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.

Playlist

Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Included! A J-POP Hit Song Special
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	budKobukuro		A moving ballad filled with feelings for my mother
2	MiracleGReeeeN		A youth anthem that traces miracles and footsteps
3	Can You Keep A Secret?Utada Hikaru		Utada Hikaru’s classic song “First Love”
4	I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa		A classic by Thelma Aoyama that captures the loneliness of a long-distance relationship.
5	FlowerORANGE RANGE		A heart-touching ballad by ORANGE RANGE
6	The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP		SMAP’s classic songs, music that heals the heart
7	cherry blossomKetsumeishi		A poignant masterpiece themed around cherry blossoms, depicting memory and a sense of loss
8	StoryAI		AI's masterpiece: a voice that resonates with the heart
9	Close your eyesHirai Ken		Ken Hirai's soul-stirring love song
10	crescent moonayaka		A masterpiece that sings of the poignant feelings of a long-distance romance
11	sign; mark; symbol; omenMr.Children		A moving ballad that depicts meetings and partings
12	powder snowRemioromen		Love in the snow, a timeless masterpiece filled with aching feelings
13	Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira		The passionate bond of youth songs by Shuji and Akira
14	Tree of WadatsumiHajime Chitose		Chitose Hajime’s groundbreaking Amami folk debut song
15	Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze		A Clumsy Love Story by Shonan no Kaze
16	Love, Day After TomorrowKuraki Mai		A year when female artists were very active
17	GibbsShiina Ringo		Sheena Ringo’s heartrending ballad resonates with the heart.
18	SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu		Sakurazaka: the iconic date spot from Masaharu Fukuyama’s hit song
19	TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu		The smash-hit song “TSUNAMI” sold 2.88 million copies.
20	SaudadePorunogurafiti		Porno Graffitti’s number-one songs
21	Apply false eyelasheskyarī pamyu pamyu		Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's debut single
22	Peach-Colored Unrequited LoveMatsuura Aya		Aya Matsuura’s peach-colored love song
23	Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE		The exhilaration of a long-distance relationship and the anticipation of reunion
24	Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie		A song by Namie Amuro that encourages me
25	Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi		The classic singer Akikawa’s famous song
26	Love Dance SiteMōningu Musume.		Morning Musume makes great strides with their big hit song.
27	Crime and PunishmentShiina Ringo		A sexy classic with a husky voice
28	Let’s count your kissesKoyanagi Yuki		Yuki Koyanagi’s famous ballad gained popularity.
29	NEO UNIVERSE／finaleL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		L'Arc-en-Ciel, a hugely popular band
30	EverythingMISIA		A classic winter ballad, popular at karaoke
31	youth↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓		Depicts a tumultuous yet bittersweet school life.
32	summer festivalWhiteberry		Bittersweet anthems of youth, timeless songs still loved today
33	Music HourPorunogurafiti		Summer hit song, Pocari commercial song
34	HEAVENFukuyama Masaharu		Fukuyama and Southern are racking up one blockbuster hit after another.
35	secret of my heartKuraki Mai		Mai Kuraki’s hit song, the Conan ending theme
36	moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro		Chihiro Onitsuka’s theme song for Trick is moving.
37	MayB’z		B’z released many hit songs in 2000.
38	juiceB’z		The appeal of B’z’s simple, hard-rock masterpiece
39	On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z		'Beautiful Life' — B'z's theme song ballad
40	MERMAIDGLAY		A song that reflects Grey’s uniqueness and popularity
41	bewildermentGLAY		The contrast between the refreshing music and the heartrending lyrics is captivating.
42	STAY AWAYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		Hit songs by L’Arc〜en〜Ciel, memorable music videos
43	boyfriendaiko		Aiko’s signature song, “Boyfriend,” is a hit.
44	LOVE2000hitomi		A beloved classic as a baseball cheer song, also supported by Naoko Takahashi
45	The Red Diaryaka gumi 4		Morning Musume Shuffle Unit
46	ForeverGosuperāzu		A heartwarming song that boosted the popularity of The Gospellers
47	A Little LovePucchimoni		A sub-unit of Morning Musume has a million-selling song.
48	Happy Summer WeddingMōningu Musume.		Morning Musume’s classic: feelings for father and mother
49	Stay by my sideKuraki Mai		Mai Kuraki reached the peak of her popularity with a huge hit in 2000.
50	grandchildŌizumi Itsurō		A song filled with a grandfather’s love for his grandchild
51	MarshmallowOkuda Tamio		A unique, upbeat song by Tamio Okuda
52	For You/Time LimitUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada achieves major success with her debut release
53	Wait & See ~Risk~Utada Hikaru		Utada Hikaru’s masterpiece, a song brimming with dynamism.
54	ParadiseHirai Ken		Ken Hirai succeeded with a comeback song
55	Love is thrill, shock, and suspenseAiuChi Rina		Rina Aiuchi broke through thanks to a Conan opening theme.
56	SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki’s signature hit, a ballad of hope
57	vogueHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki was hugely successful in 2000.
58	The man in the blue sports caraoiro nana		Blue Suite of the Idol Shuffle Unit
59	BOOM BOOM BOOM in the yellow skykiiro 5		A new worldview for idol songs, darker dance
60	if…DA PUMP		The 12th single “CITY” is a hugely popular song.
61	King of Summer / I Can’t Love Anyone But YouKinKi Kids		Kinki Kids’ signature song is selling well.
62	NOT FOUNDMr.Children		Mr. Sakurai performs a popular song from the theme song.
63	whistlingMr.Children		Mr. Children: Sales Slumped in 2000, But Their Prowess Remained High
64	Sky of OblivionSADS		SADS’s classic song is the theme for Ikebukuro West Gate Park.
65	Lion HeartSMAP		SMAP’s love song, a smash hit
66	ChicagoKuramubon		Clammbon's signature song—up-tempo and gentle.
67	HOTEL PACIFICSazan Ōrusutāzu		The year 2000, a year when many smash-hit songs were born
68	Love / can’t hold me backKoyanagi Yuki		A timeless masterpiece by a truly soulful female artist
69	Shingo Mama’s Ohay-RockShingo Mama		Shingo Mama’s “Oh-ha” became a craze.
70	Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi		Kiyoshi Hikawa, debut single “Yadanettara.”
71	one thing or anotherFujii Takashi		Takashi Fujii’s hit song helps you rediscover your true self
72	First impressionYazaru feat. CA		An adult love song by Tunnels and a CA (flight attendant)
73	I can’t love anyone but you anymore.KinKi Kids		Beloved classics that convey love, with moving lyrics that are popular