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 (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.
boyfriendaiko
“Boyfriend” is Aiko’s sixth single and became her biggest hit among her songs.
When you think of Aiko, this is the song that comes to mind! It was also used in a commercial.
It’s a bright, pop love song that’s very Aiko-like and is one of the go-to tracks that really gets people fired up at karaoke.
LOVE2000hitomi
This is Hitomi’s 17th single.
It was used as the image song for Gekikūkan Pro Yakyū 2000 during June and July, and it is still loved today as a staple cheer song at high school baseball games.
It also drew attention in the media when it was reported that former marathon runner Naoko Takahashi listened to it before her races.
The Red Diaryaka gumi 4
One of the units born from an attempt to shuffle members within Hello! Project—known for Morning Musume—to form new groups.
This unit, Aka-gumi 4, was created with a slightly mature vibe in mind, and their song conveys both the pain of a bittersweet love and the strength to overcome it.
ForeverGosuperāzu
It’s their 14th single, said to be the song that ignited The Gospellers’ popularity.
The fact that it spent 44 weeks on the charts suggests it wasn’t an explosive hit, but rather one that steadily gained recognition.
It’s a very gentle track that sings of the desire to stay connected with a loved one forever.
A Little LovePucchimoni
This idol group was a separate unit formed by members of Morning Musume.
Thanks to their momentum at the time, this song sold far beyond expectations and ultimately became a million-seller, moving 1.12 million copies and ranking 9th on the annual singles chart.