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.
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Top 10 Japanese hit songs of 2008
I AM YOUR SINGERSazan Ōrusutāzu
The opening synthesizer gives it a refreshing vibe.
It’s a quintessential Southern All Stars song that often evokes summertime.
It’s loved by people of all ages, not just the young.
The vocals by Kuwata are also easy to listen to.
sense of shameshuuchishin
This is Shuchishin’s debut single.
Because the word “shuchishin” (shame/modesty) appears in the lyrics, it makes the title, artist name, and so on easy to remember.
Although “shuchishin” isn’t a word you hear often, I think many people learned it through this song.
It’s a track that really gets the crowd going at karaoke.
LAST CHRISTMASEXILE
It’s a Christmas song by EXILE.
Speaking of Christmas songs, more and more people in the younger generation now think of EXILE’s “LAST CHRISTMAS.” Although it’s a winter, Christmas song, EXILE’s performance makes it a very refreshing track.
Japanese hit songs of 2008 (11–20)
Fragments of an EncounterKetsumeishi
I think many people use this song for weddings in a variety of moments.
The lyrics, of course, but also the melody make it easy to use for entrances and exits.
Ketsumeishi’s manly, straightforward lyrics make it a song that resonates strongly at weddings.
MiracleGReeeeN
This is a song by GReeeeN that was used as the theme for a popular drama.
With this track, GReeeeN’s signature style became widely recognized.
The lyrics resonate deeply with those in the midst of their youth.
It’s a song that makes you want to cherish each moment.
Make my dayAragaki Yui
This is a song by Yui Aragaki, whose voice is adorable.
The music video of her singing is really refreshing, since she usually works as an actress.
It has a pop sound, so I want to listen to it in the morning.
The chorus is very catchy, too.
It’s the kind of song I’d like to hum when something good happens.
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.