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)
DESIRENakamori Akina
In 1986, a song was born that seemed to revolutionize Japan’s music scene.
Delivered by Akina Nakamori, this masterpiece passionately expresses the heat of romantic longing.
Its powerful vocals, modernized kimono-inspired costumes, and original choreography became the talk of the town, and it went on to win that year’s Japan Record Award.
Broadcast as a Pioneer TV commercial song, it remains one of Nakamori’s signature works, beloved by many to this day.
The lyrics, portraying emotions swaying between the ideals and realities of love, resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a must-hear track for anyone troubled by love or seeking passion.
TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu
Known as one of Southern All Stars’ signature songs, this single was released in January 2000 and won the 42nd Japan Record Award.
While depicting a summer love story, its lyrics—singing of deep affection and the pain of parting—moved many listeners.
Its tie-in with the TBS TV program “Unnan no Honto Koto!” also drew attention and garnered support across a wide age range.
It achieved an astonishing record of 2.5 million copies sold within four months of release.
The lyrics, which may reflect the unstable social climate of the 1990s, likely resonated with many people.
It’s a recommended track for times when you want to heal the pain of a broken heart or reaffirm your feelings for someone important.
Ruby RingTerao Akira
The definitive bittersweet breakup song! Akira Terao’s smash hit won the Japan Record Award in 1981.
Its lyrics, which nostalgically look back on a lost love, woven together with Terao’s distinctive voice to create an emotionally rich melody, must have resonated with many hearts.
About a month after its release, sales began to climb, and it reached No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
On TBS’s “The Best Ten,” it set an astonishing record by holding the top spot for 12 consecutive weeks.
It was also used in a Yokohama Tires commercial, making it beloved across generations.
It’s a song to play when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or reaffirm your feelings for someone special.
SignMr.Children
Released in 2004, this song is cherished as a special work among Mr.Children’s discography.
Written as the theme for the TBS drama Orange Days, it conveys the importance of noticing the small moments in everyday life.
The lyrics express deep insights into love and the finite nature of time, resonating deeply with listeners.
With Kazutoshi Sakurai’s gentle vocals beautifully harmonizing with the band’s performance, it’s the perfect track for moments when you want to feel a bond with someone important.
Winning the 46th Japan Record Award, it became the second best-selling single of the year and captured the hearts of many.
HabitSEKAI NO OWARI
This song, which won the 64th Japan Record Award, was written as the theme for the film xxxHOLiC.
While SEKAI NO OWARI are known for their fantastical worldbuilding and electronic sound, this track carries a deeper message.
It explores the complexities of human psychology and social rules, while conveying the importance of expressing yourself freely.
Released on CD in June 2022, it also set a record as the fastest music video by a Japanese band to reach 100 million views.
It’s a song especially recommended for those who value their individuality or want to take a new step forward.
Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE
When it comes to Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s appeal, it’s definitely that fresh, invigorating vocal style centered on Motoki Omori’s soaring voice! That charm is alive and well in this track, too.
Another hallmark of their music is a style that mixes guitar rock with electro sounds from synthesizers.
This is especially pronounced in this work, resulting in an even more exhilarating finish.
Released in April 2023, the song was also used as the theme for the drama “Even If It’s Sunday Night…”.
It resonated with many listeners, earning the Excellence Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.
Their music continues to transcend the boundaries of the rock scene and remains beloved in Japan’s music landscape, so be sure to give it a listen!
paprikaFoorin
Produced as NHK’s 2020 support song, this track drew attention for being performed by Foorin, a unit made up of children.
Its lyrics, written from a child’s perspective, and themes that evoke childhood nostalgia are especially appealing.
With images of summer scenes and gazing at the night sky, the song is filled with joyful memories.
Released in August 2018, it went on to win the 61st Japan Record Award in 2019.
It became a social phenomenon and a song loved by many.
It’s recommended for anyone who wants to remember the pure feelings of childhood and hold onto hope for the future.
Listening to this song will surely warm your heart.