Heisei-era masterpieces revisited through the hit songs of 2001
When you think of the music scene in 2001, what songs come to mind? It was a year that produced countless memorable tracks—from million-selling masterpieces to hidden gems that still linger in our hearts today.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of 2001 hits: nostalgic for those who listened in real time back then, and fresh for those who’ve only recently become curious.
Why not take this opportunity to immerse yourself once again in the world of Heisei-era hit songs?
Heisei Era Classics Revisited Through 2001 Hit Songs (1–10)
You Go Your WayCHEMISTRY
A ballad that can be considered the concluding chapter of the early trilogy by CHEMISTRY, the male duo who burst onto the scene from the audition program ASAYAN and quickly rose to stardom.
Released as a single in October 2001, it was used in a commercial for Suntory’s canned coffee BOSS.
In their debut year, it became known as the work that proved their talent to the world by achieving an unprecedented record: three consecutive Oricon number-one singles.
The lyrics—about the resolve to deliberately take separate paths out of respect for each other’s future, and the indelible memories that intersect—carry a heartrending poignancy that tightens the listener’s chest.
AdventurersDo As Infinity
A rock number emblematic of Do As Infinity, marked by a driving, exhilarating bassline.
It powerfully sings of the courage to step into the unknown and the resolve to forge a path where none exists.
Even if you lose everything, its strong message—to keep facing forward and moving on—sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.
Released in September 2001, the song was also used in a Kao “Lavinas” commercial and became a key track that crowns the climax of the classic album DEEP FOREST.
When you want to take on something new or rally yourself when you’re about to falter, why not belt it out at the top of your lungs?
deep forestDo As Infinity
“Deep Forest,” the 10th single by Do As Infinity, released in June 2001.
Serving as the third installment in their three-month consecutive release campaign that followed the previous single, this track also gained immense popularity as the ending theme for the TV anime Inuyasha.
The lyrics vividly depict the anxiety and loneliness of being lost in a forest with no way out, while conveying the earnest determination to keep moving forward in search of light.
Tomiko Van’s powerful, melancholic vocals and the rock-infused yet wistful melody really hit you in the heart.
Its polished quality makes perfect sense, given the story that the song had been carefully nurtured even before the band’s debut.
Paradoxw-inds.
w-inds.
is a dance-vocal unit that made a striking debut in the early 2000s.
This early signature track is a dance number that fuses a four-on-the-floor beat with a wistful melody.
The lyrics, depicting missed connections and inner contradictions, reflect the honest emotions of teenagers and resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in October 2001 as their third single, the song’s success earned them the Best New Artist Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to immerse themselves once again in the world of Heisei-era hit songs.
STARSNakajima Mika
With her one-of-a-kind presence and expressive power, singer Mika Nakashima made a striking debut both as an actress and a vocalist.
Released in November 2001, this debut single was used as the theme song for the TV drama “A Love Song Scarred with Wounds.” Nakashima herself appeared in the show as the heroine, and her performances in the drama left a powerful impression on viewers at the time.
With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto, the song’s world—blending a strong will to seize one’s dreams with a bittersweet poignancy—combined with her deep, husky voice to stir listeners’ hearts.
Selling over 460,000 copies in total and winning the Best New Artist Award at the 44th Japan Record Awards, it is a gem of a ballad that can be called the very origin of her career.
DearestHamasaki Ayumi
A singer-songwriter who reigned at the pinnacle of the J-POP scene as a “charismatic icon for high school girls,” Ayumi Hamasaki released her 24th single in September 2001.
Widely beloved as the ending theme for the TV anime Inuyasha and as a song for Tu-Ka commercials, it is a renowned ballad that won the 43rd Japan Record Award.
Set to a grand melody woven by piano and strings, the lyrics convey a heartfelt resolve to accept parting and loss while continuing to wish for the other person’s happiness.
It’s a gem of a number you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone dear, as the season begins to carry a hint of winter.
Point of No ReturnCHEMISTRY
Just three months after their striking debut, CHEMISTRY released this track as their second single in June 2001.
As the title “Point of No Return” suggests, it portrays a love from a summer day that can never be revisited and a heartfelt longing for those moments in time.
The mellow, R&B-inflected sound and the exquisite harmonies of Yoshikuni Dochin and Kaname Kawabata amplify a chest-tightening sense of poignancy.
It was a major hit, debuting at No.
1 on the Oricon chart and earning Double Platinum certification.
The song is also included on the classic album “The Way We Are,” where it continues to shine without losing its luster.