[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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- [Hit Songs of 2010] A Roundup of Nostalgic Japanese Tracks!
- 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
- [Also for year-end parties and karaoke song choices] Anime songs that were popular in 2023
- Hit songs that colored 2011! Timeless tracks that bring back those days
- Songs that were popular in 2020. A roundup of hit songs from Reiwa 2.
- [2010–2019] A roundup of theme songs from popular dramas
[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.
miraclemiwa
This song captures the feeling of a summer romance, perfect for a season filled with sunshine.
Released in April 2013 as the CM song for Shiseido’s SEA BREEZE, it drew attention alongside visuals themed around high school youth.
Its breezy sound—colored by samba-style rhythms and percussion—blends with Miwa’s transparent, clear vocals to vividly express the thrill of summer.
The lyrics, which freshly portray wavering emotions and the anticipation of new encounters, just might give you the courage to leap into love.
The album featuring this track, Delight, topped the weekly album chart and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
It’s a cute summer tune recommended for anyone excited to kick off the season or looking to reminisce about their school days.
Preserved RosesT.M.Revolution × Mizuki Nana
A dream collaboration by Takanori Nishikawa and Nana Mizuki, two leading figures in the anime song scene.
Released in May 2013 as the opening theme for Valvrave the Liberator, it debuted at No.
2 with 115,000 copies sold in its first week.
Composed by Daisuke Asakura, it features a distinctive sound that fuses the passionate rhythms of Argentine tango with electronic rock.
The lyrics liken emotions and memories sealed away for eternity to roses, mirroring the anime’s worldview while expressing the human inner self where fragility and strength coexist.
The moments when their overwhelming vocals intertwine are breathtaking, stirring a burning emotion in the listener’s heart.
It’s a highly recommended track for times when you want energizing music to lift your spirit and fire you up.