Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
We’ve put together a collection of love songs that were hits in the 2000s.
When you think of hit songs from the 2000s, what tracks come to mind?
For those who spent their youth in that era, you might recall so many classics that it’s hard to choose just one.
This isn’t a list of every song that charted between 2000 and 2009, but we’re highlighting beloved love songs that almost everyone has heard at least once—timeless favorites that are still cherished as staples of romance today.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for those days, be sure to give them a listen!
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Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic and popular J-Pop songs (41–50)
Candy RainKubota Toshinobu
A mellow and sweet sound that feels so good—this is a pop-sensibility-filled R&B number from Toshinobu Kubota.
Released in November 2001 as his 26th single, the song was written specifically as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Wednesday Affairs.” At first listen it comes across as a smooth, sugary love song, but beneath the surface lies the bittersweet taste of romance and a touch of poignant melancholy; the more you listen, the deeper it draws you in.
That blend of NYC-honed groove and Japanese lyrics just makes you nod and think, “This is quintessential Kubota!” It’s the perfect piece for a night when you want to soak in a slightly grown-up mood.
Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Masterpieces and popular J-Pop songs (51–60)
LALALA feat. Wakadanna (Shonan no Kaze)Kato Miria
This is one of Miliyah Kato’s signature songs, a moving collaboration between two artists active in the J-pop scene.
Featuring Wakadanna from Shonan no Kaze and arranged by MINMI, it’s a luxurious team-up.
Over a warm, embracing sound, the song expresses deep affection for an irreplaceable presence.
In fact, the lyrics were written for her beloved dog.
That personal love gently illuminates listeners’ own feelings for someone precious in their hearts.
Released in October 2007, it became a milestone as her first entry into the Oricon Weekly Top 10.
It’s also included on the acclaimed album “TOKYO STAR.” A gentle, heartwarming track that stays close to you when you’re thinking of someone dear.
Lifetime RespectMiki Dōsan
A gem of a love song by Dohzi-T that once took the world by storm.
Riding on an upbeat rap rhythm, it delivers honest, straightforward feelings.
It’s a love song that, throughout, showcases a masculine strength that says “Trust me” and pulls you along, captured in the bold refrain: “Stay with me for life.”
Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru
Many of you may have been reminded by this work that words of gratitude, more than words of farewell, can actually deepen the ache.
This is a song by Hikaru Utada, written as an insert track for the drama Hana Yori Dango 2 (Returns) starring Mao Inoue.
It resonates in the chest with a tender warmth tinged with helplessness—the feeling of cherishing not only the sweetness of a relationship, but also the unripe, fruit-like frustration and faint bitterness.
Released in February 2007, the song topped the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.
When you can’t quite escape the magical world called love, this is a track that gently validates that complicated state of mind and stays by your side.
It’s a song that surely anyone can relate to and easily make their own.
powder snowRemioromen
When you think of “1 Litre of Tears,” it’s this song.
A scene comes to mind of thinking about you far away, projecting those feelings onto pure, innocent powder snow.
It’s a love song in which a certain loneliness seems to stand out more vividly.
TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu
An achingly sorrowful love ballad that likens an uncontrollable swell of feelings to a powerful force of nature you can’t resist.
The pain and joy born of love—and that helpless, inescapable ache—portrayed by Keisuke Kuwata pierce straight through the heart.
Released in January 2000 as a TV program’s theme song, the track became a massive hit, selling about 2.936 million copies and winning the 42nd Japan Record Award.
It tightens your chest with thoughts of someone you can’t forget, no matter how hard you try.
Many listeners may find themselves empathizing with those feelings that have nowhere to go.
One Lovearashi
A song whose straightforward vow of love resonates in the heart, carried by a grand melody.
Released in June 2008 as Arashi’s 22nd single, it was selected as the theme song for the blockbuster film “Boys Over Flowers F (Final),” starring group member Jun Matsumoto.
From among all the people in the world, choosing just one and pledging eternal love—the pure and powerful message warmly embraces every listener.
Now a staple wedding song, it may be the perfect choice for expressing your feelings to the one you love on that special wedding day.