Momoe Yamaguchi’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

The Color of WinterYamaguchi Momoe8rank/position

With Lyrics: Winter Colors – Momoe Yamaguchi

Released in 1974 as Momoe Yamaguchi’s seventh single, it spent six weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon chart, becoming her first single to top the rankings.

With lyrics by Kazuya Senke and music by Shunichi Tokura, the song links restrained emotions—such as permitted shades of lipstick and a pure, modest love—to the chill and colors of winter.

Its progression from a quiet introduction to deepening emotion evokes the bittersweet feelings of young love.

Portraying a pure romance unfolding in the stillness of winter, this classic can be enjoyed alongside memories of one’s hometown and youthful days.

It also makes a wonderful conversation starter for reminiscing with older listeners.

Yokosuka StoryYamaguchi Momoe9rank/position

Momoe Yamaguchi Yokosuka Story

This is the signature song that marked a turning point in Momoe Yamaguchi’s career, leaving a vivid impression as she shed her pure-idol image.

Set in her hometown of Yokosuka, it portrays, over a fusion of rock and kayōkyoku, the bittersweet yet resolute feelings of a woman who decides to part with her lover.

Released in June 1976, the song won the Lyrics Award at the 18th Japan Record Awards.

It was later adopted as the departure melody at Keikyū Yokosuka-Chūō Station, becoming an anthem that symbolizes the city.

For anyone hoping to put past love behind them and face forward, it will surely resonate deeply.

age; the age range typical for adolescence or a particular stage in lifeYamaguchi Momoe10rank/position

Momoe Yamaguchi - Toshigoro

This is the memorable debut single of Momoe Yamaguchi, born from the show “Star Tanjō!” The lyrics were written by Kazuya Senke, with composition and arrangement by Shunichi Tokura.

It was a launch that carried the full weight of expectations as “the big Sony, the big new star.” The refreshing melody that evokes a sea breeze and the lyrics about a 14-year-old girl’s pure feelings of first love are a perfect match.

The moment you become aware of the one you like, the world suddenly looks more vivid—this song brings back that fresh, innocent sensation.

Precisely because this song existed, the shift in her subsequent works toward the slightly darker ‘Aoi Sei’ direction may have appeared all the more dramatic.

Imitation GoldYamaguchi Momoe11rank/position

Imitation Gold

This song was released by Momoe Yamaguchi in 1977, with lyrics by Yoko Aki and music composed by the husband-and-wife duo Ryudo Uzaki and Yoko Aki.

The slow intro of the song feels reminiscent of ‘Minato no Yoko, Yokohama, Yokosuka.’ Although the lyrics are quite mature, she was only 18 years old when she sang this song.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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The Dancing Girl of IzuYamaguchi Momoe12rank/position

Momoe Yamaguchi - The Izu Dancer (with lyrics)

The Izu Dancer is a novel by Nobel Prize–winning author Yasunari Kawabata, based on his own experiences at the age of nineteen, and it was later adapted into films.

The leading actresses in the early film adaptations included Kinuyo Tanaka, Sayuri Yoshinaga, and Momoe Yamaguchi.

It is a fleeting love story between Kaoru, a dancing girl with a troupe touring the hot spring towns of Izu, and a student known simply as “I.”

Mischief of the spring breezeYamaguchi Momoe13rank/position

Momoe Yamaguchi – Prank of the Spring Breeze

This is a song with a melody that pleasantly evokes the warmth of spring and captivates with its delicate emotional expression.

As you’re beckoned by the gentle spring breeze, feelings of loneliness, wistfulness, and regret resonate in your heart.

Released in March 1974, it became Momoe Yamaguchi’s fourth single.

The song won the New Artist Award at the 16th Japan Record Awards and is cherished as one of Yamaguchi’s signature pieces.

It’s perfect for humming along with older adults and reminiscing about fond memories.

In the season when you can feel spring’s arrival, it offers a warm, cheerful time accompanied by handclaps.

Like a song that will be passed down and sungYamaguchi Momoe14rank/position

Momoe Yamaguchi: Like a Song That Will Be Passed Down

This song is included on Momoe Yamaguchi’s album “Momoe Hakusho,” released in May 1977, with lyrics and music by the duo Yoko Aki and Ryudo Uzaki.

The album reached a peak position of No.

3 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a poignant yet beautiful number themed around song and life.