[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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[2013 Japanese Hit Songs] Masterpieces That Colored the Ama-chan Boom, Group Popularity, and the Band Scene (11–20)
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.
Winter TaleSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
Amid the peak of group popularity in the 2013 music scene, this song released by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE in October of that year is a ballad that paints a wintry landscape with clear piano and strings.
Its warm, enveloping lyrics are memorable, overlaying feelings for a lover who is drifting away with images of snow and holiday illuminations.
Chosen as the ending theme for NTV’s “PON!” in November, it was also featured in commercials for Huis Ten Bosch’s “Kingdom of Light” and Moist Diane, and reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It’s recommended as a winter song for a quiet night with someone special or for year-end karaoke.
Memories of the Sea BreezesAmano Haruko (Koizumi Kyoko)
This insert song was produced with the premise that Haruko, the mother who once dreamed of becoming an idol, sang it in her youth within the NHK morning drama series “Amachan.” Its sound distills the essence of 80s Japanese pop and refines it with a modern touch, carrying the bittersweet feelings of first love woven by screenwriter Kankuro Kudo.
In step with the drama’s storyline, the lyrics stir memories of a first love that many of us have experienced, striking right at the heart.
Released as a single in July 2013, it peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
At the year-end NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, the song drew major attention when the in-story singers performed it in a relay format.
It’s a classic perfect for karaoke when you want to bask in nostalgia or revisit the days of your youth.
Sun Goddessieiri reo
Written as the theme song for the Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Clinic on the Sea” in the fall of 2013, this medium-tempo number resonates with the story of a trainee doctor who travels among the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and grows through his experiences.
Though it was initially conceived as a guitar-centered piece, the arrangement ultimately shifted to revolve around the piano, which allowed Leo Ieiri’s straightforward vocals to stand out even more.
The lyrics consistently adopt the perspective of “You shine on me like the sun,” reflecting a mature sensibility that steps back from self-assertion to thoughtfully consider another person.
Released in November of the same year as her fifth single, it reached No.
7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and won an Excellence Award at the 55th Japan Record Awards.
It’s a song that gently stays by your side when you want to quietly revisit your gratitude for someone important.
White lilies on my birthdayFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama’s 30th single, released in April 2013, is a gem of a ballad that portrays the bond between parent and child.
Written as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Tonbi,” it serves as a counterpart to his previous single “Kazoku ni Narou yo,” which depicted a parent’s love for a child; this song expresses gratitude from a grown child to their parents.
Voices of family that once felt bothersome, a hometown once left behind—over the years, one comes to recognize the depth of parental love and the meaning embedded in one’s own name.
The words “Thank you for giving birth to me,” spoken without embarrassment on the special day of one’s birthday, strike a deep chord.
The timbre of the South American folk instrument, the zampoña, adds a warm richness to the track.
Debuting at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, this song is highly recommended for those living apart from their parents or for anyone who wishes to express sincere gratitude.