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.
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Japanese hit songs of 2008 (21–30)
DON’T U EVER STOPKAT-TUN
It’s a very cool song that’s so KAT-TUN.
Since KAT-TUN often has a Western-style sound, it’s great to play while driving because it doesn’t get in the way.
The lyrics are also done in a cool way.
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.
Spread your wingsZARD
This is a song in which ZARD covers a track by DEEN.
Compared to the male singer’s version, it feels gentler overall.
The tender, enveloping vocals bring a very calm feeling.
It’s the kind of song I’d like to listen to slowly while parked by the seaside.
Storyyuzu
It’s a refreshing, quintessentially yuzu-style song.
It’s the kind of track you want to listen to when you need a boost.
It’s also a song I’d want to listen to together when someone important nearby is feeling down.
I recommend singing it as a cheer-up song at karaoke, too.
Perfect for anyone who wants to take life easy.
As I am in love…Akimoto Junko
While J-pop dominated the top of the charts, an unconventional singer broke into the upper rankings that year.
Rather than the younger generation, it was mostly mothers who listened to them.
Their voice was beautiful—rich and weighty—and the lyrics, which only someone of that generation could truly sing, were especially popular.
Irresponsible HeroKanjani∞
They’re bright, slightly goofy lyrics that are so typical of Kanjani Eight, and that’s exactly what makes the song uplifting.
It’s the kind of track you want to belt out loudly at karaoke, riding the momentum and getting everyone hyped.
It really gets the crowd going, but it’s also great for blowing off steam—like when you want to forget about something for a while.
sharing an umbrella (romantic)Tegomasu
It’s a sub-unit derived from the members of NEWS.
With Tegomasu’s gentle voices, it’s a very soothing song.
Since it includes the word “umbrella,” it’s a track you’ll want to listen to in early summer, during the rainy season.
If two male singers can harmonize well, it becomes a really cool song.