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)
Because it makes me want to see youNishino Kana
A poignant love song by Kana Nishino that skillfully portrays the emotional landscape of a woman who acts strong on the outside yet quietly holds on to her loneliness and longing to see someone.
The lyrics, written in relatable, everyday language about growing feelings for an ex-lover, resonated with many and immediately captured the hearts of young women upon release.
Released in June 2009, the song appeared as a lead single from her first album, “LOVE one.” It was also chosen as a POWER PLAY on NTV’s “Music Fighter,” becoming a signature track that brought Kana Nishino’s name to wider recognition.
It’s a song that offers comfort to those unable to recover from the pain of heartbreak or to sever lingering feelings for a former partner.
Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Masterpieces and popular J-Pop songs (51–60)
CHU-LIPOtsuka Ai
Singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, who has created numerous classics thanks to her wide expressive range—from cute, bubbly tunes to heart-wrenching ballads.
This is her 14th single, released in February 2007, a playful pop number that combines tulips with kisses on the lips.
It was selected as the theme song for the TBS drama “Kira Kira Kenshui” and was also performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen later that year.
The song captivates with lyrics that explore the thrill of love as if at the genetic level, paired with a buoyant sound that makes your body move.
With its signature live choreography, it’s a happy anthem that makes you want to sing and dance with someone—an emblematic track of 2007.
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.
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.
Sayonara, baby.Kato Miria
This is a bittersweet love song about a heart swaying between true feelings and outward appearances.
She wants to believe his words, yet deep down she doubts them, and still can’t bring herself to end things… You can sense her wavering emotions in the chorus’s back-and-forth between the man and woman.
The track is a work by singer-songwriter Miliyah Kato, released in September 2008 as her 13th single.
Its arrangement is striking, unfolding from a wistful piano intro into a danceable four-on-the-floor sound.
The song is also included on the acclaimed album “Ring.” When you’re unsure of the other person’s feelings and don’t know what to do, listening to this might resonate with your complicated state of mind.
cherry blossomKawaguchi Kyogo
As the title suggests, it’s a love song you’ll want to listen to in spring.
The lyrics, which feel like a vow of eternal love—always by your side, welcoming the cherry blossom season again and again with you—make my heart flutter.
Among the many sakura songs, this is one I can never forget.
Bud of LoveKōda Kumi
It’s a love song that was also the theme for the drama “Busu no Hitomi ni Koishiteru” (“In Love With a Plain Girl”).
It’s striking how it starts with the very Kumi Koda-esque line, “I’m crazy about you,” and that straightforwardness lets the song’s charm come through honestly and effortlessly.