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)
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.
NEO UNIVERSEL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
L’Arc~en~Ciel is a four-member rock band that enjoys support both in Japan and abroad, known for creatively crafted songs born from the fact that all members are the main composers.
Their 19th single, “NEO UNIVERSE,” released on January 19, 2000 as a double A-side with “finale,” was featured in a commercial for Shiseido’s lipstick brand “PN.” Its airy, pop arrangement evokes a distinctly near-futuristic feel.
It’s also a million-selling hit that marked the dawn of the 2000s J-pop scene—one whose contrast with “finale,” used as the theme song for the film Ring 0: Birthday, is well worth noting.
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.
Crime and PunishmentShiina Ringo
It is one of the songs that symbolize the early 2000s music scene.
Showcasing Ringo Sheena’s distinctive worldview and masterful word choice, the piece drew major attention immediately upon release.
The background of its creation during a recuperation period from overwork also lends the song a profound depth of meaning.
Positioned as a 1970s-style rock ballad, its performance—sung with trills and a near-screaming, raspy voice—is overwhelming.
Released in January 2000, it peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit, selling over 540,000 copies in total.
While it seems to depict heartbreak and loneliness, it actually portrays a dialogue with oneself and inner conflict, making it a work of great depth.
It’s a highly recommended track for times when you’re struggling in life and want to face yourself.
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.