Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Included! A J-POP Hit Song Special
The 2000s marked a major turning point for Japan’s music scene.
While CD sales were strong, ringtones and digital distribution also began to spread.
Superstar icons like Ayumi Hamasaki, Hikaru Utada, and Masaharu Fukuyama commanded overwhelming presence, while a new generation of artists such as ORANGE RANGE and GReeeeN emerged one after another.
In recent years, classic Heisei-era hits have been rediscovered through social media, capturing the hearts of a new generation.
This time, we look back on the gem-like hit songs that colored the 2000s.
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
- 2000s Japanese Hits | Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! Exquisite Masterpieces
- Heisei-era masterpieces revisited through the hit songs of 2001
- [Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics.
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Hit J-Pop songs from 2002. Recommended classics and popular tracks.
- [2013 Japanese Hit Songs] Masterpieces that Colored the Ama-chan Boom, Group Popularity, and the Band Scene
- Hit J-Pop songs of 2008: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- Girls’ rock: female vocal bands that were active in the 2000s
- [Heisei Songs] Classic hits from the Heisei era that are popular on Instagram Reels
- 2003 J-Pop hit songs special: the golden age of music when diversity blossomed
- Hit J-pop songs of 2005. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Heisei-era masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period.
Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Hits Too! J-POP Hit Songs Special (71–80)
one thing or anotherFujii Takashi
This was Takashi Fujii’s debut single, released when he was breaking through as a TV personality.
It became his biggest hit, and he even performed it at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
With its constant refrain of “You should do what you want to do,” it’s a song that makes you reaffirm your own sense of self.
First impressionYazaru feat. CA
This is the 7th single by the unit formed by the comedy duo Tunnels and the staff of the variety show “Tunnels no Minasan no Okage Deshita.” The CA who serves as the main vocalist on this track is also said to be part of the show’s audio crew.
It’s a mood-rich song that exudes the feel of an adult romance, and it stands as Yaen’s biggest hit single.
I can’t love anyone but you anymore.KinKi Kids
One of Kinki Kids’ signature numbers, this love song proclaims a grand, “I can’t love anyone but you,” resonating with many and being widely used at weddings and the like.
Recently, Saito from the comedy duo Trendy Angel has drawn attention and laughs by performing the song brilliantly, creating a humorous contrast with his appearance.
In conclusion
The 2000s era of J-POP was a time when countless masterpieces were born, driven by the rise of new talent and the diversification of the music scene.
The many hit songs that continue to be loved even now vividly reflect the atmosphere and memories of that time.
I hope that encountering these tracks will spark positive feelings.