Hit Japanese songs of 2004: recommended classics and popular tracks
Mr.
Children, Kishidan, Ken Hirai, Ayaka Hirahara, Hikaru Utada, Tokyo Jihen…
From the many classic and popular songs that colored the J-POP hit charts of 2004 (Heisei 16), our studio staff has selected recommended hits.
A playlist that still doesn’t fade with time—one that represents the Heisei era.
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Female Artists (11–20)
distress (at sea/in the mountains); being lost; stranded; a disaster situationToukyou Jihen
The second single, released just one month after the debut song “Gunjou Biyori” as Tokyo Jihen led by Ringo Sheena.
It peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
Remarkably, there are six different versions of the music video, and in some of them it connects to the coupling track “Dynamite.”
Things that have formShibasaki Kou
This is the theme song for the drama version of Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.
It’s Kou Shibasaki’s 6th single, which debuted at No.
2 on the Oricon chart and ranked No.
6 for the year.
Boosted by the drama’s success, it became a long-running hit and ended up being her second best-selling release after “Tsuki no Shizuku,” which she released under the name RUI.
Apple SongShiina Ringo
Because this was created at the request of being aired on the program “Minna no Uta,” the arrangement of Shiina Ringo’s 9th single is, in a sense, uncharacteristic of her.
The arrangement differs between the “Minna no Uta” broadcast version and the single cut; the single version includes rolled R’s, while the TV version does not.
In Japan, CDs are generally released on Wednesdays, but this track was released on the preceding Tuesday (November 25), which happens to be Shiina Ringo’s birthday.
INSPIREHamasaki Ayumi
A song Ayumi Hamasaki sings, set to a crisp, tight track with fiery lyrics.
In a word, that’s what this song is.
The lyrics feel like a rousing pep talk to the world today—giving listeners a sharp pat on the back and pushing them forward with a kind, powerful force.
ReasonTamaki Nami
This is Nami Tamaki’s sixth single.
It’s the ending theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY and marks her third tie-in with the Gundam SEED series.
It’s a powerful song that seems to sing of love and resolve, making it a perfect match for the work.
Hello GoodbyeYU-KI
Released as YUKI’s eighth single, this mid-tempo track, true to its title “Hello, Goodbye,” portrays human relationships.
It reminds us that even in our ordinary days, there are in fact many different encounters.
Female artist (21–30)
kaleidoscopeAikawa Nanase
This is Nanase Aikawa’s 26th single.
It’s a song that seems to depict hearts swaying and being drawn to each other, like a kaleidoscope where colors and moods keep changing.
The musical style features a relaxed rhythm with a very danceable melody.