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 (11–20)
FUNKASTICRIP SLYME
This is the song that brought RIP SLYME widespread recognition.
“FUNKASTIC” is a coined word combining FUNK and FANTASTIC.
The backing track is sprinkled with riffs from classic funk tunes, which probably made those in the know crack a grin.
Paradise, babyRIP SLYME
It’s a signature track by the hip-hop group RIP SLYME.
While the previous and the one before that were massive hits, each selling over 200,000 copies, this song surpassed them, selling 300,000.
As can also be seen from the sales of the album released later, it’s clear the group was riding a huge wave at the time.
Island SongTHE BOOM
Originally released in 1992 and 1993, the song was re-released this year after Argentine artist Alfredo Casero covered it and it became a topic of conversation when used as a cheer song for Argentina’s national team at the World Cup.
It is a quiet yet grand piece, imbued with a certain sorrow, sung as a requiem for the victims of the Battle of Okinawa.
World’s End Supernovakururi
This is the biggest hit to date by the rock band Quruli.
Unlike their previous work, it features a sound that emphasizes dance music elements.
There’s also a live version that faithfully recreates the electronic sound with live instrumentation, which is definitely worth checking out.
Male artist (21–30)
Farewellkinmokusei
Kinniku Mokusei’s fourth single, which reached No.
15 on the Oricon charts.
It was used as the first opening theme for the TV Asahi anime “Atashin’chi,” and because it aired in the 7 p.m.
time slot—prime time in Japan—it’s a song that many people of all ages know.
The four greetings that appear in the chorus are all Japanese expressions that convey warmth; they might seem unobtrusive, but they gently seep into the heart, making this a beautifully crafted song.
Grandfather’s ClockHirai Ken
A big hit that topped the Oricon chart for four consecutive weeks, ranked first for the month, and seventh for the year.
Ken Hirai had been performing the song live even before it was released as a single, and unlike the original version, it omits the second chorus and repeats the third chorus twice.
Also, due to phrasing considerations, the lyrics differ from the original American version, and it seems the grandfather’s age was changed from 90 to 100.
A Beautiful Burning ForestToukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora
This is Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra’s 22nd single, featuring Tamio Okuda as guest vocalist.
The horn section, which carries on the melody of the chorus from the intro, is cool and striking.
Also, instead of using his signature laid-back singing style, Tamio Okuda seems to deliver a more carefully articulated vocal performance on this track.