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)
grandchildŌizumi Itsurō
With the success of this song, it’s said the enka market—which had been in a slump for a while—was revitalized.
As the title suggests, it’s sung from a grandpa’s perspective to his grandchild, and the lyric “Why are you so adorable…?” is especially memorable.
The grandchild is certainly cute, but the singing “grandpa” is adorable too, and it leaves you with a gentle, heartwarming feeling.
[Japanese Music of the 2000s] Revival Hits Too! J-POP Hit Songs Special (51–60)
MarshmallowOkuda Tamio
This is the 10th single by Tamio Okuda, the vocalist of Unicorn.
It was also used as a commercial song for Suntory’s Kakubin whisky.
It’s a track brimming with unwavering positivity in the face of anything.
The song is also unique in that it clearly states within the track that the title and the lyrics are unrelated.
For You/Time LimitUtada Hikaru
Among female artists, Hikaru Utada stood out as a top presence.
The explosive success of her debut album elevated her above other artists.
This song reached No.
18 on the singles chart and sold 880,000 copies.
Wait & See ~Risk~Utada Hikaru
This is one of Hikaru Utada’s signature songs, which became a million-selling hit and won Song of the Year at the Gold Disc Awards that same year.
It’s characterized by a driving yet understated sound that fully showcases the quality of her vocals, with a powerful voice that takes center stage.
The music video—featuring her racing through the streets of Shibuya on a futuristic machine—is also a highlight.
ParadiseHirai Ken
This is Ken Hirai’s eighth single.
It’s said to be a work on which he staked his career, as he hadn’t enjoyed much success up to that point, and the song’s hit opened up a path for his future—giving it a very important place in his catalog.
It’s a powerful ballad that conveys a sense of struggle.
Love is thrill, shock, and suspenseAiuChi Rina
This is Rina Aiuchi’s fourth single, and it was also used as the opening theme for the anime Detective Conan.
Yes—the one where Conan does the para para dance.
It’s an important track that’s said to have propelled Rina Aiuchi’s name to nationwide recognition thanks to this tie-in.
The song powerfully portrays stepping into love while carrying feelings of uncertainty.
SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi
This is Ayumi Hamasaki’s 16th single, released at a time when she was called a charismatic figure among high school girls and was creating a social phenomenon with her string of hits.
The song was used as the theme for the drama “Weather Forecast’s Lover” and became a million-selling hit.
It’s a ballad that quietly looks back on memories while holding hope for the future.