Hit songs that colored 2011! Timeless tracks that bring back those days
A music scene like a mirror reflecting its era.
In 2011, Japan experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, a momentous event that deeply influenced music.
From uplifting songs filled with messages of encouragement to positive tracks that helped us rediscover the joys of everyday life, the year produced many hits imbued with feelings unique to that time.
As we look back on those songs that left a deep imprint on the hearts of people who lived through that period, shall we once again reflect on the power and potential of music?
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- Hit J-Pop songs of 2007: the appeal of hit tracks that exude a positive vibe
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- [2010–2019] A roundup of theme songs from popular dramas
- Full summer vibes! Johnny's popular summer songs
- Iconic Johnny’s songs from the 2000s onward. Nostalgic hits that bring back memories.
- A song to support recovery from the earthquake disaster. Connecting a circle of reconstruction support through music [Ganbarō Nippon / Let’s keep going, Japan].
- AKB48’s classic and hit songs: Relive your youth! A comprehensive introduction to their popular tracks
- Songs that were popular last year. A collection of iconic tracks that symbolize 2022.
- Heisei-era masterpieces revisited through the hit songs of 2001
- An idol-sung cheer song: A roundup of recommended tracks that lift your spirits when you listen
Hit songs that colored 2011! Timeless tracks that bring back those days (11–20)
Sexy ZoneSexy Zone
This group is also an idol group from Johnny & Associates and can be considered juniors to acts like Arashi.
Their debut song is packed with precious moments capturing the members’ youthful energy and momentum.
For fans, it’s surely an irresistible track and, above all, a truly joyous occasion.
Weekend: not yet.Not yet
They made their single debut as the strongest unit led by AKB’s Yuko Oshima.
The idol vibe is on full display, and the song is catchy.
Even so, I wonder how much AKB-related sales were recorded that year.
It must have been tough for the fans who were buying everything.
Rising SunEXILE
EXILE also scored a hit this year.
This song sold around 300,000 copies, which may seem modest given the group’s current stature, but I believe it paved the way for their later massive success.
If you’re an EXILE fan, this is definitely a must-listen track.
Lotusarashi
Breaking into a ranking dominated by AKB is the hugely popular idol group Arashi.
Arashi has now cemented its status as a top Johnny’s idol group and has become a rare act that captivates the hearts of young women everywhere.
Pareo is emerald.SKE48
One of AKB’s spinoff groups is SKE48.
This kind of idol business model, which can seem like piggyback marketing, draws criticism, but what’s impressive is that it actually sells.
It makes you wonder what’s going on in the mind of the producer, Yasushi Akimoto.
If you’re into idols, this is a must-listen track.
Dear JItano Tomomi
This is a single by Tomomi Itano, who was one of the popular members of AKB.
I think the strategy was to project a more mature image than AKB, and the public received it favorably, making it a hit.
She’s still working hard as a solo singer, so we can expect more from her in the future.
Hit songs that colored 2011! Classic tracks that bring back those days (21–30)
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is a famous song by BUMP OF CHICKEN that also served as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Winged Angels.
It’s a heartwarming ballad in which vocalist Motoo Fujiwara expresses his feelings for a particular character from the perspective of someone appearing in the movie.
The lyrics, which sing of the preciousness of friendship nurtured even while taking the long way around, are striking and likely to resonate with many listeners.
Released in February 2011, the song debuted at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and is characterized by its noble, heroic sound enhanced with trumpet and strings.
If you have companions who strive together with you, it’s sure to hit you right in the heart.