When we were in Seoul, one of my postings was on the most popular Korean songs from the 1950's to the present. In Tokyo, I also did not quite finish something similar for Japan. So today will be one of the fallouts from our recent 2-month adventure throughout the Orient.Similar to South Korea, Japan had a relatively recent big hit on Billboard: Yoasobi's Idol reached #1 on the Billboard Global...Excluding the U.S., on 10June2023. Well, not quite the same, for BTS hit #1 in 2020 on the Billboard Hot 100 with Dynamite, and followed at #1 with Savage Love (complicated re-mix of Savage Love with Jason Derulo and Jawsh 685), Life Goes On, Butter, Permission to Dance and My Universe (with Coldplay).
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Yoasobi is a Japanese musical duo formed in 2019 of producer Ayase (on the left) and vocalist Lilas Ikuta. I asked Google AI about other recent Japanese hits.
Other Japanese songs to hit the top 10 of the Global Excl. US chart recently include LiSA's "Homura," Ado's "Shinjidai," Kenshi Yonezu's "KICK BACK," and Official HIGE DANdism's "Subtitle".
Of course, the real biggie was Kyu Sakamoto's Sukiyaki, which in 1963 stayed at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks. In 1979, Japan's Pink Lady reached #37 on the Billboard with Kiss in the Dark.
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I asked Google AI to list the most popular Japanese songs from 1940 to the present:
Based on historic sales, cultural impact, and modern streaming, Japan's most popular songs from 1940–present span from postwar hits to current J-pop sensations, led by record-breakers like
"Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun," "Sukiyaki," and recent hits from YOASOBI and Kenshi Yonezu. 
- "Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun" - Masato Shimon (1975): The best-selling single in Japanese history.
- "Sukiyaki" (Ue o Muite Arukō) - Kyu Sakamoto (1961): Iconic hit that reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
- "Idol" - YOASOBI (2023): Massive modern hit with over a billion global streams.
- "Lemon" - Kenshi Yonezu (2018): Dominant streaming/video hit with nearly 1 billion YouTube views.
- "Tokyo Boogie Woogie" - Shizuko Kasagi (1947): A symbol of post-war recovery.
- "Yoru ni Kakeru" - YOASOBI (2019): First song to exceed 1 billion streams on Billboard Japan.
- "Kaimono Boogie" - Shizuko Kasagi (1950): Immensely popular post-war song.
- "Pretender" - Official Hige Dandism (2019): A defining modern J-pop rock anthem.
- "U.S.A." - DA PUMP (2018): Cultural phenomenon with high popularity.
- "Sakura Sakura" (Traditional): While traditional, it remains perhaps the most recognizable Japanese song globally.
Of course these older songs never register on these modern polls, so I asked Google AI what are the most popular Traditional Folk Songs:
- Sakura Sakura (さくらさくら): A beloved, traditional song representing spring and cherry blossoms.
- Soran Bushi (ソーラン節): A famous fisherman’s work song from Hokkaido, known for its energetic "Soran, soran" refrain.
- Tsugaru Jongara Bushi (津軽じょんがら節): Known for its rapid, virtuosic shamisen, originating from Aomori Prefecture.
- Tōryanse (通りゃんせ): A popular children's song played at traffic lights and train stations, often associated with a traditional game.
- Kuroda Bushi (黒田節): A well-known drinking song from Fukuoka that tells a story of samurai loyalty.
- Edo Komoriuta (江戸子守唄): A traditional lullaby originating from the Edo region (modern-day Tokyo).
- Kokiriko Bushi (こきりこ節): Believed to be one of the oldest folk songs in Japan, often performed with traditional clapping sticks.
- Saitara Zinku (斎太郎節): A fishing song, similar to Soran Bushi, popular in the Tohoku region.
- Hietsuki Bushi (稗搗節): A lyrical folk song originating from Miyazaki Prefecture.
- Tankō Bushi (炭坑節): A "coal mining song" commonly danced during the summer Bon festivals.
Top Traditional & Popular Bon Dance Songs
- Tanko Bushi: The most recognized,, featuring movements mimicking coal mining.
- Tokyo Ondo: A classic, high-energy festival song.
- Yagi Bushi: A spirited song from the Kanto region often used for faster, high-energy dancing.
- Soran Bushi: A popular, upbeat, and physical fishermen's dance.
- Hanagasa Ondo: A festive, bright song.
- Gujo Odori (Kawasaki): Famous for its traditional rhythm.
- Asatoya Yunta: A popular Okinawan song.
- Sakura Ondo: A classic, beautiful, and light dance song.
- Ashibina: Another popular Okinawan-style tune.
- Fukushima Bon Uta: Often featured, with a strong, traditional, and rhythmic feel.
- (1954): Composed by Fumio Hayasaka, the Seven Samurai Soundtrack Suite features the legendary "Seven Samurai Theme" and "To the Village".
- (1961) & (1962): These scores, composed by Masaru Sato, are known for their distinct brass-heavy and jazzy influences that redefined the jidaigeki(period drama) sound.
- (1962) & (1967): Featuring scores by Toru Takemitsu, these films utilize more avant-garde and traditional Japanese instrumentation to create a tense atmosphere.
- The Lone Wolf and Cub Series: Known for a mix of traditional sounds and 1970s funk/psych-rock influences, often found under the title Shogun Assassin Soundtrack.
