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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Japanese hit songs of 2008 (11–20)
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.
dearestKOH+
This is a collaborative song by Masaharu Fukuyama and Kou Shibasaki, who co-starred in a popular drama.
Both are well-known as singers, and their collaboration further doubles their charm.
The lyrics are gentle, making it a song that really resonates with the heart.
With its calm tone, it’s something I want to listen to during a slow, relaxed time.
SUMMER TIMENEWS
It’s a refreshing summer song by NEWS.
Since the members of NEWS have relatively high voices, they make summer songs feel even more refreshing.
There are spots for call-and-response, so it’s a track everyone can get excited about together.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to at the start of summer.
love the worldPerfume
It’s a very Perfume-like song.
Rather than about romance, it’s a track I want to listen to for self-empowerment.
Among Perfume’s songs, this one really brings out the techno vibe.
Their dance is adorable too, so I hope you’ll pay attention to that as well.
We’ll always be together.Yamashita Tatsuro
The song is very gentle and easy to listen to.
Its style resonates with many people, not just the young.
It’s also a song often used at weddings.
Because it appeals to people of all ages, it often brings listeners to tears.
Tatsuro Yamashita’s voice is wonderful as well.
Genkai Boat SongHikawa Kiyoshi
Although Kiyoshi Hikawa usually offers a wider range of styles than typical J-pop, this song has a distinctly enka feel.
While he’s been popular even among generations that don’t normally listen to enka, this particular track has also become beloved by longtime enka listeners.
Japanese hit songs of 2008 (21–30)
HOMEShimizu Shota
This is one of the signature songs by the talented and popular artist Shota Shimizu.
Many people have surely been soothed by his gentle singing voice.
He’s an exceptionally skilled vocalist, so singing this at karaoke can be quite a challenge—but if you can pull it off, it looks really cool.