Lovely karaoke song

A medley of crowd-pleasing classics. Iconic Japanese songs and recommended popular tracks.

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.

Doesn’t your heart feel warm with memories when you listen to a medley of nostalgic J-pop hits? Timeless masterpieces that continue to be loved are filled with special moments etched into our memories.

In this article, we’ve gathered popular Japanese songs that anyone will find themselves humming along to.

From theme songs of TV anime and dramas, to unforgettable tracks once heard on the radio, and timeless classics that still shine today, we present a collection of gems cherished across generations.

An exciting medley of classic hits. Japanese masterpieces and recommended popular songs (61–70)

Between the Sky and YouMiyuki Nakajima

Between the Sky and You - Miyuki Nakajima [cover]

Between the Sky and You by Miyuki Nakajima

It’s one of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature songs, also used as the theme song for the drama “Ie Naki Ko” (Homeless Child), scripted by master writer Shinji Nojima and starring, among others, Yumi Adachi.

I used to often hum the line: “If it makes you smile, I’ll even become evil.”

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The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

The Meaning of Goodbye Nogizaka46

It is the first song with popular member Nanami Hashimoto as center, and the last single before her graduation.

With this song, Nanami Hashimoto announced her graduation from the group and her retirement from the entertainment industry, surprising fans with the sudden news from a member who had led the group through modeling work and appearances in a prime-time Monday drama.

This song became the group’s first million-seller.

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Riverside HotelYosui Inoue

Yosui Inoue - Riverside Hotel

Riverside Hotel by Yosui Inoue

A singer-songwriter who represents Japan.

Their unique lyrical worldview and bewitching, richly nuanced voice are full of mature allure, and their appeal never fades as they continue to lead the music scene.

Riverside Hotel is one of Yosui Inoue’s classic songs.

Many people might also think of the TV drama starring Masakazu Tamura.

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YosakuSaburō Kitajima

KBD781 Yosaku Kitajima Saburo (released in 1978) 1981 vL

Yosaku Kitajima Saburo

One of the signature songs by Saburo Kitajima, a leading figure in the enka world.

With distinctive lyrics like “Hey hey ho” and “Ton ton ton,” an easy-to-remember melody, and striking sounds from instruments such as the shakuhachi and the quijada, it became a huge hit at the time, with everyone from children to adults singing and imitating it.

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Kanda RiverKosetsu Minami

Kousetsu Minami — Kanda River

Kandagawa Minami Kousetsu

A single by the folk band Kaguya-hime, which featured Kosetsu Minami.

Its heartrending lyrics, which vividly evoke scenes, are extremely well-known.

It remains a timeless classic that continues to be listened to today.

The song was also adapted into a film based on a newly written novel by its lyricist, Tadao Kitajo.

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Photograph of the HeartWataru Kuniyasu

Wataru Kuniyasu (Wataru Kuniyasu) – Photograph of the Heart

Wataru Kuniyasu, Heart's Photograph

It’s the ending theme song of the anime Mister Ajikko.

I think it’s a wonderful piece woven from nostalgic lyrics and melody.

It might not quite resonate with students or other young people, but for those who feel fondness for the past or reflect on days gone by, it’s a beautiful, poignant number that really touches the heart.

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La La LaMaki Ohguro

2017-07-08 Date “Ra Ra Ra”

La La La Maki Daikoku

This is the legendary hit by Maki Ohguro that was used as the theme song for the drama “Aji Ichimonme,” which featured former SMAP member Masahiro Nakai, Nenji Kobayashi, Shingo Yanagisawa, and others.

We all used to sing along to the chorus, “La La La, after all,” at live shows.

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