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)
ZeroBUMP OF CHICKEN
This band is the best-selling among guitar rock bands.
Even so, with total sales of 240,000 copies, it’s a somewhat modest figure compared to major hits like AKB.
Still, since it ranks first among rock bands, it must have given the members confidence.
Don’t Wanna LieB’z
For B’z, the champions of Japanese hard rock, you could say this is a somewhat underwhelming ranking and single sales.
The song is packed with the signature B’z style that everyone recognizes, so it’s definitely one that rock-loving boys and girls should listen to.
Even so, you could say it was a year when not even B’z could stop AKB’s momentum.
Forget-me-notShimizu Shota
An artist who has become a familiar presence on cable music rankings is Shota Shimizu.
His soulful voice is truly authentic, and I believe it would hold up well in Western countries like the United States.
This song is a textbook example of a good track, so I recommend it to music lovers.
EternalAkanishi Jin
This person also belongs to an idol group from Johnny & Associates, and this is a single from their solo activities.
They’ve succeeded as an idol and, as a solo artist, boast solid sales and have made it into the annual sales rankings, which I think is quite impressive.
ULTIMATE WHEELSKAT-TUN
This is yet another idol group from Johnny & Associates.
I don’t think there’s ever been a time when so many idol groups dominated the rankings like this.
In Japan, it can be said that songs by full-fledged artists no longer sell well, and the country has shifted to one where producer-driven songs are the ones that sell.
T.W.L / Yellow Pansy StreetKanjani∞
Yet another idol group from Johnny & Associates has made it into the rankings.
This group has now become the second most popular after Arashi, and its members are active on variety shows and the like.
It’s unfortunate that the only videos of this song available were karaoke or covers.
Since it’s a popular song, I was curious about the original.
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.