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 Gem-like Masterpieces (11–20)
One Lovearashi
A song whose straightforward vow of love resonates in the heart, carried by a grand melody.
Released in June 2008 as Arashi’s 22nd single, it was selected as the theme song for the blockbuster film “Boys Over Flowers F (Final),” starring group member Jun Matsumoto.
From among all the people in the world, choosing just one and pledging eternal love—the pure and powerful message warmly embraces every listener.
Now a staple wedding song, it may be the perfect choice for expressing your feelings to the one you love on that special wedding day.
MayB’z
Caught between dreams and reality, thinking of a precious person I can no longer meet…
This is a heart-wrenching mid-tempo ballad by B’z.
Just calling out a name makes emotions surge from deep within—the protagonist’s aching longing will likely resonate with many who have had similar experiences.
Released in May 2000, the song debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon chart despite having no commercial tie-in.
It was later included on the album ELEVEN.
If there’s someone you can’t forget, this bittersweet yet beautiful melody is sure to move you.
HOTEL PACIFICSazan Ōrusutāzu
Just hearing the passionate sound of the intro transports you straight to a midsummer beach! This is a classic of Latin kayō rock from Southern All Stars.
Released in July 2000 as their 45th single, the song is said to be infused with love for Chigasaki, Keisuke Kuwata’s hometown.
The music video is also memorable for Kuwata, sporting blond hair, performing a dance that incorporates a gag from the comedy trio Dachou Club.
If you’re in the mood to spend a passionate summer night, why not give it a listen?
Riding on the back of a silver dragonNakajima Miyuki
It’s a masterpiece with a striking, grand introduction that conjures majestic natural scenery before your eyes.
Released in July 2003 as Miyuki Nakajima’s 38th single, it came out about three years after the massive hit “Chijō no Hoshi / Headlight, Taillight.” Written specifically as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Dr.
Coto’s Clinic, it became deeply etched in many people’s hearts along with the show’s popularity.
When facing hardship, listening to this song will encourage you and remind you that you’re not alone.
If you surrender yourself to its tender yet solemn world, you may feel the energy to face tomorrow welling up within you.
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro
This song was used as the theme for TV Asahi’s Friday Night Drama “TRICK,” and, 14 years later, it was also featured in the commercials for “TRICK: The Movie – Last Stage.” Along with the drama’s success, the single became a hit as well, marking Chihiro Onitsuka’s best-selling release.
Her vocals and lyrics, with their distinctive worldview, retain an unforgettable impact and power that linger in the ears even as time passes.
For YouUtada Hikaru
This is a song by Hikaru Utada, notable for its heavy kick drum and harmonies that evoke a subtly Japanese flavor.
From the perspective of a sensitive 17-year-old, it portrays “loneliness” and a pure wish to do something for someone else—feelings that quietly stir the listener’s heart.
The track was included on a single released in June 2000 and sold approximately 450,000 copies in its first week.
On nights when you want to be alone with your thoughts, surrendering yourself to this melody will bring back those bittersweet emotions you’ve kept tucked away deep inside.
2000s Japanese Music Hits | Unforgettable After Just One Listen! A Collection of Exquisite Masterpieces (21–30)
vogueHamasaki Ayumi
This is a song by Ayumi Hamasaki that masterfully contrasts a Latin-flavored, exotic sound with heart-wrenching, poignant lyrics.
“Blooming beautifully and then quietly falling away”—that fleeting yet powerful brilliance of life is woven into a singular melody.
Released in April 2000 as Hamasaki’s 14th single, the song also drew attention as the theme for the cosmetics brand AUBE’s commercial.
You can’t help but be drawn into its profound themes, such as the loneliness behind the glamour and a farewell to the past.