The Most Popular Japanese Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:40
In the dynamic world of music, trends can shift as quickly as the beat of a drum. Ranking the most popular Japanese songs not only captures a snapshot of current musical tastes but also helps new listeners identify the hits that are resonating with audiences. This dynamic tally offers an engaging way for fans to see which tunes are climbing the charts and which ones are maintaining a strong fanbase.
Your participation is crucial as each vote helps shape the ever-shifting landscape of popular music. By casting your vote, you contribute to a collective voice that highlights the diversity and richness of Japanese music. The live ranking ensures that your input has an immediate impact, mirroring the real-time fluctuations in music popularity. Join the community of music lovers who are actively shaping the charts by voting for your favorite songs today.
What Is the Most Popular Japanese Song?
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132votes
"Ue o Muite Arukō" (Sukiyaki) by Kyu Sakamoto
Kyu SakamotoThis song is a classic Japanese song that has been covered in various languages and has been a hit around the world. It was released in 1961 and became a number one hit in Japan and later in the United States.Ue o Muite Arukō, also known as Sukiyaki, is a popular Japanese song that was released in 1961. It was performed by Kyu Sakamoto, a Japanese singer and actor. The song gained international success and became one of the best-selling singles in Japan. Sukiyaki has a melancholic melody accompanied by Sakamoto's soothing vocals, making it a timeless classic. The lyrics describe a person walking with their head held high, hiding their tears behind a smiling face. Despite being sung in Japanese, the emotional depth of the song resonated with listeners worldwide.- Release Year: 1961
- Genre: Pop
- Language: Japanese
- Sales: Over 13 million copies sold
- Chart Performance: Reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963
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236votesThis song is the opening theme song for the popular anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion". It is a catchy and upbeat song with a memorable chorus."A Cruel Angel's Thesis" by Yoko Takahashi in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular J-Pop song
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330votesThis song is the opening theme song for the popular anime series "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba". It has become a hit in Japan and around the world, with its powerful vocals and catchy melody."Gurenge" by LiSA in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Demon Slayer song
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414votes
"Sakura" by Naotaro Moriyama
Naotaro MoriyamaThis song is a popular Japanese song that celebrates the beauty of the cherry blossom trees. It is often played during the cherry blossom season in Japan.“Sakura” is a popular Japanese song performed by Naotaro Moriyama. It is a beautiful ballad that captures the essence of cherry blossoms in Japan, symbolizing the transient nature of life and the beauty of fleeting moments. The song combines gentle vocals with a melodic piano arrangement, creating a soothing and heartfelt listening experience.- Genre: J-pop
- Release Date: March 9, 2005
- Album: Sakura
- Composer: Naotaro Moriyama
- Lyricist: Naotaro Moriyama
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521votes
"Let It Go" by May J.
May J.This song is the Japanese version of the popular Disney song from the movie "Frozen". It became a hit in Japan and has been covered by many Japanese artists.``Let It Go” by May J. is a Japanese cover version of the popular Disney song from the movie Frozen. It was released on November 26, 2014, and quickly gained popularity in Japan. May J., a Japanese singer, recorded the song in both Japanese and English, showcasing her powerful vocals and emotional interpretation. The song became a massive hit and was widely recognized as one of the most successful Japanese cover songs of all time. It captured the hearts of many listeners, showcasing the talent and versatility of May J. as a singer.- Release Date: November 26, 2014
- Language Versions: Japanese, English
- Genre: Pop
- Original Song: Let It Go, performed by Idina Menzel for the Disney film Frozen
- Vocal Performance: Powerful and emotional
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616votesThis song is a popular Japanese song that talks about loss and moving on. It has become a hit in Japan and has been covered by many artists."Lemon" by Kenshi Yonezu in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Karaoke song in Japan
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular J-Pop song
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76votesThis song is a popular Japanese song that talks about the struggles of growing up and finding oneself. It has become a hit in Japan and has been covered by many artists.
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84votesThis song is a classic J-pop song that was released in 2003. It became a hit in Japan and has been covered by many artists.Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana is a popular J-Pop song performed by the Japanese boy band SMAP. It was released in 2003 and quickly became a massive hit in Japan and abroad. The song is known for its catchy melody, uplifting lyrics, and powerful vocals. It has become one of SMAP's signature songs and is often performed at their concerts. The track has also been covered by various artists and has garnered widespread acclaim for its positive message and memorable tunes.
- Year of Release: 2003
- Genre: J-Pop
- Language: Japanese
- Songwriters: Hiroshi Kitadani, Takahiro Matsumoto
- Producer: Johnny Kitagawa
"Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana" by SMAP in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular J-Pop song
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93votes
"Koi" by Gen Hoshino
Gen HoshinoThis song is a popular Japanese song that talks about falling in love. It has become a hit in Japan and has been covered by many artists.Koi by Gen Hoshino is a popular Japanese song that was released in 2016. It gained immense popularity both in Japan and internationally due to its catchy melody and heartwarming lyrics.- Genre: J-Pop
- Release Year: 2016
- Language: Japanese
- Album: YELLOW DANCER
- Length: 4 minutes and 4 seconds
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107votesThis song is the ending theme song for the anime series "Suki-tte Ii na yo.". It is a catchy and upbeat song with a memorable chorus.
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular song
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SalesLook at the number of copies sold, both physically and digitally, as well as streaming figures. This provides a good indicator of a song's popularity.
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Chart PerformanceExamine how well the song has performed on music charts, such as the Oricon Charts and Billboard Japan. This includes peak chart positions, the number of weeks spent on the chart, and any records broken.
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Awards and AccoladesConsider any awards or recognitions the song has received, such as Japan Record Awards or Japan Gold Disc Awards. These can highlight a song's success and influence in the industry.
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Radio AirplayAssess the amount of airplay the song receives on radio stations across Japan. This showcases the song's appeal and popularity among listeners.
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Popularity OnlineAnalyze the song's presence on social media platforms and its reception among online communities. This can include views on YouTube, number of downloads on digital platforms, and mentions on social media sites.
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Cultural ImpactTake into account the song's impact on Japanese culture and society, such as its use in TV shows, commercials, or movies. This can indicate the song's overall popularity and presence in people's lives.
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Artist's PopularityThe popularity of the artist or group performing the song can also be a significant factor in the song's overall success and popularity. Consider their fan base, reputation, and influence in the Japanese music industry.
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Critical ReceptionLook for reviews and ratings from music critics and publications, which can provide insight into a song's quality and appeal beyond its commercial success.
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International AppealSometimes, a Japanese song may gain popularity outside of Japan. Consider how well the song has performed internationally, including chart positions and sales figures in other countries.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Japanese song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3181 views
- 159 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular japanese song
Japan is known for its rich cultural heritage and music is an essential part of it. Japanese music has a unique blend of traditional and modern styles that has captivated audiences worldwide. From J-pop to enka, Japanese music has a diverse range of genres that caters to different tastes.
Over the years, many Japanese songs have become popular globally, thanks to their catchy tunes and meaningful lyrics. Some of the most popular Japanese songs include "Sukiyaki" by Kyu Sakamoto, "Koi Suru Fortune Cookie" by AKB48, and "Ue o Muite Arukou" by Kyu Sakamoto, which topped the charts in the 60s and 70s.
In recent times, Japanese music has gained even more popularity, with anime songs and J-pop being the most sought-after genres. Artists like Utada Hikaru, Aimer, and Kenshi Yonezu have won the hearts of fans with their soulful music and meaningful lyrics.
With such a rich history and diverse range of genres, it's no surprise that Japanese music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. So, what is your favorite Japanese song? Cast your vote on StrawPoll and let us know!
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