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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!

Nothing but blockbuster hits! A roundup of iconic J-pop songs that were popular in 2000 (21–30)

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo

A timeless ballad whose one-of-a-kind vocals by Yo Hitoto resonate like a deep prayer and seep into the heart.

It is said to have been written in the wake of the September 11 attacks, imbued with an earnest wish for peace.

Its universal theme—hoping that happiness will continue for a loved one and for those dear to them—gently envelops listeners’ hearts.

Released in February 2004 as her fifth single, it achieved an astonishing long-run hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 125 consecutive weeks.

It also served as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Tuesday Suspense Theater” and for the film of the same name.

Many people may find themselves resonating with the heartfelt wish for someone precious to be happy.

In conclusion

This was still a time when the CD bubble’s afterglow lingered, so the J-pop charts were packed with massive hits and timeless classics.

The big names naturally dominated the rankings, but it might also have been a fortunate era when bands and artists with more alternative sounds could still post solid sales numbers.

Younger music fans, please take this chance to dig in and give these tracks a listen!