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 songs that colored 2011! Classic tracks that bring back those days (21–30)
HELLOYUI
This is a pop number by singer-songwriter YUI that captures the thrill of the moment when love begins.
The piece features striking pizzicato plucks, evoking a fresh early-summer breeze where innocence and bubbling joy coexist.
The lyrics, which depict a passionate and slightly dangerous game of love that makes you want to touch a perilous dream, seize listeners’ hearts and don’t let go.
Released as a single in June 2011, it was written as the theme song for the film Paradise Kiss, based on Ai Yazawa’s original work, and is also included on the classic album HOW CRAZY YOUR LOVE.
It might just give you a boost when you’re ready to take a new step or in the mood to dress up and head out.
Super Ball of Loveaiko
This is a feel-good number by singer-songwriter aiko, set to disco sounds that capture the thrill of a summer-tinged romance beginning.
Released in May 2011, the song brilliantly uses the metaphor of a superball to describe a love that could bounce off in any direction.
The way it conveys overflowing feelings for someone special—almost giddy from the summer heat—is something anyone in love can deeply relate to.
It was also featured in a Calpis Water commercial, and its refreshing, effervescent vibe captured many hearts.
A sparkling, danceable track that brings back the excitement of falling in love.
I want to keep smiling.ikimonogakari
A resolute will that simply keeps facing forward comes through and makes my heart swell.
Released in July 2011 as Ikimono-gakari’s 20th single, it was used as the commercial song for Nissan’s “New Nissan Serena.” It’s an up-tempo number that conveys a heartfelt wish to keep smiling even in difficult times, straight and true.
Even though it runs over six minutes, the grand arrangement by Seiji Kameda and the powerful vocals by Kiyoe Yoshioka blend so beautifully that it feels like it’s over in a flash.
The song won an Excellence Award at the 53rd Japan Record Awards and is also included on the album NEWTRAL.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling down or need energy for tomorrow.
BraveNaoto Intiraymi
Naoto Inti Raymi, who has traveled the world and experienced the power of music firsthand.
His fifth single, released in April 2011, is a hope-filled song that lit a warm light in Japan at the time.
Its sound, which makes effective use of Auto-Tune, is striking—just listening to it lifts your spirits.
The work carries a powerful message: even when you feel like you might falter on your own, you can overcome it together with your friends.
It gives you the courage to take a small step forward, believing in a new future.
This track was a lead single from the album “ADVENTURE,” and it’s also known for being performed at the 2012 Red and White Song Battle (Kōhaku Uta Gassen).
It’s a number that fills you with energy for tomorrow—perfect for when you’re starting a new challenge or need a gentle push forward.
March Toward TomorrowKuwata Keisuke
Written by Keisuke Kuwata in 2011, at a time when many people were anxious about tomorrow, this is a marching song of hope.
Its unadorned, simple sound centered on acoustic guitar seeps all the more deeply into the heart.
The lyrics carry a strong message to the disaster-stricken areas, and there is a verse that sounds as if it sings “in Tohoku,” a characteristically modest form of encouragement from Kuwata that is profoundly moving.
This warm number was released in August 2011 as part of a triple A-side single and was also used in an NTT Docomo commercial.
It’s a talisman-like song, perfect for those moments when you want just a little boost of energy or a gentle push on the back.
Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)Takahashi Yuu
Yu Takahashi has many songs that give you the strength to keep going when times are tough and help you stay positive.
This track is exactly one of those: it conveys, in a straightforward way, that smiles are a universal language that transcends linguistic barriers.
The hope that one person’s smile will inspire another’s, creating a happy chain that spreads across the world, really resonates.
Released in February 2011 as Takahashi’s third single, this song became widely loved as the CM song for Tokyo Metro’s “TOKYO HEART.” For some reason, Yu Takahashi’s music brings a deep sense of reassurance—it makes you feel like you have an unfailing ally.
Listening to it gives you that comforting feeling, like a dose of nourishment for the heart—an empowering number.
It Has to Be You (duet with Nao Yasuda)KG
I think the cable channel’s rankings are determined by aggregating song requests.
Because of that, there end up being a lot of artists and groups I don’t know.
This was my first time listening to this group as well, but the male–female twin vocals are pleasant, and I can see why it became a hit.