Ranking of Commercial Songs and Popular Tracks by Male Japanese Artists [2026]

From the North Country ~From the Distant Land~ Hotaru’s ThemeMasashi Sada15rank/position

From the Northern Country: From the Distant Land ~ Hotaru’s Theme

This song, also very famous as the theme for the TV drama “From the Northern Country,” was used in the Suntory All-Free commercial featuring Hana Kuroki and Kuranosuke Sasaki.

Even without lyrics, it evokes a deeply melancholic feeling.

Masashi Sada’s singing and the guitar arpeggios are truly wonderful.

Lotto ThemeKoichi Sugiyama16rank/position

Dragon Quest: March - Loto’s Theme

This is a commercial that introduces Asahi’s series of Jukki Cans and conveys the wish for people to include them in their enjoyable Golden Week moments.

It depicts Banana Man, Junichi Okada, and Riho Yoshioka opening the cans and savoring their taste, which also expresses trust in the flavor.

The music that further emphasizes the start of such fun times is “Loto’s Theme,” well known as the theme song of the Dragon Quest game series.

Drawing on the game’s imagery, the piece strongly evokes the beginning of an adventure, and its grand musical development elevates the sense of excitement.

OvertureKoichi Sugiyama17rank/position

Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest I Overture - BRASS EXCEED TOKYO

This is a teaser commercial for the HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation, renowned as one of the masterpieces of the series, featuring a unique visual style.

As seen in the commercial, it’s characterized by a fresh yet nostalgic atmosphere, with classic pixel-art characters appearing against beautiful 3D backgrounds.

The ad features famous tracks from the Dragon Quest series, starting with the Overture.

As long as the sun is in the skyAkira Nishikino18rank/position

As Long as the Sun Is in the Sky / Akira Nishikino ♪ With Lyrics Subtitles ☆ Cover by ducktail ☆ ♪

Akira Nishikino’s “Sora ni Taiyō ga Aru Kagiri” was released in 1971 and has long been sung as one of his signature songs.

It’s a popular track—he even performed it on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen—and it’s often featured in nostalgic music specials, so it’s known across generations.

With a calm yet powerful sound that embodies classic kayōkyoku, the gentle lead vocal layered with chorus conveys a warm, uplifting positivity.

The recurring phrase “as long as there is [X]” stands out, and the song has sometimes been adapted into parody lyrics for commercials.

That familiarity, along with its approachable feel, seems to be a key part of its enduring appeal.

Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi19rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s a warm-toned commercial that looks back on various family memories and the days when they used Merit.

The time spent with family is depicted in soft animation, and the characters’ smiles clearly convey a sense of happiness.

Further emphasizing the gentle atmosphere of the visuals is a cover of Elephant Kashimashi’s “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni.” While the original song leaves a strong impression of power and resolve, intentionally switching it to a cute vocal style brings out a nostalgic feeling.

Our TomorrowElephant Kashimashi20rank/position

Elephant Kashimashi – “Our Tomorrow”

It was released in 2007 as Elephant Kashimashi’s 34th single.

The song was used in a tie-in for House Foods’ “Ukon no Chikara,” and its lyrics—written and composed by Hiroji Miyamoto, who had turned 41—speak to old and current friends with the message, “How’s it going? You doing well? Let’s do our best!” It also drew attention when Koji Kato introduced it on a TV show as a song that moved him to tears.

I can't put it into wordsOf course21rank/position

Kotoba Ni Dekinai

A gemlike ballad that gives voice to the ineffable emotions faced at love’s end.

Included on Off Course’s album “over,” released in December 1981, and later issued as their 23rd single in February 1982, this song gently portrays the subtle shifts of feeling that emerge through parting from someone dear.

The “la la la” that threads through the chorus is a striking phrase that reminds us how, at times, it can express the heart more eloquently than words.

Used in a Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance commercial, it has surely lingered in many listeners’ memories.

It’s a song that stands beside you through life’s many moments, embracing the complex emotions we feel—cherishing someone important, tenderness, and a sense of loss.