2000s Japanese Hits | Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! Exquisite Masterpieces
What kind of music were you listening to back then? The 2000s can be called a turning point for J-POP.
Theme songs from TV shows and dramas, the background music of school life, the songs we sang at karaoke—many people only need to hear them and a page of youth, etched together with the music, comes vividly back.
In this article, we present hit songs that defined the 2000s.
Shall we look back once more at the music of that special era, where nostalgia and novelty intertwined?
- Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Included! A J-POP Hit Song Special
- 2000s: A Collection of Hit Karaoke Classics
- Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
- [Japanese Music] Masterpieces of 2000s Pop: A roundup of hit songs from 00s J-POP
- A revival hit driven by social media! Heisei-era masterpieces that are resonating with Gen Z today
- Hit songs that colored 2011! Timeless tracks that bring back those days
- Japanese dance hits from the 2000s. Songs that make you want to dance on TikTok.
- Hit J-Pop songs of 2007: the appeal of hit tracks that exude a positive vibe
- Hit J-pop songs of 2005. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- [2026 Hit Songs] Iconic Heisei-Era Classics and Nostalgic Japanese Music
- Hit J-Pop songs of 2008: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
2000s Japanese Hit Songs | Unforgettable After Just One Listen! Exquisite Masterpieces (61–70)
I want to be your lover.Abe Mao
A love song released as Abe’s second single.
She wrote it in her senior year of high school, capturing the feelings she had during an unrequited crush.
The music video was filmed, at her request, at her alma mater, Oita Prefectural Oita Nishi High School.
My Girlarashi
The song by Arashi released in November 2009 drew attention as the theme song for a TV drama starring Masaki Aiba.
It’s a pop tune that conveys warmth and gentleness, with striking string arrangements.
The lyrics express gratitude toward loved ones and the idea that hearts remain connected even when apart.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, selling 432,000 copies in its first week.
Certified Double Platinum, it became one of Arashi’s signature songs.
The lyrics, which tie into the drama’s storyline, seem to have resonated with viewers in various ways.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone special—be it a partner, family member, or anyone dear to you.
dizzinessOnitsuka Chihiro
Chihiro Onitsuka initially drew attention for the contrast between her ultra-orthodox visual style and the songs she sang—dark, brooding, and fragile.
Her music resonates not only with adult women but also with adolescent girls who are easily wounded, quietly earning popularity among teens.
GIRL TALKAmuro Namie
In this era where terms like “girls’ night” and “girl talk” have become commonplace, her song—almost as if it exposes women’s true feelings—felt remarkably ahead of its time and sparked both buzz and empathy.
It really feels like the woman once hailed as a girls’ icon has made her comeback.
Paradoxw-inds.
This is w-inds.’ third single, released in 2001.
Among all the singles w-inds.
has put out, this song boasts the highest sales.
With this track, they won the Best New Artist award at the 43rd Japan Record Awards that year.
Apparently, the song was originally intended for Namie Amuro rather than w-inds.
Lifetime RespectMiki Dōsan
This is Michi Douzan Miki’s 11th single, released in 2001.
It proudly reached 9th place on the Oricon year-end sales rankings.
Although some now label him a one-hit wonder, the song itself is a truly excellent, authentic reggae tune.
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
Released in 2002, this song is Road of Major’s debut single.
Although they debuted as an indie band, they sold over 900,000 copies in total, setting the all-time record for an indie release.
They’re practically a legendary, godlike presence among indie bands.