Songs that have won the Japan Record Award throughout its history
The Japan Record Awards, cherished as a year-end staple in the music scene.
Launched in 1959, the award has annually honored the songs that drew the most attention that year.
Many of you are probably wondering, “What song will be chosen this year?” or thinking, “It’s got to be that one, right?”
In this article, we present all the past Grand Prize–winning songs at a glance.
Seeing the winners lined up like this lets you enjoy a wealth of masterpieces from Japan’s music history all at once.
Take this opportunity to revisit and listen to the timeless classics that have defined the domestic music scene.
- Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times
- Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
- Hit songs in Japan in the late 1960s
- [Showa Era] A Collection of Enka Hits: Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations
- Songs from the Heisei retro era that will get any generation excited! Timeless tracks you’ll want to listen to now.
- Showa-era love songs: A roundup of timeless love songs cherished across generations
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- Just listening to it purifies the heart... A healing song born in the Showa era.
- [Bereavement Song] To you whom I can no longer meet... Tear-jerking songs about death
- Classic Christmas Songs That Resonate with the Hearts of Those in Their 80s
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Resonates across generations! Hit songs that colored the Heisei era, perfect as BGM
- Heisei Song Collection: Iconic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s
Japan Record Award-winning songs through the years (1–10)
Winter, againGLAY
The 1999 Grand Prize winner.
GLAY’s biggest hit song, selling 1.65 million copies.
It was featured in commercials as the JR SKI SKI campaign song.
The lyrics express the cold of Hokkaido, the members’ hometown, and the intro guitar imitates the cry of seagulls.
Love will winKAN
This song, which won the 33rd Japan Record Award, resonates with a hopeful message that we can overcome any hardship.
KAN’s warm vocals and the sound of the piano convey a gentle tenderness that seems to stay close to the listener’s heart.
Released in September 1990, the track caught on in popularity after being used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Quiz Omoshiro TV.” It’s a song that people who’ve experienced heartbreak or setbacks—and especially those struggling with something—should listen to.
It will surely inspire hope for a brighter future.
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
The grand prize of 1982 (Showa 57).
Takashi Hosokawa won again the following year.
He is the only male solo singer to have won two years in a row.
This song has a lively kayōkyoku style and feels more like a pop song than enka.
Since 2016, comedian Razor Ramon RG, with Hosokawa’s approval, has performed impersonations under the name “Kobushi Takashi.”
Japan Record Award Winning Songs by Year (11–20)
CITRUSDa-iCE
Released in November 2020, this Da-iCE song drew attention as the theme for the NTV Sunday drama “The Way of the Househusband.” It showcases the group’s hallmark four-octave twin vocals, and its lyrics—centered on the scent of citrus—leave a lasting impression.
Filled with a strong desire to protect loved ones and a determination to pursue one’s chosen path, the song resonates deeply with listeners.
In 2021, it won the 63rd Japan Record Award and has been cherished by many as one of Da-iCE’s signature tracks.
It’s especially recommended when you want to feel positive or take a new step forward.
SynchronicityNogizaka 46
The song by Nogizaka46 that won the 60th Japan Record Award centers on themes of chance encounters and the resonance of hearts.
While the strings make a strong impression, the upbeat, danceable tempo makes it an easy, lively listen.
Released in April 2018, it became a major hit, selling approximately 1.11 million copies in its first week.
The members’ clear, translucent vocals and the lyrics depicting connections between people are especially appealing.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re struggling or when you want to feel the bonds between people.
You’re sure to experience moments when your heart naturally resonates.
flameLiSA
A song by LiSA that won the Grand Prize at the 62nd Japan Record Awards.
It achieved the remarkable feat of selling over a million as a digital single and surpassing 300 million streams.
Written as the theme song for the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, it is characterized by its grand melody and powerful vocals.
The lyrics depict the strength to press forward through hardships, bonds with comrades, and hope for the future, resonating deeply with listeners.
It has been embraced not only by anime fans but also by a wide range of age groups, and since its release in October 2020, it has sparked a massive response that can be described as a social phenomenon.
flying getAKB48
The Grand Prize for 2011.
AKB48 also won the Grand Prize the following year with “Manatsu no Sounds good!”.
A song well known from Kintalo’s parody.
In the fan-voted general election, Atsuko Maeda took first place and sings in the center position.
The title means obtaining a product before its official release date.