But all those popularity lists somehow miss the most beloved song and singer of all-time in Japan, Hibari Misora. As you will find in those top hits in polls taken in the U.S., only the newer songs dominating because record sales and streaming only pick up those recent hits. I still remember her from her first hit when she was 12, Kanashiki Kuochibue. From Google AI:
Contrary to the premise,
Hibari Misora's songs are considered among the most popular and influential in Japanese history. She is widely regarded as the greatest Japanese singer of all time and a national icon of the Showa era. 
Her perceived "lack of popularity" today likely stems from a generational shift rather than a lack of historical success:
- Historical Dominance: In a 1997 national poll by NHK, her final song, "Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni," was voted the greatest Japanese song of all time by over 10 million people. She sold over 100 million records by 2019, making her one of the most commercially successful artists globally.
- Generational Divide: Younger generations in 2026 are increasingly disconnected from older "enka" or ballad-style music due to the rise of digital streaming and J-pop. Some modern critics have viewed her later work as a reminder of an "outdated culture" or a "gloomy past".
- Genre Shift: While Misora initially performed various genres like jazz and rock 'n' roll, she is most strongly associated with enka. This genre has seen a decline in mainstream popularity compared to modern J-pop and idol culture, which Misora herself actually helped pioneer.
- Continued Relevance in 2026: Her legacy is maintained through modern technology and re-releases. For example, in July 2025, her masterpieces were reissued in spatial audio on platforms like Apple Music and Amazon Music to commemorate her passing. Additionally, her voice was recreated using VOCALOID:AI for a special commemorative performance by Yamaha and NHK.
- Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni (Like the Flow of a River): Often cited as Japan's greatest song; frequently covered by international artists like The Three Tenors.
- Yawara: A tribute to judo that sold over 1.8 million copies and won the Japan Record Award Grand Prize.
- Kanashii Sake (Sad Sake): A melancholy ballad that solidified her status as the "Queen of Enka".
- Makka na Taiyō (Crimson Sun): A groovy jazz-rock fusion that demonstrated her versatility
Her final major appearance was the Phoenix Concert in the Tokyo Dome in April 1988 at the age of 50. She passed away a little more than a year later.
Here is where the song rates in historical context:
- Top Pre-War Hit: Released in 1938, the song and its accompanying film were massive hits, cementing the song as an iconic piece of 1930s ryūkōka (popular music).
- Historical Popularity Polls: In surveys conducted by television networks in the 1980s (TBS in 1981 and NHK in 1989), "Aizen Katsura" (Tabi no Yokaze) was ranked first place among "songs that the Japanese people love best".
- Cultural Significance: The song, known for its emotional, sentimental, and somewhat melancholic tone, is considered a quintessential "tear-jerker" hit from the era.
- Enduring Legacy: While modern hits like YOASOBI's "Idol" dominate contemporary charts, "Aizen Katsura" holds a secure spot in the pantheon of classic Japanese melodies, frequently featured in retrospectives of 1930s music.
The song remains highly regarded alongside other legendary 1930s-40s hits like "Tokyo Ondo" and "Ringo no Uta".
Growing up in Hawaii, we got a different flavor of Japanese songs from post World War II. The Club Nisei album of Japanese Music of Hawaii captures the essence of what I remember.
- For example, Wakare no Iso Chidori was actually written in 1947 by Hawaii-born Francis Zanami, and was first popular in Hawaii, then 1952 in Japan. Unfortunately, he passed away at the 44 in 1949 of a heart attack.
A quote from my blog of 5October2010, about how emotional I am about Wakare no Iso Chidori.
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I was listening to some Japanese music on my iPod on the return trip back to Sapporo, and just about the point closest to Utashinai, Wakare No Isochidori (parting song) came on, and for no explainable reason, tears came to my eyes. This is the only song written by someone from Hawaii that became popular in Japan. The songwriter, Francis Zanami, was born around the time of the birth of Kenjiro's son--my father. Zanami died at the age of 44 in 1949. Hear the Misora Hibari version by clicking on her name. Another version by Nakamura Mitsuko. And a male rendition followed by his really old Columbia 78. And an instrumental. This can go on an on, for it was a very popular song.
During that same period came Ginza Kankan Musume, first recorded by actress and singer Hideko Takamine (on the right) from the 1949 film of the same name. But the version I remember is by Jane Itai of Hawaii.
- Kokoni Sachi Ari (Here is Happiness) was released in Japan in 1956, and became very popular in Hawaii. One of my McKinley High School classmates, Teddy Chinen, became famous as Teddy Tanaka with this song.
A final story about Kyu Sakamoto from my posting of 1October2020, on what remains as the deadliest single-aircraft crash on 12August1985.
Kyu Sakamoto I particularly remember because I have a close friend in Japan who told an incredible story that saved his life. He (my friend) was just late for a flight from Haneda to Osaka, but the door was still open when he was denied boarding. He was so upset that he sat down and wrote a note complaining of his treatment. He placed it in his pocket and stormed away. This was Japan Airlines 123, which crashed, killing all crew members and 505 of the 509 passengers. It still is the deadliest single-aircraft accident in airline history. Sakamoto was one of the casualties. My friend showed me his crumpled note.
I'll close with a 2019 re-edit of Kyu Sakamoto's Sukiyaki. I might also add that the Japanese title was Ue o Muite Aruko, which translates to I look up as I walk, which was recorded in 1961, two years before the American release. During this period, there a lot of turmoil and protests against the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty. The title Sukiyaki (which is a Japanese hot pot dish) was chosen because it was short and recognizable. The Japanese lyrics expressed a hopeful determination to hide sadness and tears while remembering lost love or enduring isolation.
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