J-Pop is no longer just a domestic treasure—it’s a global wave. And YouTube? It’s the battleground where fandoms go wild, clicks stack up like sushi rolls, and visuals become immortalized in playlists and late-night binges. Whether it’s chart-topping idols or surprise viral sensations, these music videos didn’t just rack up views—they became part of pop culture history.
Let’s dive into the Top 10 Most Viewed J-Pop MVs on YouTube as of 2024, and I promise you: there are some surprises in here.
1. YOASOBI – “Yoru ni Kakeru”
Views: 760+ million
Let’s be honest. YOASOBI didn’t just drop a song—they launched a damn movement. “Yoru ni Kakeru” blew up thanks to TikTok, anime edits, and emotional lyrics that hit so many hearts. It’s minimalist, it’s artistic, it’s addictive. This MV isn’t even flashy—it’s storybook-level storytelling. Japanese music’s quiet storm, loud as ever.
2. Aimer – “Zankyou Sanka” (Demon Slayer Opening)
Views: 690+ million
One word: Kimetsu no Yaiba. That’s it. You pair a powerful anime with a hauntingly good vocalist like Aimer, and boom—magic. The visuals in this MV echo with sword slashes and emotional burn. It feels cinematic. And yeah, it deserves every damn replay.
3. Official HIGE DANDism – “Pretender”
Views: 630+ million
If you’ve never sobbed at 2 a.m. to this song, have you even felt heartbreak? “Pretender” is a polished gem—pain wrapped in melody, heartbreak dipped in jazz-pop. The music video? Classy, cinematic, emotionally devastating in the most beautiful way. Official HIGE DANDism really said, “Let me stab your feelings, gently.”
4. King & Prince – “Cinderella Girl”
Views: 560+ million
This is Johnny’s at its polished best. Sparkle, smiles, synchronized steps—you know the drill. “Cinderella Girl” blends fairy-tale sweetness with signature J-Pop charm. Not gonna lie, the MV is like getting hit in the face with sunshine and glitter… and somehow we love it.
5. Kenshi Yonezu – “Lemon”
Views: 540+ million
Kenshi isn’t just a singer—he’s a feeling. “Lemon” is the type of song that crawls into your chest and sits there for days. Sparse visuals, poetic cinematography, and an achingly beautiful vocal delivery make this MV timeless. Also—fun fact—this was the most streamed song in Japan for years. YEARS.
6. Nogizaka46 – “Influencer”
Views: 510+ million
Pure idol energy. High-intensity choreo, perfect smiles, and that iconic clapping move that everyone tried at least once. “Influencer” feels like that perfect moment between a fashion show and a dance battle. Also? The outfits were. Say what you want, but Nogizaka46 understood the assignment.
7. LiSA – “Gurenge” (Demon Slayer Opening)
Views: 500+ million
You knew this was coming. LiSA + Demon Slayer is like chocolate and peanut butter. Unstoppable. The song itself is already legendary, but the MV is a firestorm—literally. Visuals cut like blades. Her energy? UNMATCHED. If this song didn’t make you want to go train with a katana, are you okay?
8. YOASOBI – “Idol” (Oshi no Ko Opening)
Views: 480+ million
This one’s recent but oh boy, it didn’t just trend—it exploded. The “Idol” MV is pop art chaos, flashing neon, digital sugar rush. And the lyrics? Lowkey savage. It’s a beautiful takedown of the idol industry from the inside. Genius-level meta art wrapped in YOASOBI’s signature storytelling.
9. Hikaru Utada – “First Love” (2022 Remaster)
Views: 470+ million
Now this… this is nostalgia. The remastered version coincided with Netflix’s “First Love” drama and shot straight back into global consciousness. It’s simple, clean, elegant. Utada’s voice hasn’t aged a bit. Watching this MV feels like opening an old love letter that still smells like your past. Don’t cry. Okay cry.
10. Babymetal – “Gimme Chocolate!!”
Views: 450+ million
Metal meets kawaii? Still iconic. Still bonkers. Still genius. This MV aged like fine sake. Su-metal and the gang blurred lines and bashed genres, making headbanging look adorable. The energy is manic, the dancing is chaotic, and yeah—if you don’t shout “GIMME CHOCO!!” at least once, you didn’t watch it right.
Bonus Mentions That Just Missed the Top 10:
- NiziU – “Make You Happy” – 430M+
- SixTONES – “Imitation Rain” – 390M+
- Perfume – “Polyrhythm” – 375M+
- Eve – “Kaikai Kitan” – 370M+
- Aimyon – “Marigold” – 360M+
What This List Tells Us About J-Pop in 2024:
- Anime x Music = Power Combo: The biggest tracks are tied to anime (no shocker), showing how anime still drives music virality across borders.
- Female Power Rising: YOASOBI, Aimer, LiSA, Utada—all female-fronted tracks dominating view counts. We love to see it.
- Idol Groups Are Still THRIVING: Don’t believe the “idol era is over” chatter. Nogizaka46, King & Prince, NiziU—they’re killing it.
- Cross-genre Fusion Works: Babymetal’s weird mix still clicks. YOASOBI’s lit-pop/novel-core hybrid? Chef’s kiss.
- Nostalgia Reigns: Old-school vibes from Hikaru Utada prove timeless art never dies.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re just stepping into the J-Pop world, this list is a damn good starting point. From intense anime soundtracks to genre-bending innovation, J-Pop in 2024 is a buffet of emotion, rhythm, and visual artistry.
But let’s be real… who’s gonna hit 1 billion views first? My bet? “Yoru ni Kakeru” or “Zankyou Sanka.”
What do you think? Got a favorite MV that didn’t make the cut? Drop it below, or better yet—go binge it and help it climb.