Amazon Music Announces Most Played Songs in Japan and Most Played Japanese Songs Overseas for the First Half of 2026

Today, July 8, Amazon Music announced the "First Half of 2026 Top 50" playlist, which ranks the top 50 most played songs across all genres in Japan on Amazon Music's streaming service for customers in Japan, based on playback counts during the first half of 2026 (period: January 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026). This is a compilation of the popular weekly ranking playlist "Japan Top 50" for the first half of the year. In addition, a ranking of the top 10 most played Japanese songs overseas during the same period was also announced.

In the "First Half of 2026 Top 50," Kenshi Yonezu's "IRIS OUT" took the top spot. Mrs. GREEN APPLE had 13 songs rank in the Top 50, demonstrating their overwhelming popularity in the Japanese music scene. Furthermore, HANA, who has been gaining attention for her appearance in commercials for the major sale event "Prime Day" exclusively for Amazon Prime members, had 5 songs rank in the Top 50, showcasing her remarkable success and presence right after her major debut.

"First Half of 2026 Top 50"

(Period: January 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026)

1. IRIS OUT / Kenshi Yonezu

2. lulu. / Mrs. GREEN APPLE

3. Lilac / Mrs. GREEN APPLE

4. Suki Sugite Metsu! / MiLK

5. Darling / Mrs. GREEN APPLE

6. AIZO / King Gnu

7. Blue Jeans / HANA

8. Kaiju / Sakanaction

9. Kakumei Dochu - On The Way / Aina The End

10. ROSE / HANA

* Playback counts were aggregated from Amazon Music's streaming service for customers on Amazon.co.jp.

* The full chart up to 50th place is available on the playlist.

In the "First Half of 2026 Top 10 Most Played Japanese Songs Overseas," announced for the first time this year, King Gnu's "AIZO" secured the top position. The trend of songs by Japanese artists being supported by music fans worldwide, particularly anime theme songs, has become even more pronounced. Additionally, the significant presence of artists like RADWIMPS and Creepy Nuts, who garnered high interest from overseas through Amazon Music's live broadcast of "FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '25," was notable, resulting in an impressive demonstration of the global reach of the Japanese music scene.

"First Half of 2026 Top 10 Most Played Japanese Songs Overseas"

(Period: January 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026)

1. AIZO / King Gnu

2. IRIS OUT / Kenshi Yonezu

3. Outlaws Get No Entry / Taku Iwasaki

4. Shinunoga E-Wa / Fujii Kaze

5. KICK BACK / Kenshi Yonezu

6. Aishite Aishite Aishite / Ado

7. Suzume [feat. Toaka] / RADWIMPS

8. SPECIALZ / King Gnu

9. NIGHT DANCER / imase

10. Bling-Bang-Bang-Born / Creepy Nuts

* Playback counts were aggregated from Amazon Music's streaming service for customers on Amazon.co.jp.

* The songs in this ranking can be listened to via the link for each song.

Regarding the results for the first half of 2026, Kenichi Seki, Content Programming Manager at Amazon Music's Music Business Division, stated: "Listening to the hit songs of the first half of 2026, I feel that each element—track production, melody, lyrics, worldview, tie-ins, and buzz—has a strong presence, and their complex interplay creates a powerful force that moves the charts. While catchy melodies that make you want to hum are popular domestically, overseas, there's a trend of songs with distinctive sounds, often linked to anime works, being listened to frequently. The fact that soundtrack works by Taku Iwasaki and songs released several years ago are charting suggests the existence of a listener base that deeply explores and enjoys works and artists. Amazon Music aims to continue delivering new musical discoveries to our customers through these rankings."

Playlist: "First Half of 2026 Top 50"

About Amazon Music

Amazon Music is an immersive audio entertainment service that connects fans, artists, and creators through music, podcasts, and culture. Amazon Music is packed with content that brings fans closer to what they love, including curated and personalized playlists, live artist streams, and Amazon-exclusive podcasts. Prime members can enjoy shuffle playback of over 100 million songs, as well as curated playlists with free song selection and popular podcasts. With an Amazon Music Unlimited membership, you can enjoy on-demand playback of over 100 million songs in HD quality, an ever-expanding catalog of songs in Ultra HD and Spatial Audio, and one free Audible audiobook per month from the world's largest selection. Amazon Music can be enjoyed by anyone by downloading the free Amazon Music app or by using compatible devices such as Alexa-enabled devices. For more information, please visit amazon.co.jp/music.

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