[2013 Japanese Hit Songs] Masterpieces that Colored the Ama-chan Boom, Group Popularity, and the Band Scene
Japan’s music scene in 2013 was truly a year of “diversity” and “phenomena.” The smash hit NHK morning drama Amachan sparked a social phenomenon, with its insert song Shiosai no Memory and its theme song, ushering in a revival boom of 1980s idol pop.
Meanwhile, the idol warring era—led by the AKB48 groups—reached its peak, and Koi Suru Fortune Cookie became a nationally beloved dance song.
In the rock band scene, acts like SEKAI NO OWARI and CreepHyp rose to prominence, with new talent blossoming one after another.
The expansion of the digital distribution market also accelerated, marking a turning point in how people listened to music.
In this article, we look back at the hit songs that colored 2013—from award-winning works to timeless karaoke favorites.
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- AKB48’s classic and hit songs: Relive your youth! A comprehensive introduction to their popular tracks
- 2003 J-Pop hit songs special: the golden age of music when diversity blossomed
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- [2010–2019] A roundup of theme songs from popular dramas
- Songs that were popular in 2020. A roundup of hit songs from Reiwa 2.
2013 Japanese Hit Songs: Legendary Tracks That Colored the Ama-chan Boom, Group Popularity, and the Band Scene (1–10)
Ninjari Ban Bankyarī pamyu pamyu
This is Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s fifth single, released in March 2013.
It was used as the commercial song for KDDI and Okinawa Cellular’s “au: Turning Surprise into Common Sense – FULL CONTROL/REAL” campaign, and its first performance at a large-scale event held at Zojoji Temple in Tokyo became a hot topic.
Blending traditional Japanese flavors with electro sounds, it’s an oriental pop track with a unique ninja-themed world.
The coined-title by producer Yasutaka Nakata and the catchy melody will stick in your head after just one listen.
The fully CG music video drew a huge response immediately after its release, and the song was later included on the album “Nanda Collection.” It’s the perfect dance tune for when you want to lift your spirits or get a party going.
Rain, then Sunshine Hallelujahyuzu
This is a song that brought warm emotion to living rooms across Japan as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Gochisousan.” Released in November 2013 as a double A-side single with “Mamotte Agetai,” it incorporates the melody of “Sakura-iro no Waltz” by shinobue flutist Kazuya Sato, and weaves in the second movement of Dvořák’s Symphony No.
9 “From the New World” during the interlude.
Set to a lilting 3/4 waltz rhythm, the lyrics sing of hope—that even painful days will surely turn into sunny ones—radiating a gentle, comforting warmth.
When you’re feeling down or overwhelmed by anxiety, the harmonies of this song will surely brighten your heart.
MusicSakanakushon
The single that drew attention in January 2013 as the theme song for the drama “dinner” is a rare work in which Ichiro Yamaguchi’s introspection—why do we make music?—resonates with the professionalism of artisans depicted in the show.
It’s striking for its one-coin 500-yen single concept, whispery vocals recorded in a home apartment, and an evolved form of dance rock where techno and band sounds intertwine.
By stripping away explanation in the lyrics and centering words that surfaced unconsciously, it creates space for interpretation, letting a club-like groove coexist with an introspective message.
Also included on the album “sakanaction” and performed at the year-end NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, this track is one to hear when you feel lost in your daily engagement with music.
[2013 Japanese Hit Songs] Masterpieces That Colored the Ama-chan Boom, Group Popularity, and the Band Scene (11–20)
Season of LoveNaoto Intiraymi
A J-POP number that portrays the budding feelings of love that come with the arrival of spring, brimming with dazzling freshness.
Written specifically for Kirin Beer’s “Hyoketsu” commercial, the song was released in April 2013 and reached No.
1 on the Billboard JAPAN HOT 100 weekly chart.
It captures the excitement and flutter brought by a new season with a crisp sound that blends a lively rhythm, strings, and synths.
The melody is designed to open up your field of vision from the very start of the chorus, with Naoto Inti Raymi himself writing and composing the song, and Shingo Kubota (Jazzin’park) handling the arrangement.
The lyrics, which balance wistfulness and warmth, are truly moving.
Included on the album “Nice catch the moment !” and certified double platinum for downloads, this hopeful track is one you’ll want to hear if your heart is dancing at the prospect of new encounters.
Girls’ RuleNogizaka 46
Released in July 2013 as the group’s sixth single, this song drew major attention as Mai Shiraishi took the center position for the first time.
It was featured in a Rakuten commercial and as the opening theme for NTV’s variety show “NOGIBINGO!,” and it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The music video, shot at an abandoned school in Ibaraki Prefecture, became a hot topic for its dramatic story depicting students trying to protect their swimming pool.
With a perfect summertime drive, it’s an ideal track for an all-girls hangout when you want to get fired up, or when you want to reminisce about school-day friendships.
EXILE PRIDE ~To Love a World Like This~EXILE
Released in April 2013 as their 41st single and positioned as the theme song for their dome tour, this track was widely featured, including as the CM song for Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical and in tie-ups with Fujitsu and Toyota, paired with visuals symbolizing “forward progress.” With lyrics by ATSUSHI declaring the straightforward message of “to love this world,” it powerfully sings of the resolve and solidarity to overcome adversity.
Its classic dance-pop arrangement—driven by robust choral work, strings, and brass—builds uplifting momentum, while singalong-friendly melodies maximize a sense of unity at live shows.
It sold 560,000 copies in its first week and surpassed one million in total sales.
At the 55th Japan Record Awards, it earned the group their fourth Grand Prize, cementing the song as a landmark work that solidified their national acclaim.
Joy!!SMAP
Released in June 2013, SMAP’s 50th single as a title track became widely beloved as the theme song for the drama “Kasuka na Kanojo.” The song was written and composed by Masaki Tsuno of Akai Koen, with arrangement by Yoko Kanno.
Its positive message—blowing away the stagnation of everyday life and moving forward—resounds powerfully atop a catchy 8-beat and uplifting brass.
Selling 328,000 copies in its first week, it topped the Oricon weekly chart and achieved a historic milestone: 50 consecutive Top 10 entries since their debut single.
With its festive, danceable sound, it’s the perfect pep song for when you need a boost or are taking on something new.