like “easily bored” and “expiration date,” it expresses the fleeting nature of romantic feelings.

It also drew attention for GLAY’s TAKURO participating under the name Takuro Kubo.

Released in June 2000, it was included as a double A-side with the sixth single, “For You.” It’s recommended not only for those struggling with love, but also for anyone who wants to feel the importance of the “now” in life.

Utada’s soul-stirring vocals and lyrics full of warmth will remind you of the simple yet essential things that truly matter.

Song of CilantroUtada Hikaru76rank/position

“Song of Coriander” (Superorganism Rework)

Cilantro has been attracting attention in recent years.

It’s delicious, but many people find its distinctive smell off-putting.

The song “The Cilantro Song” takes cilantro as its theme.

It isn’t a metaphor for anything—throughout the track, it expresses a straightforward love for cilantro.

Hikaru Utada, who sings it, is said to have come up with the idea because she absolutely loves cilantro.

There’s also a collaboration video with the popular character Daifuku-kun, so be sure to check it out.

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yamamoto

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Tonight is Boogie BackUtada Hikaru77rank/position

Kenji Ozawa featuring Scha Dara Parr – Tonight is Boogie Back (nice vocal)

She spent her childhood in the United States and has been deeply interested in music since then, so many of her original songs have an R&B flavor and a distinctly Western vibe.

This cover is super dope too—the beat and her vocal delivery have a unique, laid-back groove that feels great.

And of course, her vocal prowess goes without saying—she’s absolutely top-notch!

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Hane Keisuke

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An unbelievable “I love you.”Utada Hikaru78rank/position

Uso Mitaina I love you Utada Hikaru

It’s a pretty coolly crafted song, and the quintessentially Utada Hikaru-style title is spot on.

It’s relatively up-tempo, with a strong emphasis on the chorus.

Songs like this, where the chorus repeats multiple times, feel stylish and make you wait, wondering if it’s coming around again.

Utada Hikaru MedleyUtada Hikaru79rank/position

Utada Hikaru Medley

Debuting in 1998 at the age of 15, she drew widespread attention with her mature looks and captivating vocal talent.

Her first album sold over 7.65 million copies in total, and she grew into a remarkably accomplished artist.

This is a medley packed with all of Hikaru Utada’s charms.

BoyhoodUtada Hikaru80rank/position

Hikaru Utada – “Boyhood” (from the DVD ‘The 20s Are Wild!’)

The singer-songwriter who shook Japan’s music scene is Hikaru Utada.

While rooted in R&B, she captivates a wide audience with a unique style that transcends genres such as J-pop and electronica.

Her debut single “Automatic/time will tell,” released in 1998, became a smash hit in no time.

The following year’s masterpiece, “First Love,” holds the astonishing record of about 7.65 million copies sold in Japan.

Critically, her work is also highly acclaimed—for example, her album “Fantôme” won the “Best Album Award” at the Japan Record Awards.

If you’re seeking lyrics and melodies that resonate with the heart, why not give Hikaru Utada’s music a listen?