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)
FriendKetsumeishi
This is the song chosen as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” It’s a song about parting with friends, and the repeated lyric “We’ll always be friends, but time goes by” conveys a touching blend of loneliness, friendship, and hope.
I believe it’s a song that will surely support both those who are seeing someone off and those who are being seen off.
Male Artists (11–20)
At the End of the Burning BeatB’z
B’z’s 33rd single, which topped the weekly and monthly charts and ranked 14th for the year.
The blue-note-inflected phrases that pop up in the melody really elevate the song.
Since the video is a short version, it feels more laid-back and might make you think, “Huh? Was it like this?” But from the second verse, the acoustic guitar gives way to driving electric guitars, the BPM picks up, and it literally accelerates.
Islanders’ TreasureBEGIN
It’s a song that gives you that quintessential “Okinawa!” feeling—one that could be called a signature track by BEGIN, singing of their love for their home, Okinawa.
The term shimanchu, meaning “people of the islands,” i.e., Okinawans, likely became widely recognized through this song.
I believe the feeling of treasuring what we gained from our hometown is something profound that doesn’t change no matter where you’re from.
FANTASISTADragon Ash
In addition to being chosen as the theme song for the NTV network’s coverage of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, this highly popular track has been used as background music on TV programs and as entrance music for professional boxers.
Among Dragon Ash’s live staples—renowned for their fiery performances—this song in particular stirs the hearts of listeners.
Way of DifferenceGLAY
A love song that tells the story of a man and a woman from the moment they meet to when they part ways.
It’s one of GLAY’s best-selling masterpieces.
It was also used as the theme song for the TV show “Ainori,” but I can’t help wondering whether it was really appropriate to tie in a song that depicts a breakup.
Christmas Eve RapKICK THE CAN CREW
It’s KICK THE CAN CREW’s only Christmas song—a surprising track that’s a rap arrangement of Tatsuro Yamashita’s classic “Christmas Eve.” While preserving the original vibe, they brought out a new charm and turned it into a hit.
I like you.Mr.Children
This is Mr.Children’s 22nd single, which, along with “Seesaw Game ~A Brave Love Song~,” tied the band’s personal record by topping the Oricon chart for three consecutive weeks.
The promotional video features Yosuke Kubozuka and portrays a man and woman in love, even as they are isolated for treatment.