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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Male artists (1–10)
Two Red Starskinmokusei
This is the second single from Kinmokusei, featuring an orthodox sound that truly embodies a Japanese pop band.
While not flashy, you can feel the solid musicianship of each member.
Although Kinmokusei is currently on hiatus, the members continue to work by providing songs and performing as a backing band.
MugenPorunogurafiti
Pornograffitti’s 9th single, which debuted at No.
3 and ranked 46th on the year-end chart.
It was used as NHK’s theme song for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and marked their first appearance at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen in two years since Saudade.
After this song, they released several tracks featuring members of the brass band THE THRILL.
sparklingOda Kazumasa
This is Kazumasa Oda’s 21st single, which reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and ranked 33rd on the year-end chart.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Koi no Chikara.” In the chorus, at the “kira kira kira” section, the top line descends in a cliché pattern while the final note rises, balancing the characteristically heavy yet dramatic feel of a cliché with the brighter, gentler impression created by the rising pitch—an arrangement that reflects his seasoned artistry.
One Night CarnivalKishidan
It’s their major-label debut single, which Kishidan themselves have remade and released several times.
The spoken interlude differs from the indie version.
It’s a highly catchy track that’s both fun and bittersweet, portraying the rebellion and youth of boys.
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
This is Road of Major’s debut single, an astonishing indie hit that first appeared at No.
16, reached No.
2 for the week, and placed No.
20 on the year-end chart.
Their momentum didn’t stop there—on the following year’s Oricon charts, it rose to No.
10 for the year, becoming a long-running hit.
SONS OF THE SUNAsanami 25
The fifth single by the crossover band Asanami 25, which reached No.
4 on the weekly chart and No.
27 on the year-end chart.
It was featured in a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat.
The song has a passionate overall arrangement, with a horn section that emphasizes the off-beat and arpeggios on the acoustic guitar in the background, creating a beautifully crafted foundation.
Flower SongTOKIO
It was also the theme song for the drama “Nurseman.” While some people are welcoming a dazzling spring as they throw themselves into a new environment, others may find themselves in situations where they can’t help but feel down.
Before you sink deeper into gloom, I hope you’ll listen to this song that gives you a push and lifts your spirits.