RAG MusicHit Song
Lovely hit song

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 Masterpieces Revisited Through 2001 Hits (61–70)

KISS OF LIFEHirai Ken

Ken Hirai - KISS OF LIFE Subtitles
KISS OF LIFEHirai Ken

This song by Ken Hirai, a male singer known for his striking high vocals, became the theme song for the 2001 drama “Love Revolution.” His sweet voice meshes perfectly with the passionate lyrics and melody, making it an utterly enchanting track.

Overflowing… BE IN LOVEGoto Maki

Maki Goto – Overflowing… BE IN LOVE [PV]
Overflowing... BE IN LOVEGoto Maki

This is the second single by Maki Goto, well known from Morning Musume.

It makes great use of her cuteness, maturity, and allure, captivating fans.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]
Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi

This is Kiyoshi Hikawa’s debut song.

Thanks to this track, Hikawa gained recognition as a “national singer.” The lyric “Yada ne t tara yada ne” is extremely famous.

As for what he’s saying he dislikes, it seems to be his feelings toward his hometown and the world at large.

evolutionHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / evolution (Short Ver.)
evolutionHamasaki Ayumi

When it comes to Japanese divas, for our generation it has to be Ayumi Hamasaki, right? One of her 2001 hit songs is “evolution,” memorable for its rock-style drum intro.

I bet many of you have heard the chorus.

Let’s all sing together: “whoa—yeah— whoa whoa whoa—yeah yeah yeah♪”

Gang★Fukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Gang★ (Full ver.)
Gang★Fukuyama Masaharu

This is the 17th single released in advance from the 8th album, “f.” Alongside “Peach!!” and “HEAVEN,” this song is said to form a trilogy centered on addiction.

It’s a track with a mood-rich melody and an atmosphere that feels as if the lyrics coil around you.