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 artist (21–30)
Fish HeavenShibaya Hiromi
It’s the familiar Fish Song with the catchy “sakana sakana sakana~” refrain.
It carries an educational message that eating fish makes you smarter thanks to the effects of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
It’s a classic tune that fits perfectly with the lifestyles of Japanese people, who eat fish frequently.
Male artists (1–10)
Life goes onDragon Ash
This is a signature song by the crossover band Dragon Ash, which sold 800,000 copies.
It actually has an original source: it’s a remake of a track called “I Wanna Be With U” by the group FUN FACTORY.
If you’re curious, why not listen to both and compare?
Angel’s taleHyde
The second single released under L’Arc~en~Ciel vocalist HYDE’s solo name.
It’s characterized by a sweet-voiced ballad, and the theme seems to be a quietly moving Christmas song.
The first press limited edition came in a coffin-shaped special case, and I remember having trouble figuring out where to store it at the time.
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.