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)
NEO UNIVERSE／finaleL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
The best-selling visual kei band in 2000 was L’Arc-en-Ciel.
With their distinctive worldview, they became especially popular among women, leading to a massive hit that sold over 1.1 million copies and ranked 10th on the annual singles chart.
EverythingMISIA
This is MISIA’s seventh single, now a classic song that evokes the feeling of winter.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Yamato Nadeshiko” and sold over one million copies.
Although it’s a full-fledged ballad, it’s structured to be easy to sing and is considered a karaoke staple.
Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Hits Too! J-POP Hit Song Special (31–40)
youth↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓
This is The High-Lows’ 14th single, which was also chosen as the theme song for the drama “Legendary Teacher” starring Masatoshi Matsumoto of Downtown and Masahiro Nakai of SMAP.
It’s a straightforward, powerful track that seems to depict a rough yet bittersweet school life, echoing themes found in the drama.
summer festivalWhiteberry
It’s Whiteberry’s biggest hit, a cover of a song by JITTERIN’JINN.
The bittersweet yet heartrending lyrics leave a strong impression.
It’s a staple in Taiko no Tatsujin and a go-to cover for bands, so it’s still a song you get to hear often even today.
Music HourPorunogurafiti
Porno Graffitti’s third single.
Released in the summer, it also became a hit as a summer anthem after being featured in a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s soft drink Pocari Sweat.
The radio host segment at the beginning is said to be based on a true story.
HEAVENFukuyama Masaharu
Another characteristic of the year 2000 is that Fukuyama and Southern released multiple smash-hit singles.
Since these two artists/groups are, if I recall correctly, under the same talent agency, the people running it must have been laughing all the way to the bank.
secret of my heartKuraki Mai
This is Mai Kuraki’s third single, which became a hit immediately after her debut.
With this song, she set a record of three consecutive million-selling releases from her debut.
It’s also well known as the ending theme for the anime Detective Conan, and is a gentle track themed around secrets that can’t be told to anyone.