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 Gemlike Masterpieces (121–130)
sunset glowumineko saundzu
At first glance it seems simple, yet its beautiful melody leaves a deep impression.
It shows that pop music’s appeal isn’t just about novelty.
Their charm lies in easy-on-the-ear, approachable songs, and they’re a band with many works you could listen to for a lifetime.
Always With MeKimura Yumi
This work by Yumi Kimura is widely known as the theme song of the film Spirited Away.
Its lyrics are notable for their profound message centered on dreams, hope, and the cycles of life.
Released in July 2001, the song won the Gold Prize at the 43rd Japan Record Awards, marking a major breakthrough for Kimura.
Its soaring melody and Kimura’s high-tone vocals resonate deeply and are loved by many.
It’s recommended listening when you want to reflect on yourself or need the courage to take a new step forward.
It will surely soothe your heart and give you strength.
red-orangeACIDMAN
An anthem that put ACIDMAN’s name on the map, it was released twice—once independently and once after they went major.
It features the same quiet-loud contrast akin to Nirvana, with melancholy-laden lyrics, chord progressions, and vocals.
It’s a classic that many musicians of the time likely felt a strong kinship with.
The recording texture also evokes something close to In Utero, produced by Steve Albini.
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
A masterpiece by a four-piece band that influenced rock groups active from the late 2000s into the 2010s.
It’s a refreshingly straightforward, undeniably “cool” track and a well-known classic that students often cover.
2000s Japanese Pop Hits | Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! A Treasury of Masterpieces (131–140)
In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez
A song whose raw emotions and powerful message resonate deeply.
Released in July 2006 as a major-label debut single, it was also used as the theme song for the animated film “Brave Story.” The lyrics center on self-acceptance and a forward-looking way of life, conveying the strength to face life’s hardships and a positive, ever-challenging attitude.
This work prompts deep reflection on how to face oneself and how to walk through life.
With total CD sales exceeding 200,000 copies, it captured the hearts of many listeners.
It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to strengthen your resolve to live true to yourself or when you’re about to take a new step forward.
All or NothingB’z
This is a song whose passionate, powerful message resonates deeply.
Written by B’z as the theme song for the drama “Buzzer Beat: Gakeppuchi no Hero,” it conveys the importance of loving someone deeply—even if you can’t know everything about the one you love, cherishing even a part of them matters.
Koshi Inaba’s commanding vocals and Takahiro Matsumoto’s distinctive guitar sound blend perfectly, resulting in a medium-tempo rock track brimming with summer freshness.
Released in August 2009, the song topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, marking B’z’s 42nd consecutive No.
1—an extraordinary achievement.
It’s a track you’ll want to hear when you’re struggling in a relationship or feel like you’re losing sight of yourself.
A Perfect SkyBONNIE PINK
Despite being highly regarded as an artist, BONNIE PINK had few hit singles and wasn’t widely known by the general public.
This smash hit became her springboard into mainstream popularity.
It was featured in a Shiseido ANESSA commercial with the tagline “the ultimate summer song,” overflowing with a brilliant, sparkling vibe.