[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.
- Hit J-Pop songs of 2014: recommended classics and popular tracks
- 2012 Hit Song Rankings! A roundup of nostalgic classics all at once
- Hit J-Pop songs of 2015. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Cool songs of the Heisei era. Hit tracks that energized the times.
- Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Included! A J-POP Hit Song Special
- Heisei-era masterpieces revisited through the hit songs of 2001
- [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
- [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 Music Hits] Masterpieces That Colored the Band Scene Amid the Amachan Boom and the Popularity of Groups (21–30)
SUMMER NUDEYamashita Tomohisa
This person is an idol who, in addition to being with Johnny & Associates, also works solo.
They often play leading roles in dramas, so I think they’re well-known and popular, but this song ranked 49th on the annual chart.
I don’t think they’re satisfied with that, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they do next.
Dance My GenerationGōruden Bonbā
This band also had a one-hit-wonder vibe, but they’ve been active enough to survive in the entertainment industry.
The numbers for this song look modest compared to their previous smash hit, but without AKB and Arashi in the mix, it would have ranked higher—so it’s still a position to be proud of.
Sayonara CrawlAKB48
AKB48’s momentum showed no signs of slowing down in 2013.
This song recorded an overwhelming sales figure of over 1.9 million copies, and they monopolized the annual singles chart from first to fourth place.
Even if handshake event tickets have a big effect, it’s still amazing that they keep selling so much every year.
BURNING UPEXILE TRIBE (Sandaime J Soul Brothers VS GENERATIONS)
I think it’s hard for anyone who isn’t a fan to keep track, since more and more spin-off groups and members are being added to the EXILE-related acts to compete with idols from AKB and Johnny’s.
Also, the songs have a similar style, which is unfortunate, but I can feel their determination.
Melon juiceHKT48
This group is also related to AKB.
Even if you don’t know the group’s name, if it’s three letters followed by numbers, you can tell it’s AKB-related, so in that sense it’s easy to understand even for non-fans.
The song can be described as a dazzling track that’s full-on idol style.
Sorrow that has not yet become tears / Love, fragrant, scatters and fades awayKinKi Kids
I think KinKi Kids from Johnny’s Entertainment hadn’t released any singles in recent years, but with this song they made a splendid comeback.
It ranked 32nd on the annual chart and sold 200,000 copies; considering the strong performances by other idols, you could say they put up a solid fight.
Slave to chocolateSKE48
This group may be overshadowed by AKB and Arashi, but they’ve steadily matured year after year for many years.
Without those two giants, they would undoubtedly have topped the annual singles chart, so fans must have mixed feelings.