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2000s: A Collection of Hit Karaoke Classics

When you think of hit songs from the 2000s, which tracks come to mind?

From bands and singers who had been active since the ’90s to groups that emerged in the 2000s, the music scene of the time was full of popular songs by a wide range of artists.

It was also an era when karaoke was extremely popular, so many people likely went to karaoke often with friends and colleagues.

In this article, we’ll introduce a roundup of songs from the 2000s that were big hits and especially popular at karaoke!

This is a great chance to try singing some of the songs that bring back memories from that time.

[2000s] A Collection of Hit Karaoke Classics (11–20)

HANABIMr.Children

Mr.Children 「HANABI」 MUSIC VIDEO
HANABIMr.Children

A signature song by Mr.Children, one of Japan’s leading rock bands.

Inspired by the goldfish that Kazutoshi Sakurai kept, the song portrays life’s choices and sacrifices, as well as lost love.

The lyrics are filled with striking phrases that really move you.

Released in December 2008, it also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Code Blue.” It’s a karaoke favorite, too.

Its warm vocals and melody resonate with those struggling in life.

It might be nice to sing it while thinking of someone special.

Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Junrenka” MUSIC VIDEO (Original ver.)
Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze

A four-member reggae group, Shonan no Kaze, who continue to captivate fans with fiery live performances that draw the audience in, released this as their fifth single.

Unlike the group’s usual image of many uptempo tracks, this number features lyrics that directly depict heartfelt love and the miscommunications between lovers—something that really hits home.

The rugged rap paired with a catchy melody makes the reggae sound—still relatively unfamiliar in Japan—very approachable.

With each of the four members’ personalities woven into the song, it’s a love song tailor-made for men that everyone can sing together at karaoke with friends.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)
SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu

This is the 15th single by singer-songwriter Masaharu Fukuyama, who is active not only in music but also as an actor, radio DJ, and photographer.

The song was used as the theme for the “Mirai Nikki V” segment on the variety show “U-nan no Hontoko!” and became a landmark release, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of his debut.

The poignant lyrics delivered in Fukuyama’s captivating low voice likely resonated with many listeners regardless of age or gender.

With its low key that makes it easy for most men to sing, it remains a popular ballad choice for karaoke.

I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa

This single by Thelma Aoyama feat.

SoulJa was created as an answer song to hip-hop musician SoulJa’s fifth single, “Koko ni Iru yo feat.

Thelma Aoyama.” It was used as the spring 2008 campaign song for NTT DoCoMo and was once certified by Guinness World Records as “the best-selling downloaded single in Japan.” The arrangement layers a soulful vocal with cool rap, making it a track you’ll want to sing with friends at karaoke.

It’s an emotional number that lets you fully enjoy Thelma Aoyama’s vocals, and she’s now also active on variety shows.

366 daysHY

HY’s signature heartbreak song “366 Days” was released in 2008.

The title “366 days” is said to come from the idea that even thinking about someone for 365 days—a whole year—still isn’t enough.

Many people have probably experienced a passionate love like in the song, where you think about the other person every single day.

By the way, the tempo is slow, so it’s easy to sing at karaoke.

Give it a try!

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

As a nationally beloved group, even after their disbandment, the individual activities of the five-member idol group SMAP continue to draw attention.

This is their 35th single, which was used as the theme song for the TV drama “My Life as a Father” (Boku no Ikiru Michi), and it became one of SMAP’s signature songs, achieving massive success with total sales surpassing three million copies.

The positive lyrics and beautiful melody provided by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara have been loved across generations in karaoke.

It’s a classic that has left its mark on J-pop history—perfect for getting everyone excited when you sing it together with friends at karaoke.

[2000s] A roundup of hit karaoke classics (21–30)

to youMONGOL800

Despite never being released as a single, this signature song by MONGOL800 has been featured in a variety of places, including insert tracks that color a film’s final scene, drama opening themes, and commercials.

In 2001, the album MESSAGE—featuring this track and the well-known classic Chiisana Koi no Uta—was released and became a huge hit, cementing Monpachi’s popularity.

Its straightforward lyrics about love and its fresh, powerful sound give courage and energy to both singers and listeners.

Why not sing it while reminiscing about a page from your youth?