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[Hit Songs of 2010] A Roundup of Nostalgic Japanese Tracks!
Do you remember which songs lit up Japan’s music scene in 2010? Timeless masterpieces and hits that still bring back the excitement of those days, even as the years pass.
In this article, we’ve gathered 2010 releases that became hit songs—from tracks featured in TV commercials and drama theme songs to popular tunes everyone sang at karaoke.
Just hearing them is sure to stir nostalgic memories for many! Please enjoy them along with music videos that capture the spirit of the times.
[Hit Songs of 2010] A Showcase of Nostalgic Japanese Tracks (1–10)
Thank youikimonogakari
“Arigatou” by Ikimono-gakari was written as the theme song for the first half of 2010’s NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.
Released as their 18th single, this classic continues to be beloved as a staple song for graduations and weddings.
It has also been featured in high school music textbooks, used as entrance music at high school baseball games, and adopted as a train approach melody, earning support from a wide range of generations.
Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB48
One song by AKB48 whose choral harmonies—layered voices of the members—resonate deeply in the gentle light of spring.
In this piece, cherry blossom petals are likened to a “bookmark” that slips between the pages of life’s precious moments, capturing both the sorrow of parting and the hope of stepping into the future.
The lyrics, presented not as mere reminiscences but as signposts to one day rediscover our dreams, have drawn wide empathy for how “heartwarming” they feel, and the song is also cherished as a choral number.
Released in February 2010, it made headlines for surpassing 300,000 in first-week sales—the first time in seven years for a female artist.
A tender masterpiece we hope those at the milestone of graduation will listen to.
From Me to Youflumpool
It’s a flumpool song that feels like a crisp, sweet-and-sour page of youth turned directly into music.
You want to honestly share your feelings with the person you like, yet you can’t quite take that final step.
That frustrating, tender love is deftly portrayed over a sound brimming with clarity.
Written as the theme song for a popular film of the same name, it was released with the movie in September 2010.
It’s a pure, straightforward anthem that we hope everyone who longs to convey their feelings to someone special will listen to.
Endless skyarashi
This is Arashi’s 34th single, also known as the theme song for the drama “Freeter, Ie o Kau.” starring member Kazunari Ninomiya.
The drama, which portrays a protagonist striving to rebuild his life, harmonizes beautifully with the song’s warm and powerful message—surely moving many listeners.
Its uplifting lyrics, encouraging you to stand up again and again, have undoubtedly given courage to countless people.
Released in November 2010, the single became the group’s 30th number-one on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s a heartfelt cheering song to listen to when you want to find light in a difficult reality or need the courage to step into the future.
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
A fiery cheer song that gives you a push when you’re just one step away but can’t quite move forward! Released by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS in August 2010, it’s also included on the classic album “Funky Monkey Babys 4.” The lyrics capture the frustration of hard work not paying off, yet passionately affirm the unshakable belief in victory—sure to stir your heart.
This track colored the summer Koshien as the support song for the 92nd National High School Baseball Championship, and the music video features Masahiro Tanaka.
When you feel like your spirit might break at a crucial moment, listen to it—you’ll surely think, “I can push a little more!”