All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
In the 2020s, the early-2000s culture known as “Y2K” is gaining attention as a fresh trend among younger people.
The rediscovery of fashion and music unique to the 2000s—when you could feel the frenzy of entering a new century—seems poised to spark new forms of expression once again.
So what kinds of songs drove trends and dominated the charts in the year 2000, the very beginning of that decade?
This article introduces the J-POP smash hits released in 2000.
Whether those years were your youth or you hadn’t even been born yet, we hope you enjoy!
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Nothing but massive hits! A roundup of iconic J-POP songs that were popular in 2000 (1–10)
summer festivalWhiteberry
A five-member girls’ band from Hokkaido, Whiteberry released this track in 2000.
The lyrics, which depict the scenes of a summer festival and a bittersweet crush, strongly resonated with young listeners.
This work is a cover of a song by JITTERIN’JINN and became a major hit, peaking at No.
3 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
They also performed it on the 51st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen broadcast in 2000, making it one of the defining songs of the year.
With a fresh, youthful vibe, it was even used as a cheer song for summer high school baseball.
It’s a perfect track to play as the soundtrack to your summer memories.
LOVE2000hitomi
This one song by hitomi ushers in the dawn of a new century.
Her powerful, forward-looking vocals sing of hopes for a new era.
The track was also chosen as the image song for Nippon TV’s “Gekikukan Pro Yakyu 2000.” It expresses a yearning for true love and strength—feelings that resonate in the world of sports, including baseball.
Released in June 2000, the song is also included on the album LOVE LIFE.
It’s known as a favorite of Naoko Takahashi, the women’s marathon gold medalist at the Sydney Olympics.
It’s a song that gives a gentle push to anyone setting out on a new challenge.
On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z
B’z, the solitary rock unit that has produced numerous hit numbers over their long career and profoundly influenced a wide range of musicians.
Their 27th single, “Konya Tsuki no Mieru Oka ni,” written as the theme song for the TV drama “Beautiful Life: Futari de Ita Hibi,” became a massive hit, achieving million-seller status following its release on February 9, 2000, aided by the drama’s popularity.
The arrangement, which begins with a striking acoustic guitar intro, creates an atmosphere that conjures vivid scenes just by listening.
It’s an emotional hit tune born from a deep reading of the drama’s story.
Nothing but smash hits! A roundup of iconic J-POP songs that were popular in 2000 (11–20)
SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki, a singer-songwriter who enjoyed immense popularity in the 1990s as a style icon among teenage girls and dominated the J-POP scene as the “diva of the Heisei era.” Her 16th single, “SEASONS,” which had been used as the theme song for the TV drama “The Weather Forecaster’s Lover” for over two months before its official release on June 7, 2000, is one of her most well-known tracks among many hits.
Its sentimental lyrics and melody likely resonated with a large number of fans at the time, especially women.
The song, which won both the Excellent Work Award and the Lyrics Award at the Japan Record Awards, is a million-selling number that symbolizes the J-POP scene of the 2000s.
Lion HeartSMAP
Despite being hailed as a national group and enjoying immense popularity, the five-member idol group SMAP disbanded in 2016.
Their 32nd single, “Lion Heart,” used as the theme song for the TV drama Food Fight starring member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, has been known as one of SMAP’s signature songs since its release on August 30, 2000.
Its lyrical yet catchy melody, together with the message of its lyrics, truly stirs the heart.
Boosted by the popularity of its B-side track “Orange,” it became a million-selling hit tune.
Secret of my heartKuraki Mai
Singer-songwriter Mai Kuraki drew instant attention when her debut single, despite having no tie-in, became a million seller.
Released on April 26, 2000, her third single “Secret of my heart,” which was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Detective Conan, set a record by becoming her third consecutive million-selling release since her debut.
Her clear, translucent voice and wistful melodies showcase an expressive power hard to believe from a teenager.
It’s a pop tune that felt like the dawn of a new era at the time, and one where you should also pay attention to the different arrangements between the TV-size and full-size versions.
Sakura Rain, SomedayMatsu Takako
Takako Matsu’s clear singing voice vividly paints a spring scene filled with fluttering cherry blossoms.
The sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion are conveyed through delicate lyrics and melody.
Released in February 2000, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Omiai Kekkon.” It is also included on Takako Matsu’s third album, “Itsuka, Sakura no Ame ni…”.
When you want to feel both the wistfulness and hope that come with the arrival of spring, try listening to it while watching the cherry blossoms.