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!
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2012 Hit Song Rankings! A roundup of nostalgic classics (21–30)
Thank youJUJU
An emotionally moving ballad known as the theme song for the film “Tsunagu,” starring Tori Matsuzaka.
The song had been performed live since JUJU’s debut and, after about seven years, was finally released with full confidence on “JUJU Day” in 2012.
It expresses gratitude for having met an irreplaceable, precious person; the happiness felt simply by being by their side; and a heartfelt wish to continue sharing loving days together, sentiments that gently resonate in the listener’s heart.
MomentSMAP
SMAP is the flagship act of Johnny & Associates.
However, as the members have gotten older, they can no longer compete with younger idol groups in single sales.
Even so, I think it’s admirable that they keep releasing new songs almost every year to delight their fans.
OperaSUPER JUNIOR
Many people might not know this, but this group consists of hugely popular Korean idols.
Compared to Japanese idols, they feel flashier and more energetic.
They’re also physically larger, so you could say they’re closer to EXILE.
Synchronized FlutterWatanabe Mayu
She’s also a central figure in AKB and is still hugely popular and supported by fans.
The song is a full-on idol-style track that’s very much her, and if you like idols, you definitely won’t regret buying or listening to it.
It sold 150,000 copies, which I think is a solid number.
It was love.Kanjani∞
The song ranked 19th on the annual sales chart, with 320,000 copies sold.
It’s hard to judge whether that figure is high or low, but I think it’s a respectable number for an idol group’s song.
The members also appear on TV frequently, which directly contributes to their popularity.
Good luckBUMP OF CHICKEN
I think most Japanese high school students and other young people are into idols, and a portion of the rest listen to rock bands like EXILE or this band.
Therefore, I believe they’re a niche minority, but even so, selling around 200,000 copies in an era when singles don’t sell much is impressive.
Prayer ~ Orbit of Tears / End of the day / piecesMr.Children
Ranked 23rd in the annual sales chart with 270,000 copies sold, Japan’s proud rock band Mr.
Children has made the list.
Since they’re essentially an albums-and-live band now, I don’t think they have the power to break through the singles chart that idols monopolize.