[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 Roundup of Nostalgic Japanese Tracks! (31–40)
The Truly Scary Side of Love and RomanceKuwata Keisuke
This is a solo single by Keisuke Kuwata.
The opening piano is really cool.
The title has depth, but the lyrics themselves are straightforward and easy to understand.
Kuwata’s solo work has a distinctly different vibe from when he’s with Southern All Stars.
OkayInaba Hiroshi
This is a solo single by Inaba from B’z.
It has a different vibe from his work with B’z—another kind of cool track.
Inaba’s songs are tough to sing, but precisely because they’re difficult, if a man can sing them well, it scores high points.
The chorus is also easy to listen to.
Screen of the EyesHey! Say! JUMP
While it has the feel of a Johnny’s-style idol song, it also carries a touch of nostalgia.
It’s easy to listen to not only for young people but also for the mother’s generation.
It’s not as gentle as a ballad nor as intense as a dance number, so it’s easy to sing.
A lovestruck ordinary personsupittsu
It’s a very Spitz-like song.
The lyrics also convey a worldview that only Masamune Kusano could write.
It isn’t extremely upbeat, but it’s quintessentially Spitz in the way it says: don’t lose your own pace—do your best in your own way.
It’s not me unless it’s meGesu no Kiwami Otome.
This is a celebrated song whose philosophical lyrics, affirming one’s unique self, resonated with many.
Released in April 2015 as Gesu no Kiwami Otome’s second single, it became widely known through a Coca-Cola commercial.
The protagonist crafted by Enon Kawatani gives us courage as they accept their past self and look forward.
Despite its breezy sound, the ensemble features a wealth of highlights with complex, prog-like developments.
Performed at the 66th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, this track is one that gently gives you a push when you’ve lost confidence or feel down from comparing yourself to others.
[Hit Songs of 2010] A Roundup of Nostalgic Japanese Tracks! (41–50)
Ponytail and ScrunchieAKB48
When it comes to iconic summer songs of 2010, “Ponytail to Shushu” is the one.
Atsuko Maeda and Minami Takahashi served as the centers, and the lineup is full of members who symbolize AKB’s golden era.
It was also hugely popular at karaoke—someone would always sing it.
Gimme Chocolate!!BABYMETAL
They’re still incredibly popular overseas.
When they formed, it was nothing short of astonishing! They’ve been invited to prestigious festivals abroad, and as soon as BABYMETAL’s set begins, the crowds of overseas metal fans rush in.
That phenomenon is undeniably real.
This song is one of their signature tracks.
As expected, the skill and coolness of the backing band are something that those in the know truly appreciate.
