Tatsuro Yamashita Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro1rank/position

Nana Eikura stars in Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” special movie-version PV

Tatsuro Yamashita’s classic “Christmas Eve.” It’s no exaggeration to say this piece represents not only Yamashita himself but also Japan’s quintessential Christmas song.

While the track features vocals that lean heavily on the off-beat, giving it a Western pop feel, it’s surprisingly easy to sing because the embellishments associated with Black music, such as vocal riffs and ad-libs, are kept to a minimum.

The vocal range is mid1 E to mid2 G#, so although it skews slightly low, the overall range is narrow; if you choose a suitable key, you shouldn’t struggle vocally.

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Ryo

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RIDE ON TIMEYamashita Tatsuro2rank/position

RIDE ON TIME – Tatsuro Yamashita

This is a tie-in song for Maxell’s cassette tape commercials that dominated the music scene of the 1980s, and a work that marked a turning point in Tatsuro Yamashita’s career.

Drawing attention alongside the TV commercials filmed on location in Saipan, it reached as high as No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Based on a blend of pop and rock, the track weaves in elements of funk and soul, with a pleasantly resonant brass section adding vibrant color.

The presence of the alto saxophonist’s solo is overwhelming, and the melodious phrases in the bridge seize the listener’s heart and won’t let go.

It’s the perfect song for boosting an open, liberated mood—ideal for driving scenes or summer parties.

SPARKLEYamashita Tatsuro3rank/position

Tatsuro Yamashita “SPARKLE” Music Video (2023)

Just hearing the vivid guitar cutting in the intro instantly brings back that exhilarating summer feeling that makes your heart dance.

This song seems to beautifully capture that dazzling emotion when, in the moment of gazing at someone you love, the whole world appears to shine.

It’s truly a quintessential city pop number from Tatsuro Yamashita’s 1982 masterpiece FOR YOU.

The fact that the album featuring this track won a Best 10 Albums award at the 24th Japan Record Awards also speaks to its remarkable quality.

Whether for a summer drive or when you simply want to add a touch of style to an ordinary day, it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits.

Goodbye, Summer DaysYamashita Tatsuro4rank/position

Tatsuro Yamashita “Goodbye Summer Days”

Tatsuro Yamashita’s 21st single, released in May 1991, is a classic inspired by his own high school experience of being caught in a sudden shower at an amusement park pool and seeing a rainbow after the rain.

It beautifully captures the bittersweet feeling at summer’s end and the tender emotions of first love before adulthood.

The song was also used in a commercial for Dai-ichi Life and released as an advance single from the album “ARTISAN.” It reached No.

12 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was certified Gold.

It’s a quintessential summer ballad recommended for those who want to relive their youthful memories or nostalgically revisit the delicate romances of those days.

High-Pressure GirlYamashita Tatsuro5rank/position

High-Pressure Girl (Cover)

Speaking of summer, many people in their 50s probably recall Tatsuro Yamashita’s songs wrapped in those refreshing jackets illustrated by Eizin Suzuki.

One of his tracks became the campaign song for All Nippon Airways in 1983, and among them, this particular song must have left a strong impression.

The arrangement—quintessential Yamashita—opens with a cappella chorus and percussion, and its breezy tone evokes a hot yet dry, crisp kind of summer, perfectly elevating that resort feeling.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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LOVELAND,ISLANDYamashita Tatsuro6rank/position

Tatsuro Yamashita “LOVELAND, ISLAND” Special Clip (2002)

Included on the sixth studio album FOR YOU, the track LOVELAND, ISLAND was released as a single two decades later after being chosen as the theme song for the 2002 TV drama Long Love Letter: The Drifting Classroom.

Originally created as a commercial jingle for Suntory Beer Jun-Nama, its light and liberating ensemble evokes vivid summer scenes.

While the overall vocal range isn’t wide, the melody is intricate—featuring sudden falsetto passages—so take care when singing.

With its refreshing vibe, it’s an upbeat tune guaranteed to energize any karaoke session.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Our Summer DreamYamashita Tatsuro7rank/position

Our Summer Dream

This is a song by Tatsuro Yamashita that evokes a nostalgic feeling, like a summer evening.

The beautiful melody woven by piano and strings makes it feel as if you’re watching a film from start to finish.

The lyrics seem to carry images of Japan’s lost pastoral landscapes and a gentle wish for the future, and listening to it may slowly warm your heart.

It’s a track with a warm theme that conveys bonds with loved ones and a sense of hope.

Released as a single in August 2009, it moved many people as the theme song for director Mamoru Hosoda’s animated film “Summer Wars.” It’s perfect for a summer drive with the windows down, feeling the breeze, and just as fitting for nights when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to resonate with everyone.