[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.
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[Hit Songs of 2010] A Showcase of Nostalgic Japanese Tracks (1–10)
BLESSL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
In the winter of 2010, many of you may remember it as the theme song for NHK’s coverage of the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Created by L’Arc〜en〜Ciel, one of Japan’s leading rock bands, it’s a grand and beautiful piece.
The song carries a heartfelt blessing and prayer for those who single-mindedly strive for glory.
No matter the difficulties, the strong belief in the brilliant future that lies ahead stirs the hearts of listeners.
Released in January 2010, the track reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
When you’re working toward a big goal or sincerely wishing for someone’s success, listening to it will fill your heart with a warm sense of inspiration.
companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi
This is a song by Ketsumeishi that passionately teaches us that kindness isn’t just about comforting each other—it’s about the true form of friendship.
The piece portrays a deep bond with companions who share frustrations, encourage one another, and move forward into the future together.
Its straightforward, powerful message really resonates.
In May 2010, it was chosen as the group’s first TV drama theme song for “Hagane no Onna,” generating significant buzz.
Listen to it at graduations or farewell parties, and memories with your friends will come flooding back, making it all the more moving.
How about throwing your arms around your closest friends and belting it out together?
I love you, I love you, I love you.Kōda Kumi
This is a gem of a ballad by Koda Kumi, sung over a dramatic piano melody that conveys an irrepressible rush of love.
The pure, straight-from-the-heart feeling of loving someone so much it almost hurts comes through vividly.
Released in September 2010 as a double A-side single, it peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and became widely known as the theme for the “Ichikami” commercial.
Koda Kumi’s powerful yet delicate vocals resonate deeply in this exquisite love song.
[2010 Hit Songs] A roundup of nostalgic Japanese tracks! (11–20)
BYE BYEKato Miria
This is a track by Miliyah Kato that portrays the heartrending parting of two people chasing their dreams, along with their resolve for the future.
The down-to-earth lyrics she wrote herself resonated with many listeners.
Its sound, blending R&B grooves with a catchy melody, leaves an impression that is sentimental yet powerful.
Released in March 2010 as her 17th single, the song is also included on the acclaimed album HEAVEN.
If you’ve ever experienced supporting each other’s dreams even while being apart, the world of this song is sure to move you.
Rainbow BayonHikawa Kiyoshi
A masterpiece of enka-kayō passionately performed by Kiyoshi Hikawa, whose fiery, passionate vocals are so captivating.
The melancholic enka melody is infused with a bayon rhythm that evokes an exotic atmosphere, portraying the vivid resurgence of unforgettable memories of a past love.
Released in August 2010 as his 18th single, it peaked at No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
The strong sales of the album that bears this title, “Enka Meikyoku Collection 13: Nijiiro no Bayon,” also show how widely it was embraced.
It’s the perfect song for a night when you want to look back fondly and beautifully on a love from the past.
SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
This song was written as the main theme for the film Solanin, starring Aoi Miyazaki and Kengo Kora.
Released in March 2010, the film also drew attention for being the first ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION song with lyrics penned by someone outside the band.
Contrary to the glittering image often associated with youth, it portrays anxieties about the future and the pain of parting.
Yet it doesn’t simply sink into sorrow; its strength in affirming farewells and facing forward is deeply moving.
The fact that it topped a fan poll in September 2013 is proof that this work has resonated with many people.
meteorKobukuro
Ryusei is Kobukuro’s 19th single, chosen as the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.
drama of the same name.
It’s a wistful yet romantic ballad that likens the couple’s future to a constellation.
Listening to it while gazing at the starry sky might enhance the mood even more.