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.

Playlist

female artist
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Happy DaysOtsuka Ai		Ai Otsuka’s fourth single, the theme song for High School Quiz
2	SunriseBENNIE K		A refreshing summer song by BENNIE K
3	For love.Ueto Aya		Aya Ueto’s representative songs used as drama theme songs
4	happiness!!!Kimura Kaera		Kaela Kimura’s 2nd single
5	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		A song by an unfaithful woman used at weddings
6	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		A classic song by Yumi Matsutoya that depicts anticipation for spring and nostalgia
7	Give me a gentle kiss.DREAMS COME TRUE		Drama theme song ranks No. 2 on the weekly chart
8	See you tomorrow / At the start of the day… / A scene of happinessEvery Little Thing		A gentle song that serves as the theme for a pure love drama
9	CRAVIN’JUJU		A song that symbolizes JUJU’s early struggling years
10	Hana-kaze (flower wind)aiko		aiko's baseball broadcast tie-in song
11	Bridge to TomorrowKuraki Mai		Mai Kuraki’s beautiful ballad song
12	When Someone’s Wish Comes TrueUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada's film theme song single
13	JupiterHirahara Ayaka		A long-selling song that added Japanese lyrics to Holst’s “Jupiter”
14	Ultramarine DaysToukyou Jihen		The high musicianship of Tokyo Jihen’s debut song
15	distress (at sea/in the mountains); being lost; stranded; a disaster situationToukyou Jihen		Tokyo Jihen’s 2nd single, Oricon No. 2
16	Things that have formShibasaki Kou		A long-running hit drama theme song by Kou Shibasaki
17	Apple SongShiina Ringo		Ringo Sheena’s 9th single, released on her birthday
18	INSPIREHamasaki Ayumi		A song by Ayumi Hamasaki that encourages listeners with a sharp, tight backing track and passionate lyrics.
19	ReasonTamaki Nami		Nami Tamaki's Gundam SEED theme songs
20	Hello GoodbyeYU-KI		YUKI's story of meeting and parting
21	kaleidoscopeAikawa Nanase		Drawn to each other, hearts swaying as the colors change
male artist
22	SignMr.Children		Mr.Children's drama theme songs
23	Messenger from Sunday↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓		A signature song by The High-Lows has been made into a movie theme song
24	Stargazersupittsu		New single by Spitz released
25	SisterPorunogurafiti		Porno Graffitti 15th single
26	READY STRADY GOL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		L'Arc's 22nd single anime theme song
27	ArueBUMP OF CHICKEN		A song themed around Rei Ayanami
28	GO !!!FLOW		FLOW's smash-hit Naruto theme song
29	Roco LotionORANGE RANGE		ORANGE RANGE’s summer hit song
30	FlowerORANGE RANGE		ORANGE RANGE's movie theme song is a big hit
31	GALAXYRIP SLYME		Introduction to RIP SLYME's hit song GALAXY
32	Heart Throbsnobobyknows̟+		Ending theme song of SD Gundam Force
33	Everything becomes my strength!kuzu		Biggest hit with a loser’s fight song
34	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		NHK Athens Olympics theme song
35	BUMP to youKetsumeishi		A danceable disco-sound track by Ketsumeishi
36	You are the star.Sazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern All Stars' 49th single, a refreshing summer song
37	Days of Love and DesireSazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern's 50th single, disco-style
38	Before our feelings overlap…Hirai Ken		Ken Hirai's single selected for a commercial and a theme song
39	Close your eyesHirai Ken		Ken Hirai's blockbuster theme song single
40	Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken		Matsuken to perform at the Kohaku with a cheerful song
41	To all living thingsMoriyama Naotaro		Moriyama Naotaro’s theme song of vitality
42	Marriage Fighting-Spirit March “Best Buddies”Kishidan		Kishidan’s wedding march single
43	cherry blossomKawaguchi Kyogo		Kawaguchi Kyogo's biggest hit song
44	Rainbow ~Another Summer~Fukuyama Masaharu		Rainbow chosen as the theme song for WATER BOYS 2
45	WonderlandInaba Hiroshi		I wonder if forcibly taking a reclusive patient outside is really a good idea.
46	Song of JoyMONGOL800		Mongol800’s signature song hits No. 1 on the indie chart for the first time
47	RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION		Fullmetal Alchemist Season 4 opening theme. A famous rock and cool song.
48	Blue JeanGLAY		GLAY’s 31st single. A refreshing track that sings about summer romance.
49	The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP		SMAP’s first song to achieve double million sales
50	ignited – イグナイテッド –T.M.Revolution		Achieved first place for the first time in six years with the theme song of Gundam SEED DESTINY
51	Blue BenchSasuke		Sasuke’s single farewell feelings