2012 Hit Song Rankings! A roundup of nostalgic classics all at once
In this article, we’ll be showcasing a roundup of Japanese hit songs from 2012 (Heisei 24)! How old were you back then? Maybe you were enjoying your student life, just starting out as a working adult and learning the ropes, or perhaps you got married and welcomed a child.
These are all songs that will likely bring back memories the moment you hear them, so please read through to the end! It’s also a playlist you can use as a reference when choosing songs for karaoke!
2012 Hit Song Rankings! A roundup of nostalgic classics (1–10)
fireworksSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
A ballad that poignantly sings of summer’s bittersweetness.
It’s included on the seventh single “0 ~ZERO~,” released by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE in August 2012.
The lyrics, written from a woman’s perspective, weave together the premonition of a breakup and feelings as fleeting as summer fireworks, tightening the chest with their poignancy.
It’s a song that will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced a sorrowful love, where feelings for the other person just never fade.
weNishino Kana
This is the 17th single, chosen as the theme song for the film “Girl.” When you think of Kana Nishino’s music, love songs usually come to mind, but this piece focuses on friendship between women.
It sings of the bond with a friend who understands you better than you understand yourself, a friend with whom you’ve shared both sparkling memories and days of tears.
The bright, light melody and choral work create a warm atmosphere that makes you feel at ease as you listen.
Recommended for when you want to look back on memories with your dear friends.
GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48
Released in February 2012, this song is a landmark track in which AKB48 embarked on a new challenge: “idol × band.” While themed around graduation and setting off on a new journey, it delivers an upbeat message that after the tears, we should high-five with a smile.
It’s a fast-paced track that fuses band sounds with idol pop, making it a perfect karaoke choice to dedicate to friends as you part ways.
VirginityNMB48
Released in August 2012 as the artist’s fifth single, this is an emotionally rich love song.
It captures the moment of transition from girl to woman, expressing the protagonist’s feelings as she senses that even a single kiss can lead to the loss of something.
The track is also characterized by a melody reminiscent of 1980s Japanese pop and a lush arrangement featuring strings and keyboards.
Perfect for those who want to savor the bittersweetness of love or revisit their youthful days.
Even kisses are left-handedSKE48
SKE48’s 10th single captures the fluttering first love of a young girl.
Released in September 2012, it topped the Oricon charts and ranked 9th on the year-end list.
The protagonist’s delicate feelings—like getting butterflies over something as simple as someone twirling pasta with their left hand—are conveyed through bright guitar sounds and sparkling synthesizers.
It’s the perfect song to revisit that heart-pounding feeling of being in love.