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.
[2000s Japanese Music] Revival, too! J-POP Hit Songs Special (11–20)
Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze
This is one of Shonan no Kaze’s signature love songs, a heartfelt tale of a clumsy man’s unwavering devotion that really hits home.
Many people may have discovered them through this track.
From the everyday happiness of being moved by a lover’s home-cooked meal, to the small misunderstandings that create distance, and finally to the raw realization of one’s own immaturity and the renewed appreciation of the person who matters—this straightforward story resonates deeply.
Released in March 2006 as their fifth single, it achieved an astonishing 25 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon karaoke chart.
Blending reggae’s fiery energy with a catchy pop melody, the song is perfect both as a dedication to someone special at a wedding and for belting out with friends at karaoke.
Love, Day After TomorrowKuraki Mai
The year 2000 turned out to be a breakthrough year for major female artists.
Leading the way was this person.
Her gentle singing voice captivated men and resonated with women as well, ultimately placing her fourth in the annual rankings with sales reaching 1.38 million copies.
GibbsShiina Ringo
This song is a poignant ballad that Shiina Ringo wrote for the man she was dating at the time, and its straightforward lyrics resonated with many fans regardless of gender.
The music video is also very striking, with Ringo looking straight at the camera as she sings.
SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu
Haven’t we all heard this song at least once? When it became a hit, “Sakurazaka” in Ota Ward, Tokyo—also the model for the song’s title—grew popular as a dating spot.
Fukuyama reportedly had long planned to someday turn this slope into a song.
It’s a well-known classic that you’ll want to listen to when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu
In 2000, two singles were released that each sold over two million copies, and one of them was “TSUNAMI.” It topped the annual singles chart and sold 2.88 million copies, becoming a monster hit.
This song was their major breakthrough and the best-selling track of the 2000s.
SaudadePorunogurafiti
One of Porno Graffitti’s signature songs, it became their first track to reach No.
1 on the Oricon charts across both singles and albums.
Its Latin-flavored, distinctive rhythm is very easy on the ears and memorable, and it feels like it lightens the somewhat darker tone of the lyrics.
Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revivals Too! J-POP Hit Song Special (21–30)
Apply false eyelasheskyarī pamyu pamyu
Released in January 2012 as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s debut single, this track features Yasutaka Nakata’s dazzling electropop sound and lyrics that intertwine themes of magic and transformation inspired by false eyelashes.
Through the everyday act of putting on makeup, the protagonist’s growing confidence is portrayed with playful, pop-infused word choices.
Pre-released in 73 countries including Japan, the song drew global attention and debuted at No.
7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
The B-side, “Kyary ANAN,” was used in a commercial for the job service “an” by Intelligence.
Its unforgettable catchy phrases and melodies have colored many people’s youth in vivid hues.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants a boost of energy or loves all things cute.