Compiling a definitive list of the top 20 Japanese songs of all time is challenging due to the diversity of genres, eras, and metrics like YouTube streams, Billboard Japan charts, karaoke (KTV) popularity, and historical impact. The provided search results offer some insights but are incomplete for a comprehensive ranking. I’ll use a combination of historical significance, global and domestic popularity, YouTube views, Billboard Japan data, and karaoke trends, while ensuring each song’s original Japanese name is included. Where data is limited, I’ll draw on general knowledge of Japanese music’s cultural impact and cross-reference with reliable sources. The list prioritizes songs with lasting influence, chart performance, and widespread recognition, spanning traditional, enka, J-pop, anime, and modern hits.
Top 20 Japanese Songs of All Time
Ue o Muite Arukou (上を向いて歩こう) - Kyu Sakamoto (1961)
Historical Impact: Known as “Sukiyaki” internationally, it’s the only Japanese song to top the Billboard Hot 100 (1963), selling over 13 million copies globally. A symbol of post-war optimism.
YouTube/KTV: Iconic in karaoke culture; millions of views for covers and original versions.
Genre: Pop/Enka
Idol (アイドル) - YOASOBI (2023)
Historical Impact: Topped Billboard Global Excl. U.S., the first Japanese song to do so. Over 527 million streams in Japan (2023). Massive anime tie-in with Oshi no Ko.
YouTube/KTV: 13th in JOYSOUND’s 2024 foreign karaoke ranking; music video exceeds 500 million views.
Genre: J-Pop/Anime
A Cruel Angel’s Thesis (残酷な天使のテーゼ) - Yoko Takahashi (1995)
Historical Impact: Iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion theme, defining anime music’s global reach. Enduring cultural staple.
YouTube/KTV: Topped JOYSOUND’s 2024 foreign karaoke ranking for Japanese songs.
Genre: Anime/J-Pop
First Love - Hikaru Utada (1999)
Historical Impact: From the best-selling Japanese album (over 8 million copies). Defined late-90s J-Pop.
YouTube/KTV: Frequently sung in karaoke; music video has millions of views.
Genre: J-Pop
Mayonaka no Door – Stay With Me (真夜中のドア～Stay With Me) - Miki Matsubara (1979)
Historical Impact: City pop revival hit, peaking at #28 in its time but globally rediscovered via YouTube and TikTok.
YouTube/KTV: Viral on YouTube with millions of streams; popular in modern karaoke.
Genre: City Pop
Gurenge (紅蓮華) - LiSA (2019)
Historical Impact: Demon Slayer theme, massively boosted anime music’s global popularity. Major karaoke hit.
YouTube/KTV: High YouTube streams; frequently sung at KTV venues.
Genre: Anime/J-Pop
Yoru ni Kakeru (夜に駆ける) - YOASOBI (2019)
Historical Impact: Viral hit with catchy melody, resonating with youth. Topped streaming charts.
YouTube/KTV: Huge YouTube views; popular in karaoke.
Genre: J-Pop
Linda Linda (リンダリンダ) - The Blue Hearts (1987)
Historical Impact: Punk rock anthem, culturally significant for its raw energy and youth rebellion.
Sources: The list leverages Billboard Japan data (e.g., Hot 100, streaming), YouTube view trends, JOYSOUND karaoke rankings, and historical significance from sources like Wikipedia and Japan Wonder Travel.
YouTube/Music: Exact view counts vary, but songs like “Idol” and “Lemon” exceed hundreds of millions. Older songs (e.g., “Sukiyaki”) rely more on historical sales data.
KTV: Anime songs dominate foreign karaoke, with 20 of JOYSOUND’s top 30 Japanese songs in 2024 being anime-related.
Historical Impact: Songs were chosen for their influence across eras (Showa, Heisei, Reiwa) and genres, from traditional to modern J-Pop.
Limitations: Some songs (e.g., “Pretender,” “Yoru ni Kakeru”) lack specific Billboard rankings in the provided data but are included based on X posts and general prominence.
This list balances global and domestic impact, ensuring representation of Japan’s musical diversity. If you’d like a chart visualizing genres or eras, let me know!