Debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 2000s
Have you ever had the experience where you listened to something so much back then, but now you can’t remember the singer’s name? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? In this article, we’ve put together songs by female artists who debuted in the 2000s.
You might just find that song you’ve been searching for with only a hazy memory to go on.
Or you might discover, “Oh, she sang this kind of song too!” The range is truly wide—from soothing tracks to high-energy tunes! Find the perfect song to match your mood right now!
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[2000s] Debut Songs by Japanese Female Artists (31–40)
Peach Blossom PetalsOtsuka Ai
It was released in 2003 as Ai Otsuka’s debut single.
The song was composed when she was 17 and was chosen as the theme song for the Nippon TV Saturday drama “Suika.” It was sold as a BOOK CD that included a bonus picture book newly illustrated by Ai Otsuka herself.
feelingsMizuki Nana
It was released in 2000 as Nana Mizuki’s debut single.
The initial shipment was limited to 2,900 copies, and at the time of release it did not place within the top 100 of the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
However, it appeared at No.
184 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart in 2011, marking its first chart entry 11 years after release.
Hello, helloSuperfly
This is Superfly’s debut single, released in 2007.
It was used as an insert song for the drama “Edison no Haha” (Edison’s Mother).
The band sound pairs perfectly with vocalist Shiho Ochi’s voice.
While Superfly’s work often gives the impression of being intense or high-key, this track has a relatively gentle tone.
Even so, you can feel her excellent singing and powerful voice.
The phrase repeated in the chorus is catchy and sticks in your head, making it an easy listen.
It’s a debut song from Superfly that’s worth remembering.
PurenessUeto Aya
This is Aya Ueto’s solo debut single, released in 2002.
When you think of Aya Ueto, you probably remember her for her attention-grabbing role in the drama “3-nen B-gumi Kinpachi-sensei,” and many people may mainly think of her as an actress.
But in fact, after that breakthrough, she also made her debut as a solo singer! Now a mother herself, Aya Ueto increasingly plays the role of a wife in dramas.
Although she has a soft image with a wonderful smile, her debut song “Pureness,” combined with its musical style, lets you feel a very cool side of her.
Her vocals are powerful too—it’s really great, isn’t it?
Never let goKato Miria
It was released in 2004 as Miliyah Kato’s debut single.
The lyrics and music were written by Miliyah Kato herself, and it is said that she created the song when she was 13.
At the time of her debut, she was a first-year high school student, and her powerful vocals and mature expression became a hot topic.
The real meBuono!
Buono!’s debut single stands out with powerful guitar rock that goes beyond the bounds of “idol” music.
Released in October 2007, it was used as the ending theme for the anime Shugo Chara!.
It debuted at No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and remained ranked for 13 weeks—a true classic.
This track delivers a straightforward portrayal of the struggles and hopes of teens searching for their true selves, set to a fast-paced, exhilarating band sound.
When you’re ready to start something new, the trio’s strong vocals give you courage—an anthem-like number that cheers you on.
O strong oneSKE48
Formed as the first sister group of AKB48 and based in Sakae, Nagoya, SKE48.
This work is their debut single, released in August 2009—a powerful number that stands apart from cute idol songs and can be called an anthem for those who fight.
The lyrics depict a hero who, though wounded, overcomes loneliness and strives to carve out the future; it also feels like a declaration of resolve from the group as they set out to take on the scene.
The song was also used as the ending theme for the anime Shin Mazinger Shougeki! Z-Hen on television.
It’s a track that gives you a push forward—highly recommended for those who want to face challenges or need the courage to take a new step.
GOOD DAYSZONE
Although ZONE is strongly associated with being a girls’ band, they actually started their careers as a dance group.
This was their major-label debut single, released in February 2001.
The members reportedly felt some internal conflict as they launched into a new style called “bandol,” performing while holding instruments.
Yet this track turned out to be such a bright, hopeful rock tune that you’d never guess at that backstory.
Its positive message—that as long as you have your friends, you’ll be okay—gently gives listeners a reassuring push forward.
First Love DashWatari Rōka Hashiritai Nana
This is the debut single released in January 2009 by Watarirouka Hashiritai, a sub-unit of AKB48.
It conjures up a sweet-and-sour, slightly bittersweet scene of unrequited love, like chasing your crush down the hallway.
Even the frustration of a love that won’t go smoothly is transformed into something positive by the catchy melody and energetic rhythm—the boundless brightness is truly wonderful! This debut track was released as a double A-side single with “Aoi Mirai,” peaked at No.
10 on the Oricon chart, and was later included on the album “Rōka wa Hashiruna!”
Maiden’s PrayerMano Erina
This is the solo debut song released by Erina Mano, who is also active as an actress, in March 2009.
The delicate tones of the piano—an instrument she has excelled at since childhood—blend with her pure, gentle vocals, making it truly lovely.
The work’s charm lies in its world view, which portrays a pure, prayer-like feeling of unwavering love for someone special.
It also drew attention for being composed by KAN.
The song impressively reached No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and later became one of her signature tracks, included on her first album “FRIENDS” and her best-of compilation “BEST FRIENDS.”