Nursery Rhyme Popular Song Rankings [2025]

Ghost RuleDECO*2750rank/position

DECO*27 – Ghost Rule feat. Hatsune Miku

This is one of the signature songs by Vocaloid producer DECO*27, powerfully voicing bittersweet emotions.

The protagonist’s struggle with self-denial and inner conflict is conveyed through an arrangement that blends hard rock sounds with scratching.

This piece stands by those who grapple with their own existence; if you’re feeling low in self-esteem, listening to it might give you courage.

It’s also a recommended, easy-to-sing choice for karaoke with fellow Vocaloid fans.

horizonback number51rank/position

Horizon – back number [Music Box ver.] “Reiwa 2 Inter-High” Cheer Song

In 2020, when the Inter-High School Championships were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, back number wrote this song for high school students who were left in despair.

The lyrics, which portray the journey from bearing the sorrow and loneliness of shattered dreams to eventually finding a glimmer of hope, resonate with many people.

Released on YouTube in August 2020 and subsequently distributed in August 2021, it topped the streaming charts for nine consecutive weeks and surpassed 500 million total streams in April 2024, earning Diamond certification.

Its deeply affecting melody pairs exceptionally well with a music box arrangement.

budKobukuro52rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

Released in March 2007 as the 14th single, this masterpiece was newly written as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Created by Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his late mother, the song won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards and was also selected as the entrance march for the 80th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Like a tiny bud before it blooms, it warmly portrays the power of growth even in an unfinished state, along with heartfelt gratitude to the loved ones who always cheered us on.

It is a gentle song that, when you remember someone precious you can no longer meet, lets you feel that they are still watching over you from somewhere.

Endless JourneyMr.Children53rank/position

Mr.Children “Endless Journey” MUSIC VIDEO

Mr.

Children’s classic “Owarinaki Tabi,” released in 1999, is a million-selling hit that remains a staple for the band’s fans today.

While the song spans mid1 B to hi C#—slightly high for a male vocalist—it stays within a singable range depending on key adjustment.

As for the hi C#, it only appears twice in the final chorus, which might seem reassuring; however, the pitch movement there is somewhat intense, so thorough preparation is necessary.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu54rank/position

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

It’s an anthem that deeply resonates with those who keep striving toward their dreams and goals.

Released in 2004, the song was chosen as the official theme for NHK’s broadcast of the Athens Olympics, moving people across Japan.

Its lyrics affirm the tears shed in secret and the uneven paths we’ve walked, gently reassuring us that “the effort you’ve put in won’t be wasted.” Believing in the light that awaits beyond hardship, this piece gives you the courage to move forward; it hits especially hard when you’re struggling with work or relationships, or when you’re about to take a new step.

A song our generation listened to in our youth, it continues to stir our hearts today, unchanged.

Hide and Seek19’s Sound Factory55rank/position

[Hatsune Miku] Hide and Seek [Original Song]

A tear-jerking Vocaloid song whose heartrending story resonates deeply.

It’s one of 19’s Sound Factory’s signature works, released in 2014.

From the intro, with its memorable, soothing guitar sound, it grips your heart.

The lyrics, themed around facing oneself and finding the courage to live, offer comfort to those worn out by everyday life.

When you want to overcome failures and regrets, this song will surely be there to support you.

MiracleGReeeeN56rank/position

Kiseki - GreeeeN (Music Box ver.)

This work, which views the encounter with a loved one as a “miracle” and layers it with the “trajectory” the two have walked together, is a grand love song pledging everlasting love.

The lyrics, which straightforwardly express ever-deepening feelings and gratitude, convey the preciousness of a bond that transcends time.

Released in 2008 and drawing attention as the theme song for the TBS drama ROOKIES, the track was also chosen as the entrance march for the 81st National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 2009.

At weddings or on special anniversaries, letting the clear tones of a music box play will make the path the two of you have traveled shine even more brightly.