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 masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period.
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- Unrequited love songs of the Heisei era. Those nostalgic classic tunes.
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Heisei Era Classics Revisited Through 2001 Hit Songs (1–10)
What I can do for youGACKT
Singer-songwriter GACKT captivates many fans with his unique musical style and charisma, and is also active as an actor.
His eighth single, chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s music program “COUNT DOWN TV,” was released on White Day, March 14, 2001—a ballad filled with love for his fans.
Its warm lyrics, like drawing close to someone dear in sorrow and gently holding their hand, tenderly embrace the listener’s heart.
It’s a classic of the Heisei era that we hope you’ll listen to when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone important.
youthful daysMr.Children
It’s a track driven by a exhilarating, fast-paced band sound, with lyrics that vividly capture everyday moments and strike right at the heart.
Released as a Mr.Children single in November 2001, many may remember it as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Antique: Western Confectionery.” Its worldview—depicting the conflicts of youth and the fleeting nature of time that vanishes in an instant—shines with Kazutoshi Sakurai’s uniquely sharp sensibility.
The melody, like water soaking into a parched heart, is perfect for a sunny-day drive or those moments when you feel like looking back on the past.
Mini Moni. Janken Pyon!Minimoni.
The debut single from Mini Moni, a unit from Hello! Project, released in January 2001.
It topped the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks and became a major hit, ranking 15th on the year-end chart.
The song was featured on numerous TV programs, including TV Tokyo’s “Oha Suta,” and was later included on the album “Mini Moni Song Daijiten Vol.
1,” making it a track that thrilled children at the time.
Most notably, it was produced by Tsunku♂, with unique lyrics themed around rock-paper-scissors and a friendly, easy-to-follow dance routine—an irresistibly fun song you can enjoy without overthinking.
Heisei Era Classics Revisited Through 2001 Hit Songs (11–20)
FINAL DISTANCEUtada Hikaru
This work boldly rearranges the title track of the album “Distance” into a majestic ballad centered on piano and strings.
Moved by a tragic incident that occurred in June 2001, Hikaru Utada recorded a new version as a prayer for repose, releasing it as a single in July 2001.
The lyrics, which depict a closeness that feels just out of reach and an unbreakable longing for someone dear, evoke a heart-wrenching sadness with every listen.
Its overwhelming expressive power has not faded, even more than twenty years after its release.
It is a gem that represents the Heisei era—one to be heard on a quiet night while thinking of someone precious who remains in your heart.
Papillon ~papillon~Shimatani Hitomi
Hitomi Shimatani’s third single, released in February 2001.
It caused a major stir as a Japanese-language cover of Janet Jackson’s worldwide hit, and became the catalyst for Shimatani’s breakthrough in the pop scene.
While preserving the original’s sophisticated rhythm, the lyrics portray a butterfly freely dancing across the skies of Asia, giving listeners a liberating sense of setting off on an exotic journey.
The phrases interwoven with words from various languages leave a pleasant, oriental resonance that lingers in the ears.
It’s an energetic dance number perfect for livening up a karaoke session or for refreshing yourself when you want a brief escape from everyday life.
A Lonely ToothbrushSakuraba Yuuichirou
A song released under the name Yuichiro Sakuraba, the character played by Tomoya Nagase in a TV drama.
Produced by Tsunku♂, this track overlays the singer’s loneliness onto a single toothbrush left by the sink, weaving a heartrending number about the lingering attachment to a lover who has left.
It was included on TOKIO’s single “Message / Hitoribocchi no Haburashi,” released in May 2001, and became a major hit as an in-show song for the drama Muko Dono.
Even if he acts tough, he’s crying inside—the painful vulnerability of a man comes through all too clearly.
Midnight is purityShiina Ringo
This song caused a big stir as Ringo Sheena’s final single before her hiatus.
The big band–style sound created in collaboration with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra radiated a glamour and sultriness that set it apart from her earlier, more rock-oriented work.
Although it was released in March 2001, it remained absent from her original studio albums for many years, and only finally appeared on the 2019 best-of collection Newton no Ringo: Hajimete no Best-ban—a well-known bit of history.
Try listening to it while soaking in the quiet of the night, imagining the push and pull of an adult romance.