Nursery Rhyme Popular Song Rankings [2025]

A Seabed Tale of Crinoidsn-buna64rank/position

[Hatsune Miku] The Sea Lily Submarine Story [Original Song]

This song paints a heartrending story that trembles with emotional sound.

It’s one of n-buna’s signature works, first released on Nico Nico Douga in 2014.

It was later included on the 2015 album “Flowers and Water Syrup, Last Train.” A rock number marked by its warped guitar tones, it leaves a strong impression with a progression that steadily heightens the listener’s emotions.

The lyrics—using flowers blooming on the seabed as a motif—depict loneliness, despair, and a faint glimmer of hope.

It may especially resonate with those carrying unspoken anxiety and restlessness.

A Love Like Ephemeral LightJun Sakishima65rank/position

“Latest Popular Enka Rankings 2025” No. 1: ‘Tamayura no Koi’ by Jun Sakishima (Short Ver.) Official Music Video

This is a Japanese-style ballad that captures the fleeting beauty of love.

Jun Sakishima’s translucent vocals exquisitely convey a dreamlike world.

While honoring traditional Japanese melodies, the modern arrangement draws out a fresh allure.

Released in March 2025, the piece pairs a lyrical melody with gentle vocals that deeply resonate with listeners.

Its artistic quality has been highly praised, including a nomination as a candidate work for the Japan Music Authors Association’s “Songs of the Heart Concert.” It’s recommended for anyone who wants to connect with the delicacy and poignancy of being in love, or who seeks the soothing comfort of a tender voice.

collapse; fainting spell (colloquial/slang)Iyowa66rank/position

Kyu-kurarin / Iyowa feat. KAFU

“Kyuukurarin” by Iyowa was released in August 2021.

This work delicately portrays the feelings of a high school girl who, despite carrying heartbreak, unrequited love, and self-loathing, strives to move forward.

It is also included on the album “Watashi no Heritage.” The song has been featured in multiple rhythm games such as CHUNITHM and Project SEKAI, gaining widespread popularity.

Because it’s a track with many derivative works like cover-singing videos, many of you have probably heard it.

It’s perfect as BGM for school festivals and cultural festivals where you want to share the joys and bittersweet moments of youth!

StoryAI67rank/position

AI – Story

Released in May 2005, AI’s song is a dramatic ballad that carefully weaves the trajectory of a life over a husky, powerful vocal.

The lyrics, which sing of the strength to keep moving forward despite breakups and setbacks, and the gratitude toward those who offered support, resonate with the inner conflicts everyone carries.

It became a long-running hit, remaining on the Oricon charts for 73 weeks.

In 2014, an English version was used as the ending theme for the Japanese-dubbed release of the film Big Hero 6, and it continues to be loved across generations.

It’s an anthem that gently gives you a push when you reach a turning point in life or want to reflect on the bonds you share with someone important.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO68rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

This is a song released in 2017 that was used in an NTT Docomo commercial.

The intro through to the lead-up to the chorus might not ring a bell at all, but once the chorus hits, most people will probably think, “I’ve heard this!” The overall vocal range is G3–D5, so most women should be able to sing it without changing the key.

Also, since it features a band × brass band arrangement, the song has a very light, upbeat feel that makes it easy to get into the rhythm! I think it would be plenty of fun and a real crowd-pleaser at karaoke, too.

That said, the chorus is longer than you might expect, so you’ll need some stamina, and there’s a risk it could start to feel repetitive.

It might be good to split the chorus into two big parts—front half and back half—so you can add contrast and keep things engaging!

Senbonzakurakuro usagi P69rank/position

"MV" Senbonzakura WhiteFlame feat. Hatsune Miku

A classic that anyone who spent their youth on Nico Nico Douga is sure to know.

Composed by Kurousa-P and released on Nico Nico Douga in September 2011, it stands as a milestone of Japanese-style rock.

Its Taisho-romance-inspired worldview blends perfectly with a driving, exhilarating melody.

The lyrics capture the chaotic atmosphere of modern Japan as Western culture flows in, weaving in satire of society behind the glittering surface.

It was featured in a Toyota Aqua commercial and drew attention when Sachiko Kobayashi performed it on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

In karaoke rankings, it became the first Vocaloid song to place third overall in 2012, and it remains a beloved standard to this day.

It’s the perfect track for getting hyped with friends at karaoke or for sharing memories of those days.

Hello/How are you?Nanou70rank/position

Hello/How Are You (feat. Hatsune Miku & Megpoid)

It’s a song that feels like pouring out the emotions pent up in your heart, mixing poignancy with warmth.

Created by Nanou, it centers on themes of loneliness and the difficulty of self-expression.

If you carry anxieties and inner conflicts in your daily life, you’ll surely relate.

The gentle vocals and poppy melody are memorable, too.

It’s great for karaoke, of course, but I also recommend listening to it alone and savoring it slowly.