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.
- Hit J-pop songs of 2005. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
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Women Artists (1–10)
Happy DaysOtsuka Ai
This is the fourth single by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka.
It’s said that most of her post-major-debut songs were written during her indie days.
You might find it familiar, as it was used as the theme song for the National High School Quiz Championship.
The track features a cute yet experimental arrangement, incorporating programming and vocal effects.
SunriseBENNIE K
This song can be called the breakout hit of BENNIE K, a duo consisting of a singer and a rapper.
It’s a breezy, energetic track that feels perfect for summer.
The name BENNIE K was inspired by Benkei and Ben E.
King.
For love.Ueto Aya
This is Aya Ueto’s seventh single.
Of course, I think acting is her main profession, but she has released more songs than expected.
This track was used as the ending theme for the drama “Aim for the Ace!” in which she starred.
It can be considered one of her signature songs, as it also marked her first appearance on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a powerful love song that conveys a sense of determination.
happiness!!!Kimura Kaera
This is Kaela Kimura’s second single; she’s also active as a model.
Rather than the typical model-turned-singer debut, she made her debut after performing with a band in the indie scene.
She also wrote the lyrics.
The song has a solid rock, full band sound, so it should be easy to cover.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
A song as famous as Yo Hitoto’s “Morainaki.” It’s often used at weddings, but some interpret it as a song about a woman who had an affair and then stepped back.
It’s said that the original lyrics were sprinkled with words like “terror” and “shotgun,” making it a suggestive song in various ways.
On the Oricon charts, it reached No.
4 weekly and No.
30 for the year.
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
A masterwork by Yumi Matsutoya that delicately portrays the longing for spring.
Released in October 1994 as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series, it became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Its emotionally rich melody—woven from nostalgia for days gone by and anticipation of a new season—resonates deeply with listeners.
More than just a seasonal song, it embraces universal themes of renewal and hope, and has been featured in commercials for Suntory’s BOSS Rainbow Mountain Blend and All Nippon Airways.
Cherished by many as a heartwarming number that accompanies life’s milestones and new beginnings in spring, it continues to be beloved today.
Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE
It’s DREAMS COME TRUE’s 31st single and the theme song for the TBS drama “Vessel of Sand” (Suna no Utsuwa).
The music video is story-driven and features animated characters modeled after Yoshida and Nakamura, and both these characters and the MV’s lead actress, Aoi Miyazaki, also appear in the MV for “Tsuretette Tsuretette.” On the Oricon charts, it reached No.
2 weekly and No.
21 for the year.