Hit J-Pop songs of 2014: recommended classics and popular tracks
AKB48, EXILE, Golden Bomber, Tohoshinki, JUJU, Kana Nishino…
From among the many famous and popular songs that colored the 2014 J-POP hit charts, we’ve selected hit tracks recommended by our studio staff.
It’s a luxurious playlist packed with Heisei-era blockbuster numbers.
Playlist
| 2014 Japanese hit songs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | DarlingNishino Kana |  play_arrow | The popularity of Kana Nishino’s love songs |
| 2 | Snow Magic FantasySEKAI NO OWARI |  play_arrow | SEKAI NO OWARI is a popular rock band with a rich, distinctive worldbuilding aesthetic. |
| 3 | Why not? / Who cares? / It’s all good.Janīzu WEST |  play_arrow | A Johnny’s group formed by members from the Kansai region |
| 4 | THE REVOLUTIONEXILE TRIBE |  play_arrow | The junior group surpasses EXILE in popularity |
| 5 | R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu |  play_arrow | A popular dance group for young people in rural areas |
| 6 | silhouetteKANA-BOON |  play_arrow | A NARUTO theme song that portrays growth and resolve |
| 7 | Falling (feat. Taka)JINTAKA |  play_arrow | Jin and Taka's love song |
| 8 | A box without a keyKinKi Kids |  play_arrow | The two-member Johnny’s group is in sync. |
| 9 | Footsteps ~ Be StrongMr.Children |  play_arrow | Mr. Children is an active band currently performing |
| 10 | stylishSMAP |  play_arrow | SMAP’s singles don’t sell as well as they used to. |
| 11 | ER2Eitorenjā |  play_arrow | An elaborately crafted, fun song you wouldn’t expect from an idol track |
| 12 | The 101st CurseGōruden Bonbā |  play_arrow | Listen to lesser-known songs by a famous band |
| 13 | GUTS！arashi |  play_arrow | Arashi is a hugely popular group, second only to AKB. |
| 14 | a windfall; an unexpected piece of good luck (literally, “rice cakes falling from a shelf”)busai-ku |  play_arrow | The group name is distinctive and likable. |
| 15 | Last sceneJUJU |  | Japan's music charts are complex and diverse |
| 16 | I can only face forwardAKB48 |  play_arrow | Yuko Oshima center forward theme song |
| 17 | NEW HORIZONEXILE |  play_arrow | EXILE enjoys high popularity for their dance and songs |
| 18 | We ate cherry blossoms together.HKT48 |  play_arrow | HKT group based in Fukuoka Hakata |
| 19 | What is the future?SKE48 |  play_arrow | AKB sister group makes a hugely popular debut |
| 20 | Your smiling face is like the sun / There’s no one who can replace you / What is LOVE?Mōningu Musume ’14 |  play_arrow | I’m happy about Morning Musume’s success. |
| 21 | Another FutureJUDY AND MARY |  play_arrow | |
| 22 | How many times has the blue sky appeared?Nogizaka 46 |  play_arrow | Nogizaka46 is geared toward adults and has a calm vibe. |
| 23 | Sweat／AnswerTōhōshinki |  play_arrow | TVXQ keeps selling well in Japan |
| 24 | Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro |  play_arrow | A popular song whose simple melody soothes modern people |
| 25 | rainbow-coloredayaka |  play_arrow | A female artist with a distinctive voice who is supported by many women |
| 26 | AinoArika / If You Love, Life Gets HappierHey! Say! JUMP |  play_arrow | A popular Johnny & Associates group, promising for the future |
| 27 | In FactKAT-TUN |  play_arrow | The group's songs are good; heading toward a hiatus. |
| 28 | Head over heels for youSexy Zone |  play_arrow | Young male idols are popular. |
| 29 | King of Men!Kanjani∞ |  play_arrow | Kanjani Eight is a popular idol group. |
| 30 | The Apple on a High BranchNMB48 |  play_arrow | NMB48 is a bright, Osaka-style idol group |
| 31 | Gera Gera Po SongKingu Kurīmusōda |  play_arrow | It's a fun song, and the distinctive dance is great too. |
| 32 | Let It Go ~As I Am~Matsu Takako |  play_arrow | A renowned song acclaimed for Takako Matsu’s powerful vocals |
| 33 | Labrador RetrieverAKB48 |  play_arrow | AKB48 releases a string of smash hits |