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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- Hit J-Pop songs from 2002. Recommended classics and popular tracks.
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- Hit songs that colored 2011! Timeless tracks that bring back those days
- Heisei-era masterpieces. Hit songs that represent the Heisei period.
- Heisei Song Collection: Iconic Hits That Colored the ’90s and 2000s
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
- Unrequited love songs of the Heisei era. Those nostalgic classic tunes.
- Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
- 2000s Japanese Hits | Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! Exquisite Masterpieces
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- A Must-See for the Heisei Generation: Nostalgic Songs That Were Popular in the Heisei Era
Heisei Era Classics Revisited Through 2001 Hit Songs (31–40)
I miss you ~Across Time~MISIA＋DCT
This song is a collaboration between MISIA and Dreams Come True.
Masato Nakamura composed and arranged it, MISIA performs the lead vocals, and Miwa Yoshida handles the backing vocals.
It’s a warm and memorable track with lyrics that sing of a straightforward, honest love.
Sayonara ColorSUPER BUTTER DOG
It’s a signature song by the five-piece funk band SUPER BUTTER DOG.
It’s a quiet yet powerful ballad that seems to depict a farewell and the hope that lies beyond it.
Inspired by this song, actor Naoto Takenaka released a film of the same name in 2005.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterSteady&Co.
Steady & Co.
is a unit consisting of four members: Kj and Bots from Dragon Ash, ILMARI from RIP SLYME, and SHIGEO from Skebo King.
This song is their most famous track.
The rap laid over an acoustic guitar track creates a very pleasant, laid-back vibe, making it a soothing piece you can really sink into.
Your innocencehiro
This is the 4th single by Hiroko Shimabukuro—then performing solo under the name hiro—from the idol group SPEED.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Beauty 7.” With a calm, catchy rhythm, it sings about a timid, delicate love.
YATTA!happatai
The song that the unit ‘Happatai’ sang within sketches on the then wildly popular comedy show ‘Warau Inu no Bōken’ was released on CD and became a big hit as well.
Even today, it’s often featured as an energizing, motivational song—an extremely positive track brimming with hope for the future.
Heisei Era Classics Revisited Through 2001 Hit Songs (41–50)
Ruts -Wadachi-Kobukuro
It’s a moving song by Kobukuro that feels like it cheers on people who are struggling.
“Wadachi” refers to the tracks left by tires after a vehicle passes, and the expression urging you to push forward on a road without even any tracks is wonderful.
Why not give it a listen when you’re feeling troubled?
ONErippu suraimu
When it comes to RIP SLYME, they’re often associated with upbeat tracks, but this one has a laid-back vibe—a warm, mellow hip-hop tune.
The repeated lyrics, “Each of us has one life, each chose their own style; each of us has one life, and one love,” are especially striking.