Hit J-Pop songs of 2008: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
Angela Aki, Arashi, Perfume, Shota Shimizu, Ikimono-gakari, GReeeeN…
From the many famous and popular songs that colored the J-POP hit charts of 2009 (Heisei 21), we’ve selected hit tracks recommended by our studio staff.
A playlist that still hasn’t faded with time—one that represents the Heisei era.
Top 10 Japanese hit songs of 2008
Prisoner Of LoveUtada Hikaru
It’s the theme song of a popular drama.
It expresses the feelings of a protagonist with gender identity disorder, but its lyrics are appealing because anyone in love can relate to them.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to in quiet moments—on a tired night, when you want to think about nothing and just listen.
One Lovearashi
This is an Arashi song that was used in a hugely popular drama.
It has a fresh, upbeat feel, so it’s perfect for listening to in the morning.
The members’ voices are clear and pleasant, making it great background music while you work.
It’s also a song that suits weddings.
Footsteps of TimeKobukuro
It’s a song that’s very much in Kobukuro’s style.
It’s a very easy-to-listen-to ballad—a wedding song.
The message that, despite everything that’s happened, I still love you and you’re precious to me is very characteristic of Kobukuro.
It’s also recommended for the groom to sing to the bride.
HANABIMr.Children
This is a song that was used in a medical drama.
It has powerful lyrics that are very characteristic of Mr.
Children.
Sakurai’s voice really carries, so I recommend listening to the live version as well.
It’s a great song for anyone who really misses someone.
Letter ~Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Me~Anjura Aki
It’s a song composed for a chorus competition.
Among Angela Aki’s many love songs, this one speaks for adolescents struggling through their teenage years, and many junior and senior high school students can relate to the lyrics.
Unlike the choral arrangement, Angela Aki’s own version is best enjoyed as a piano-and-vocal performance.
Oh My Precious TimeSuperfly
Released in May 2008, this is a refreshing beachy pop number.
The song captures memories of a faint first love that blossomed on a summer shore and the irreplaceable moments shared there.
Breezy, sea-breeze-like guitars and open, brassy tones blend with Shiho Ochi’s clear, expansive vocals to vividly color a bittersweet page of youth.
Many may remember it as a Calpis commercial song.
Play it on a drive or when you’re feeling a bit sentimental, and those treasured memories are sure to return gently.
umbrellaTOKIO
Written and composed by Ringo Sheena and arranged by Tokyo Jihen, this is a highly thrilling pop-rock track.
Its lyrics are deeply moving, powerfully urging a cherished person to keep moving forward, trust themselves, and not be afraid of getting hurt.
Released in September 2008, the song also served as the theme for the drama “Yasuko to Kenji,” starring band member Masahiro Matsuoka.
It holds a motivating power that gives you a strong push whenever you’re feeling uncertain.