17 J Pop Top Songs: Tunes You Need to Hear

Dive into the vibrant world of J-Pop with our curated list of “17 J-Pop Top Songs”! Prepare to be enchanted by catchy melodies, impressive vocals, and unique arrangements, blending traditional Japanese music with a modern pop twist.

Get your decks ready – let’s get grooving!

Here are the J Pop top songs that you can check out:

List Of J Pop top songs

J Pop top songs in a list format:

1. “Blue Bird” by Ikimono Gakari (from the album “My Song Your Song”)

Ikimono Gakari’s “Blue Bird” from “My Song Your Song” is a soaring, uplifting track filled with energy and life. It carries a message of hope, matching the band’s typical optimism.

2. “Heavy Rotation” by AKB48 (from the album “Heavy Rotation”)

This catchy title track from AKB48’s album “Heavy Rotation” is a staple of J-Pop, showcasing a pop chorus that’ll have you humming along before you know it.

3. “Pretender” by Official HIGE DANDism (from the album “Traveler”)

“Pretender” from “Traveler” is a powerful, emotive song by Official HIGE DANDism, delivering heartfelt lyrics with stunning vocals that leave a lasting impact.

4. “Paprika” by Foorin (Single)

Foorin’s “Paprika” is a cheerful, catchy tune that will put a smile on your face. It’s a single that has rapidly gained popularity with its charming melody.

5. “Lemon” by Kenshi Yonezu (from the album “Bootleg”)

The melancholic “Lemon” from Kenshi Yonezu’s “Bootleg” album is a beautiful ballad that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Yonezu’s captivating voice resonates with the listener.

6. “TT -Japanese Ver.-” by TWICE (from the album “#TWICE”)

“TT -Japanese Ver.-” from “#TWICE” by TWICE is an infectious, high-energy track that showcases the group’s signature style, blending pop with a hint of dance.

7. “Gurenge” by LiSA (from the album “Leo-Nine”)

“Gurenge”, from LiSA’s “Leo-Nine” album, became an iconic anthem due to its inclusion in the anime “Demon Slayer”. Its powerful vocals and emotional lyrics have earned it a place in the hearts of J-Pop fans.

8. “Pretender” by King & Prince (from the album “King & Prince”)

From the “King & Prince” album, “Pretender” offers a catchy tune delivered with the group’s smooth vocals. The harmonious blend of voices and infectious melody are a real treat.

9. “Koi” by Gen Hoshino (from the album “Yellow Dancer”)

The popular “Koi” from Gen Hoshino’s “Yellow Dancer” is a heartwarming, infectious track that’s catchy and makes you want to dance.

10. “Happy End” by back number (from the album “Encore”)

“Happy End” from back number’s “Encore” album tugs at your heartstrings with its tender lyrics and beautiful melody. The nostalgic vibe leaves a lasting impression.

11. “Pink Blood” by Hikaru Utada (from the album “One Last Kiss”)

“Pink Blood”, from Hikaru Utada’s album “One Last Kiss”, is a stunning track that showcases Utada’s emotive vocals and signature electronic pop sound.

12. “Inferno” by Mrs. Green Apple (from the album “Attitude”)

“Inferno” from “Attitude” by Mrs. Green Apple is a high-energy track with an infectious rhythm, making it a staple of any J-Pop playlist.

13. “Ambivalent” by Keyakizaka46 (from the album “Masshirona Mono wa Yogoshitaku Naru”)

“Ambivalent”, a track from Keyakizaka46’s “Masshirona Mono wa Yogoshitaku Naru” album, offers powerful lyrics with a catchy beat, showcasing the group’s synchronicity.

14. “Ignite” by Eir Aoi (from the album “D’azur”)

From Eir Aoi’s album “D’azur”, “Ignite” is a powerful, energizing track that has become popular, particularly among anime fans, for its compelling lyrics and powerful vocals.

15. “Ideal White” by Mashiro Ayano (from the album “White Place”)

Mashiro Ayano’s “Ideal White” from the album “White Place” offers a melodic, heart-touching experience. Ayano’s vocals paired with a soft, melancholic melody create an unforgettable track.

16. “Shinunoga Raku” by King Gnu (from the album “Ceremony”)

“Shinunoga Raku” from King Gnu’s “Ceremony” album is a track that perfectly showcases the band’s unique blend of pop and rock. The intense lyrics and strong vocals make it a standout track.

17. “Hikarunara” by Goose house (from the album “Flight”)

From Goose house’s album “Flight”, “Hikarunara” is a heartwarming track. Its uplifting lyrics and melody create an atmosphere of optimism and joy.

Fun Facts: J Pop Best Tunes

“Blue Bird” by Ikimono Gakari

“Blue Bird” wasn’t just a chart topper, it was also used as a theme song for the globally renowned anime series “Naruto: Shippuden”. This connection has made it a beloved anthem for anime fans all over the world.

“Heavy Rotation” by AKB48

The interesting fact about “Heavy Rotation” is that it was chosen to be the group’s 17th single through a fan vote. The song title, “Heavy Rotation”, signifies a track that’s played frequently on radio or TV, living up to its name.

“Pretender” by Official HIGE DANDism

This song took Japan by storm in 2019. “Pretender” held the number one spot on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for several weeks and was also the most streamed song of the year on Spotify Japan.

“Paprika” by Foorin

This song was more than a J-Pop hit; it was a national project launched by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) to cheer on the athletes participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

“Lemon” by Kenshi Yonezu

Released in 2018, “Lemon” dominated the Japanese music charts and was even the most viewed music video in Japan for the year on YouTube. The song was a tribute to the late actor, Rie Miyazawa, who was a close friend of Yonezu.

“Gurenge” by LiSA

“Gurenge” was used as the opening theme song for the hit anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”. The popularity of the anime helped propel the song to become a massive hit.

“Koi” by Gen Hoshino

“Koi” became a cultural phenomenon in Japan when it was used as the theme song for the popular drama series “Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu”. Its dance routine was so popular that everyone from school kids to celebrities were doing it.

“Pink Blood” by Hikaru Utada

“Pink Blood” was used as the opening theme for the anime adaptation of the popular manga series “To Your Eternity”, broadening its appeal to anime fans around the world.

Thanks for joining this musical journey into J-Pop’s finest! Tune in next time, and keep those beats rocking. Until then, stay melodious!

Thanks for reading.

TBone