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 Song Special (31–40)
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro
This song was used as the theme for TV Asahi’s Friday Night Drama “Trick,” and fourteen years later it was also featured in commercials for “Trick: The Movie – Last Stage.” Along with the drama’s success, the single became a hit and achieved the best sales of the artist’s career.
Chihiro Onitsuka’s distinctive vocals and lyrics, with their unique worldview, possess a lasting power that lingers in the ears over time.
MayB’z
In this year, B’z released many singles, and many of them ranked within the top 50 on the singles charts.
This song also became a hit, selling over 690,000 copies, and is one of their signature tracks.
Since 2000 marked the beginning of a new decade, it was a year in which many artists were active.
juiceB’z
Among B’z songs, this one is exceptionally simple and features a very rock-driven riff.
At first listen, the guitar sounds easy, but when you actually try to play it, it’s surprisingly hard to make it sound cool.
A song this simple, this cool, and this catchy—it’s almost unbelievable, right?
On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z
It’s the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Beautiful Life” and one of B’z’s million-selling singles.
The song has a dramatic yet gentle feel.
I do like their usual upbeat tracks, but this one is a mellow ballad, and I think it’s really great!
MERMAIDGLAY
GLAY rapidly expanded their presence and sales, even while other rock bands struggled to make a splash.
This song, too, capitalizes on their distinctive traits with a strong melody, selling over 770,000 copies and ranking 22nd on the year-end singles chart.
Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Hits Too! J-POP Hit Songs Special (41–50)
bewildermentGLAY
It’s a track where the breezy, pop arrangement contrasts with lyrics portraying unrequited love and confusion.
The glimpses of guitar phrases throughout are highly memorable.
I hear the promotional video was filmed in Los Angeles.
“SPECIAL THANKS,” included on the same single as a double A-side, is another classic.
STAY AWAYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 20th single, it became extremely popular, being featured in a commercial and earning them a spot on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this song.
Another major highlight is the music video: the CG extras’ dance that appears toward the end drew attention for its slightly eerie vibe.
It’s also very unique that dancers recreate it during live performances.