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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- [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 Pop Hits | Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! A Treasury of Masterpieces (131–140)
RADWIMPSoshakashama
This song, included on RADWIMPS’ fifth album, is characterized by its intro riff and flowing lyrics, which captured the hearts of middle and high school students at the time.
While fluid, the lyrics also invite deep philosophical reflection, broadening our perspectives on how we think about song lyrics.
AliensKirinji
One of their signature songs.
According to a certain music program, Mr.
Horigome, who wrote and composed it, said about the inspiration for the song, “I wanted to create something that would suit the non-cultural places that make up most of Japan.” Critic and commentator Tetsuya Miyazaki is a huge fan of theirs.
budKobukuro
I’ve heard that this song was written by Mr.
Kobuchi with his feelings for his late mother.
It’s a very moving piece, and every time I listen to it I almost end up in tears.
It was the theme song for a drama and even won the Japan Record Award, so it might be the most famous of all Kobukuro’s songs.
Blue BenchSasuke
Released locally in the Ōmiya area in 2003 and to the general public in 2004, this debut single by Sasuke—also one of their signature songs—became a huge hit.
On Oricon’s indie chart, it proudly ranked No.
1 in the annual rankings for 2005.
My NoteSukima Suichi
Released in November 2006, this work is known as the first Skima Switch song to use synthesizers.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the animated film Doraemon: Nobita’s Dinosaur 2006, resonating with many listeners.
The lyrics depict a journey of self-expression and growth, delicately portraying the movement of the heart through ambiguity, conflict, and ultimately self-acceptance.
Emphasizing the importance of overcoming anguish and doubt to accept oneself, this piece is perfect for those who find it difficult to put their emotions and thoughts into words.
Marking a turning point that broadened Sukima Switch’s musical range, this is a song that will stay close to your heart—why not give it a listen?