The Most Popular J-Pop Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 17, 2024 06:42
J-Pop music, with its blend of catchy melodies and diverse genres, holds a unique position in the hearts of fans worldwide. Determining the most popular J-Pop song can be challenging given the variety of tastes and preferences. A cumulative ranking based on fan votes provides a clear picture of audience favorites and current trends in the genre.
This democratic approach not only reflects the collective opinion but also gives every fan a voice in shaping the outcome. By casting a vote, participants contribute directly to the pulse of the pop music scene in Japan, making each song's placement a true reflection of its popularity. We invite all enthusiasts to take part and see where their favorite tunes land on this dynamic spectrum.
What Is the Most Popular J-Pop Song?
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154votes
"Ue o Muite Arukou" (Sukiyaki) by Kyu Sakamoto
Kyu Sakamoto"Ue o Muite Arukou" (Sukiyaki) by Kyu Sakamoto is a classic J-pop song from the 1960s that became an international hit. It's a melancholic tune about lost love and nostalgia.Ue o Muite Arukou, also known as Sukiyaki, is a popular Japanese pop song that was released in 1961. It was performed by Kyu Sakamoto and quickly became one of the most beloved J-pop songs of all time. The song features a sentimental and melancholic melody, with heartfelt lyrics that express feelings of love and longing. Despite being sung in Japanese, the song achieved international success and topped music charts in several countries, including the United States. Ue o Muite Arukou remains an iconic and timeless piece of Japanese music, capturing the emotions and aspirations of a generation.- Release Date: 1961
- Genre: J-Pop
- Language: Japanese
- Chart Performance: Topped charts in multiple countries
- International Success: Achieved popularity outside of Japan
"Ue o Muite Arukou" (Sukiyaki) by Kyu Sakamoto in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Karaoke song in Japan
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245votes"A Cruel Angel's Thesis" by Yoko Takahashi is the iconic opening theme of the anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion". It's a high-energy pop-rock song with catchy lyrics and a memorable chorus."A Cruel Angel's Thesis" by Yoko Takahashi in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Japanese song
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327votes"Gee" by Girls' Generation is a K-pop/J-pop crossover hit that dominated the charts in South Korea and Japan in 2009. It's a bubblegum pop song with a cute and playful music video.
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421votes
"Sakura" by Ikimonogakari
Ikimonogakari"Sakura" by Ikimonogakari is a popular J-pop band known for their uplifting and nostalgic songs. "Sakura" is a cheerful tune that celebrates the beauty of cherry blossoms, a symbol of spring in Japan.Sakura is a popular J-Pop song performed by the Japanese music band Ikimonogakari. It was released as a single on February 25, 2009, and became one of their most well-known tracks. The song is characterized by its upbeat and catchy melody, uplifting lyrics, and the band's signature harmonies. Sakura is often associated with spring and the blooming of cherry blossoms, symbolizing new beginnings and the fleeting nature of life. It has resonated with a wide audience due to its emotional and nostalgic tone.- Release Date: February 25, 2009
- Genre: J-Pop
- Length: 4 minutes and 26 seconds
- Language: Japanese
- Album: My Song Your Song
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518votes
"Kimi no Na wa Kibou" by Nogizaka46
Nogizaka46"Kimi no Na wa Kibou" by Nogizaka46 is a J-pop girl group that debuted in 2011 and quickly gained a large following. "Kimi no Na wa Kibou" is a feel-good pop song with inspiring lyrics about chasing your dreams.Kimi no Na wa Kibou by Nogizaka46 is a popular J-Pop song that was released on June 9, 2021. It is a vibrant and uplifting track that showcases the energetic and harmonious vocals of the Nogizaka46 members. The lyrics convey a message of hope, encouraging listeners to never give up and always strive for their dreams.- Release Date: June 9, 2021
- Genre: J-Pop
- Duration: 4 minutes and 27 seconds
- Language: Japanese
- Main Vocals: Nogizaka46 members
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614votes"Namida no Regret" by AKB48 is one of the biggest J-pop girl groups of all time, with dozens of members and a massive fanbase. "Namida no Regret" is a heartfelt ballad that showcases the group's vocal talents.
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711votes"Lemon" by Kenshi Yonezu is a recent J-pop hit from 2018 that broke several records and became a cultural phenomenon. It's a melancholic ballad with a haunting melody and emotional lyrics."Lemon" by Kenshi Yonezu in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Karaoke song in Japan
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular Japanese song
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88votes"Iiwake Maybe" by AKB48 is another catchy J-pop song from the supergroup AKB48, known for its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics. It's a feel-good tune that's perfect for karaoke or dance parties.
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910votes"Koisuru Fortune Cookie" by AKB48 is a fun and catchy J-pop song with an infectious dance routine that went viral on social media. It's a celebration of love and happiness that's sure to get you in a good mood.Koisuru Fortune Cookie is a popular J-Pop song performed by the Japanese idol group AKB48. It was released in August 2013 as their 32nd single. The song's lyrics convey a positive and uplifting message about love and happiness. It gained immense popularity in Japan and became a social phenomenon, with fans creating various dance covers and performances.
- Release date: August 21, 2013
- Genre: J-Pop
- Duration: 4 minutes and 55 seconds
- Language: Japanese
- Album: Koko ga Rhodes da, Koko de Tobe!
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102votes"Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana" by SMAP is a legendary J-pop group that disbanded in 2016 after 25 years of activity. "Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana" is one of their most famous songs, a power ballad about individuality and perseverance.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 8 of 10 in Most popular Japanese song
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular song
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Sales figuresOne of the key indicators of a J-pop song's popularity is the number of units sold, whether it be physical CDs, digital downloads, or merchandise associated with the song.
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Chart performanceWhere a song ranks on music charts like the Oricon, Billboard Japan Hot 100, and others can be helpful in determining the popularity of a J-pop song.
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Streaming numbersIn the age of digital music, streaming numbers on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube can give a good indication of a song's popularity.
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Radio airplayA song's popularity can be gauged by how frequently it is played on radio stations and how high it ranks on radio charts.
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Music video viewsA high number of views and engagement on a song's music video on platforms like YouTube can indicate a J-pop song's popularity.
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Awards and accoladesReceiving awards or nominations for a J-pop song can be a strong indicator of its popularity and success.
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Live performancesA song's popularity can also be measured by the number of live performances, concert attendance, and ticket sales for events featuring the song or artist.
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Fan engagementThe level of fan engagement, such as social media following, fan clubs, and online communities, can indicate the (lasting) popularity of a J-pop song.
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Word of mouth and public perceptionSometimes, a J-pop song's popularity can be fueled by word of mouth, online discussions, and media coverage.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular J-Pop 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
- 2116 views
- 209 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 j-pop song
J-Pop, also known as Japanese Pop, has become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years. The genre encompasses a wide range of styles, from upbeat dance tracks to emotional ballads. Many of the biggest J-Pop stars are known for their elaborate music videos and colorful costumes. With so many talented artists and catchy songs to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which J-Pop song is the most popular. At StrawPoll, we've gathered data from thousands of users to provide insight into this fascinating topic. Whether you're a die-hard J-Pop fan or a newcomer to the genre, our polls and rankings can help you discover new songs and artists to love.
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