Hit J-Pop songs of 2015. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
Ten years ago, in 2015.
The music scene was filled with nostalgic songs.
Even now, so many timeless tracks still resonate in our hearts.
Songs that colored memories spent with loved ones and pages of our youth.
For those who knew the era, they’re nostalgic; for first-time listeners, they offer a fresh sense of wonder.
We present these wonderful songs along with rare footage.
Their memorable lyrics and soothing melodies will gently awaken your memories.
Savor the hit songs of that nostalgic time!
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Japanese hit songs of 2015. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (11–20)
SUNHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino, who shows multifaceted talent as an actor, writer, and musician, also gained popularity.
In particular, the irresistibly upbeat song was frequently played on FM radio and led to an appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
It was the theme song for the drama “Kokoro ga Pokitto ne” and was also used in Asahi Beer’s commercial for its non-alcoholic beer-taste beverage.
ecstaticB’z
B’z, the solitary rock unit that has erected countless milestones in Japan’s rock scene.
Released for the first time in about two years and nine months, this work portrays a strong will to move forward while holding two conflicting emotions: the exhilaration of reaching the top and the anxiety lurking behind it.
The powerful anthem woven from heavy guitar sounds and forceful vocals understandably captured the hearts of many fans.
The track was released in January 2015, topped the Oricon Weekly Chart, was selected as the theme song for the NTV drama “Gakkō no Kaidan,” and was later included on the acclaimed album EPIC DAY.
When you’re about to lose confidence or facing a major hurdle, listening to it is sure to give you a powerful push from behind.
Heroineback number
A signature ballad by back number that beautifully captures the crisp winter air and the bittersweet ache of unrequited love.
Even while knowing they can’t be the main character in the other person’s story, the narrator’s pure wish to stay by their side evokes a moving, heart-tightening feeling—even for those without similar experiences.
Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi, the song opens with a striking organ tone, followed by Iyori Shimizu’s warm yet heartrending vocals that gently seep into the soul.
Released in January 2015 as their 11th single, it also drew attention as the CM song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” campaign featuring Suzu Hirose.
It’s the perfect track to revisit the bittersweet taste of an unattainable love or to listen to on a winter night while thinking of someone special.
Night Sky (feat. HAZZY)miwa
Featuring singer-songwriter miwa and welcoming Hazi→, this is their first-ever collaborative track—a gem of a ballad whose piano melody brings tears to your eyes.
It’s heartbreakingly moving, with the emotions of two people who choose to part despite still loving each other sung from both the male and female perspectives.
The addition of the male viewpoint instantly deepens the narrative, making the helpless ache resonate directly in your heart.
Released in August 2015 as part of a double A-side single, the other track, “Stress Free,” served as the theme song for the drama Min-Oh.
It’s the perfect “tearjerker” classic—one you’ll want to listen to under a night sky when there’s someone you can’t forget, as you sink into your memories.
Oh! RivalPorunogurafiti
The intro, where passionate Latin rhythms intertwine with Spanish-style guitar, instantly grabs the listener’s heart.
It’s a classic song by Porno Graffitti that portrays a fiery relationship born from recognizing each other as rivals—souls colliding in the best way.
Released in April 2015, the track drew major attention as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: Sunflowers of Inferno, and was later included on the album RHINOCEROS.
The lyrics express feelings for a counterpart who pushes you to grow—echoing the relationships between the film’s characters.
The powerful vocals and dramatic sound will set your heart ablaze.
It’s an uplifting number that boosts your spirits and gives a push to anyone burning with passion.
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe!Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
This is a track by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, a dance-vocal group that defined 2015.
Its groove-heavy R&B sound, grounded in live instrumentation, is incredibly stylish, sweeping you up in a mature mood that overturns their previous image.
The lyrics are superb too, depicting a mysterious romantic push-and-pull that teases the object of affection with a “Which one shall I choose?” allure.
The song is included on the classic album PLANET SEVEN, released in January 2015, and you might remember it from the Acecook “Super Cup” TV commercial.
The music video—which won Video of the Year at MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2015—is a must-see, with an ultra-cool performance using mic stands.
It’s a sophisticated number you’ll want to listen to while taking in the city at night.
The summer you gave meieiri reo
This is a celebrated song by Leo Ieiri that became a massive hit as the theme for the Monday 9 p.m.
drama Koinaka.
Overlapping with the drama’s heartrending story starring Sota Fukushi and Tsubasa Honda, it’s a song that surely tightens many listeners’ chests.
Released in August 2015 as her 10th single, the track delicately depicts the sweet yet bittersweet emotions—from the pure beginning of a romance, to the frustrating drift of hearts without noticing, and the regret upon realizing there’s no going back.
Leo Ieiri’s clear, powerful vocals highlight the fleeting nature of summer and love.
It’s a beautiful, wistful summer song that makes you suddenly remember someone you loved, someone you may never see again.
24karats GOLD SOULEXILE
An aggressive dance track bearing the series-defining title “Golden Soul,” it radiates EXILE’s signature overwhelming intensity and the power of the collective.
Beyond sheer exhilaration, it’s infused with a return-to-roots spirit and indomitable fighting will—each listen sets your heart ablaze.
Released in August 2015 as their 46th single and included on the best-of album EXTREME BEST, the song was also beloved as the theme for Nippon TV’s Sukkiri!! and the program image song for Rugby World Cup 2015.
It’s the perfect anthem to hear before a make-or-break moment or whenever you need to steel your resolve—one that gives you a powerful push forward.
Hello,world!BUMP OF CHICKEN
A high-energy rock number from BUMP OF CHICKEN.
It’s a popular song with over 19 million views on YouTube, and in the same year they made their first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning support not only from fans but from a wide range of generations.
Crazy about youEXILE
As the commercial song for “Suntory The Malts,” EXILE TRIBE also appeared in the ad.
The music video shows members happily breaking into dance with a can of The Malts in hand, making it a track you can really groove to.
In September 2015, they even held a dome tour, and EXILE’s momentum never let up.