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!

Playlist

All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern All Stars' smash hit 'TSUNAMI' sets a major record.
2	whistlingMr.Children		Mr.Children’s classic song “Whistle” resonates with the heart.
3	bewildermentGLAY		GLAY’s emotional classic “Tomadoi” (“Bewilderment”)
4	SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s classic “Sakurazaka,” a heartrending true experience
5	Sky of OblivionSADS		A massive hit as a drama theme song, loneliness and strength
6	LOVE2000hitomi		An inspiring song that powerfully sings of the new century
7	NEO UNIVERSEL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		L’Arc〜en〜Ciel’s classic song “NEO UNIVERSE”
8	summer festivalWhiteberry		Whiteberry’s summer classic, a youth anthem: Natsu Matsuri
9	Crime and PunishmentShiina Ringo		Ringo Sheena’s masterpiece: profound lyrics and emotional expression
10	Lion HeartSMAP		SMAP’s “Lion Heart” is a masterpiece.
11	On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z		B’z’s classic song “Kon’ya Tsuki no Mieru Oka ni”
12	SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki’s signature song “SEASONS,” at the height of its popularity
13	Sakura Rain, SomedayMatsu Takako		Scenes of farewell and hope woven into a song of cherry blossoms
14	Secret of my heartKuraki Mai		Mai Kuraki gains popularity with the Conan ending theme “Secret.”
15	Happy Summer WeddingMōningu Musume.		A classic song by Morning Musume themed around marriage
16	GibbsShiina Ringo		Sheena Ringo’s innovative musical world, the classic song “Gips”
17	King of SummerKinKi Kids		KinKi Kids’ summer classic, the brilliance of youth
18	EverythingMISIA		A smash-hit song by MISIA, a singer representing Asia
19	Wait & See ~Risk~Utada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada captivates with ever-evolving music.
20	Cherry Blossom Timeaiko		Aiko’s classic that portrays changing seasons and budding love
21	Paradoxw-inds.		A signature youthful dance song by w-inds.
22	Shingo Mama’s Ohay-RockShingo Mama		The legendary song by Shingo Katori of SMAP
23	Love Dance SiteMōningu Musume.		Morning Musume’s smash hit “Love Dance”
24	One Lovearashi		A moving song filled with a stormy vow of love
25	NEVER EVERHamasaki Ayumi		A masterpiece that portrays humanity’s quest for eternal truth.
26	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		A masterpiece imbued with Yo Hitoto’s prayer for peace