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 (31–40)
Love, TexasYamashita Tomohisa
Tomohisa Yamashita is a rare example of someone thriving as a solo artist under Johnny & Associates.
Among Johnny’s talents, his looks and style particularly stand out, so I think he’s well-suited for solo work.
His annual single ranking at 45th is a bit underwhelming, but there’s plenty of room for optimism going forward.
Wild at Heartarashi
The single “Wild at Heart” is the theme song for the Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Lucky Seven,” starring group member Jun Matsumoto.
It’s a rock tune characterized by an upbeat guitar riff and funky rhythm.
With lyrics like “Let’s truly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime journey,” it inspires you to live in the moment—without conforming to someone else’s mold or looking back at the past.
It’s a exhilaratingly positive song.
WANNA BEEEE!!!/Shake It UpKis-my-ft2
They’re also a popular idol group from Johnny & Associates, like SMAP and Arashi.
Since few people buy singles unless they’re devoted music fans, it ends up that songs by idol groups with many die-hard fans sell well, allowing them to dominate the singles charts.
I live, I will keep on living.Fukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama is also hugely popular as an actor, so I had the impression that whenever he released a single it would become a big hit.
However, it seems that even he struggled in this year dominated by idol successes.
The song is a pop track packed with his charm, so fans who don’t know it should give it a listen.
Beautiful2PM
This male idol group is also a Korean group.
Their dancing is distinctive, and I think they differ from popular Japanese idols like Arashi or SMAP.
With model-like physiques, they’re closer to EXILE, which makes it clear that physical build is important for Korean idols.