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?
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Heisei Era Classics Revisited Through 2001 Hit Songs (41–50)
Look Back AgainYaita Hitomi
Hitomi Yaida is a singer-songwriter whose lively, slightly distinctive singing voice is incredibly captivating.
2001 was the year she graduated from university, and this song was released that same year.
Her exceptional vocal ability and the unique qualities of her voice are her greatest appeals, and you can fully appreciate them in this track as well.
It’s the kind of song you’ll find yourself wanting to listen to over and over again.
Fish Fight!yazaru
This is the 11th and final single by Yaen, a unit formed by Tunnels and the staff of the TV show “Tunnels no Minasan no Okage Deshita.” The song features a crucian carp (funa) as the protagonist, who, while harboring an inferiority complex toward other fish like koi, strives to live with strength.
Although the song’s worldview is rather hard to grasp, it’s extremely catchy and easy to get into.
dizzinessOnitsuka Chihiro
It’s one of the songs included on Chihiro Onitsuka’s album “Insomnia.” Many of her songs are very emotional, and the lyrics are so deep that they can be hard to grasp, and this one really makes you think as well.
With its ennui-tinged atmosphere and her beautiful vocals, it’s a wonderful track.
NEVER EVERHamasaki Ayumi
This moving song reflects the human quest for eternal truth, set to a majestic melody carried by a graceful triple-time rhythm.
Ayumi Hamasaki sings of a search that began before she was born, conveying a powerful will to move forward—even when hurting others, and at times herself.
Released in March 2001, it drew attention as the theme for Kirin Beverage’s drink “Suppli” commercial and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was later included on the albums “I am…” and “A BEST 2 -BLACK-,” capturing the hearts of many listeners.
It’s a track to hear when you’re lost and standing still in life—one that will remind you of the importance of holding on to unchanging convictions.
PIECES OF A DREAMCHEMISTRY
This song is the debut single by CHEMISTRY, a hugely popular male duo in the 2000s.
Despite being their debut, it entered the Oricon chart at No.
2 and ranked No.
3 on the 2001 year-end singles chart, becoming their biggest hit and one of the signature tracks representing CHEMISTRY.