Hit J-Pop songs from 2002. Recommended classics and popular tracks.
Dragon Ash, Chitose Hajime, Ketsumeishi, Hikaru Utada, Porno Graffitti, MISIA, Kishidan…
From among the many classic songs that lit up the J-POP charts in 2002, our studio staff have selected their recommended hits.
It’s a moving playlist that still hasn’t lost its luster.
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Female Artists (11–20)
Romantic, in a flirty/excited moodFujimoto Miki
This is the third single that can be considered Mikitty—Miki Fujimoto’s signature song under her solo name.
Her brilliant career includes failing the Morning Musume audition, succeeding as a solo artist, and then officially joining Morning Musume, truly making her dreams come true.
It’s a love song that resonates with a powerful singing voice.
SAMURAI DRIVEhitomi
This is a song in which hitomi, who used to perform as part of the Komuro Family, changed her previous image and presented a rock flavor.
Originally, it was a song by a band called Cune—in fact, it’s a cover.
With the release of this single, Cune’s name recognition also rose, and sales increased through a synergistic effect.
The Curry Rice WomanSonin
Speaking of “Curry Rice no Onna,” it drew attention for its music video featuring a nude-apron look, but contrary to the strikingly sensual PV, the song’s content is deeply poignant and sorrowful.
In particular, the lyrics of the chorus possess an exceptional expressive power, standing out even among the many songs that sing of heartbreak and emptiness.
As expected of Tsunku.
Aiin ExercisesBaka tonosama to Minimoni hime.
A miraculous unit formed by the idol group Mini Moni.
and the comedian Ken Shimura.
Back then, kids would often keep repeating “Aiin” at school.
The word “Aiin” naturally appears countless times in the lyrics as well, and in the music video the idols repeatedly jut out their chins to do the “Aiin,” making it a very comical song.
PurenessUeto Aya
Aya Ueto’s debut single as an artist.
Despite having no tie-in at the time, it achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the top five on the Oricon chart.
Unlike her image as an actress, she wore a rock-style outfit—jeans and a T-shirt—and I think this song established a new image for her.
Tree of WadatsumiHajime Chitose
This is a track with a distinctive singing voice that employs Amami’s traditional vocal technique, guin, paired with a grand arrangement that feels wonderful.
Wadatsumi is the sea deity that appears in Japanese mythology, and this arrangement is so vast that it befits the name of a god.
This song also became the catalyst that made Chitose Hajime widely known across Japan as a singer from Amami.
Female artist (21–30)
Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi
Tears for You, well known as a farewell or graduation song, takes its title from the Okinawan phrase “namida sousou,” which means “tears falling and spilling over.” The lyrics were reportedly written by Ryoko Moriyama in memory of her late older brother.
It’s a song that evokes Okinawa’s blue sea and carries a certain warmth.