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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- Hit J-Pop songs of 2008: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
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2000s Japanese Hit Songs | Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! A Collection of Gemlike Masterpieces (31–40)
Greatful daysHamasaki Ayumi
This is a classic summer song included on Ayumi Hamasaki’s 29th single “&,” by the Heisei-era diva who dominated Japan’s music scene from the 1990s through the 2000s.
The lyrics express the joy of the long-awaited season’s arrival and gratitude for the everyday moments that are most precious, capturing the fleeting sparkle of summer with evocative imagery.
Its arrangement—light beats intertwined with bright synths—conjures vivid summer scenes.
Released in July 2003, the track was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s music program “ayu ready?” and became widely loved as a summer youth anthem.
It’s a perfect blend of freshness and bittersweet emotion, ideal for drives or time spent by the sea.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
It’s SMAP’s 35th single, released in 2003.
It proudly topped the Oricon year-end rankings that year.
Due to the recent breakup controversy, more people have started buying the song again.
From its 2003 release up to the present day, it has continued to sell as a monster hit.
SaudadePorunogurafiti
This is Porno Graffitti’s fourth single, released in 2000.
With this song, Porno Graffitti topped the Oricon chart at number one upon debut for the first time.
It also surpassed a million copies in sales and remains one of their signature songs, enjoying unwavering popularity at karaoke.
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
Released in 2004, this song that sparked Ai Otsuka’s rise to fame ranked 12th on that year’s Oricon chart.
While Ai Otsuka became known for her poppy, energetic, and distinctive image, after this hit she went on to showcase various sides of herself, including ballads and her debut as an actress.
LOVE Tear-ColoredMatsuura Aya
This song is Aya Matsuura’s third single, released in 2001.
It reached number three on the weekly Oricon chart.
With this song, she made her first appearance at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, performing as the opening act.
The way she sang while rhythmically shaking her shoulders to the music was very charming.
2000s Japanese Hit Songs | Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! A Collection of Gem-like Masterpieces (41–50)
SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi
This song is Ayumi Hamasaki’s 16th single, released in 2000.
It topped the Oricon weekly charts for two consecutive weeks and won both the Excellent Work Award and the Lyrics Award at the Japan Record Awards that year.
Ayumi Hamasaki has produced many hit songs, but when it comes to ballads, isn’t this song her signature piece?
Butt-biting bugoshiri kajiri mushi
This work sings about the adorable main character, the “Butt-Biting Bug,” as it goes around playfully nibbling people’s bottoms one after another.
With its catchy melody and lyrics full of humor that tickle a child’s fancy, it became hugely popular! The CD released in July 2007 was a big hit, shipping 220,000 copies.
It was also adapted into an anime, with all 80 episodes airing from October 2012 to December 2015.
It’s a song brimming with charm that kids—and even adults—can’t help but hum along to.
Perfect for the whole family to enjoy together, it’s great for car rides with your children and for nursery school or kindergarten events!