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?
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2000s Japanese Hit Songs | Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! A Collection of Timeless Gems (111–120)
lightUtada Hikaru
It’s one of Hikaru Utada’s signature songs, with moving lyrics and a beautiful melody that resonate deeply.
The lyrics, which depict the joy of finding hope in darkness and encountering a new light, have captured the hearts of many listeners.
Released in June 2002, the track was used as the ending theme for the PlayStation 2 game Kingdom Hearts, bringing it to a wide audience.
Utada’s clear, transparent vocals and emotionally rich performance offer comfort, courage, and hope to listeners.
When you feel lost in life or want to take a new step forward, this song is sure to touch your heart.
Moon over the open seaAndō Yūko
A singer-songwriter from Kanagawa Prefecture.
She’s actually quite a well-bred young lady, having graduated from the prestigious Ferris University.
As an aside, there really aren’t any entertainment facilities around the Ferris campus—including near the train station—so it’s an environment where you can’t even hang around after class, whether you like it or not.
Grandfather’s ClockHirai Ken
Ken Hirai breathed new life into a classic song that has been passed down through the ages.
Released in August 2002, this track was featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and in au commercials, winning the hearts of listeners across generations.
Hirai’s gentle, warm voice beautifully weaves the story of a clock that has watched over a family for 100 years.
The song topped the Oricon charts and remained ranked for 35 weeks, becoming a long-running hit that resonated deeply with many.
Its lyrics, evoking family bonds and the passage of time, sink into the listener’s heart.
When you want to savor moments with someone special, why not lend an ear to this song?
JupiterHirahara Ayaka
This is Ayaka Hirahara’s debut single, released in 2003.
Despite being her debut, it became her biggest hit and signature song.
Because it was released at the end of the year, it ranked 3rd on the Oricon annual sales chart for 2004.
Very Very Strong ~Eine Kleine~Saitō Kazuyoshi
A song brought to life through a collaboration between Kazuyoshi Saito—affectionately known as “Secchan”—and popular author Kotaro Isaka.
Set to a lively tempo and rhythm, it features impressively long lyrics and phrasing that make you think, “How do you even remember all that?” And above all, it’s an incredibly cool track with that quintessential Telecaster vibe—crunchy backing guitar at its finest.
ButterflyKimura Kaera
Released exclusively as a digital download in 2009, this song could be considered one of Kaela Kimura’s signature tracks.
Since being featured in the Zexy commercial, it has remained a beloved wedding staple to this day.
Fish HeavenShibaya Hiromi
A song by Hiromi Shibaya, produced as part of the Fisheries Agency’s fish consumption promotion project.
It was released in 1991 and issued on CD in March 2002.
Messages like “It makes you smarter” and “It’s good for your body” are playfully conveyed using wordplay with the names of various fish, such as halfbeak, sea bass, and salmon.
From April to July 2002, it enjoyed extraordinary popularity, being broadcast nonstop 24 hours a day on cable radio.
Highlighting the nutritional value of fish and their positive effects on health, this bright, pop tune makes listeners of all ages—from children to adults—want to eat more fish.