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: 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.
Peach-Colored Unrequited LoveMatsuura Aya
Released in February 2002 as Aya Matsuura’s fifth single, this song was featured in Shiseido’s “Tissera Mune-Kyun Peach” commercial, which also drew attention for Matsuura’s own appearance.
It peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, sold over 220,000 copies, and was included on the album T.W.O.
The lyrics liken the flutter of unrequited love to a peach-pink hue, and the bouncy melody that kicks off with a shouted call is instantly memorable—just listening to it lifts your spirits.
It’s the perfect track for getting hyped at karaoke with friends after school or for those heart-pounding moments when you’re nursing a crush.
Love Dance SiteMōningu Musume.
Morning Musume is an idol group that has been consistently popular for many years.
With this song, they sparked a major boom once again, and the dance also became popular, resulting in sales of 1.22 million copies.
As a female idol group, this is a top record and truly impressive.
Crime and PunishmentShiina Ringo
A single included on the album “Shōso Strip.” It’s a lavish track featuring Kenichi Asai from BLANKEY JET CITY on guitar.
With a huskier vocal than the other songs, it’s a track I find cool and sexy no matter how many times I listen to it.
Let’s count your kissesKoyanagi Yuki
Ranked 30th on the 2000 singles chart was Yuki Koyanagi’s renowned ballad.
It’s a superb ballad that surely moved many listeners.
With sales of 670,000 copies, it would normally have ranked even higher in other years.