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?
- Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Included! A J-POP Hit Song Special
- 2000s: A Collection of Hit Karaoke Classics
- Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
- [Japanese Music] Masterpieces of 2000s Pop: A roundup of hit songs from 00s J-POP
- A revival hit driven by social media! Heisei-era masterpieces that are resonating with Gen Z today
- Hit songs that colored 2011! Timeless tracks that bring back those days
- Japanese dance hits from the 2000s. Songs that make you want to dance on TikTok.
- Hit J-Pop songs of 2007: the appeal of hit tracks that exude a positive vibe
- Hit J-pop songs of 2005. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- [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 Hit Songs | Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! A Collection of Gemlike Masterpieces (31–40)
Love SongGReeeeN
Released in May 2007 as GReeeeN’s first love song, this moving track resonates with a heartfelt, straightforward devotion to a loved one.
Many listeners may find themselves relating to the lyrics, which vow to grow older together through shared laughter and tears.
The song was featured in various tie-ins, including a Hoyu Beauteen commercial, and captured countless hearts—achieving a historic milestone in July 2007 as the first full ringtone download to surpass one million downloads.
Listen to it while spending time with your special partner, and it will surely deepen your bond.
It’s a must-hear when you want to express your gratitude—something that might feel a bit embarrassing to say out loud.
I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow.Kuwata Keisuke
The sweeping ensemble of grand piano and strings stirs the heart, doesn’t it? This piece was released in May 2007 as singer-songwriter Keisuke Kuwata’s first solo single in about five years—he’s also known as the frontman of Southern All Stars.
It was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Operation Love,” so many people may remember it.
While lamenting the past, its lyrical words entrust a modest hope to the future, resonating deeply as they ride on Kuwata’s characteristically expressive melody.
When life brings you to a halt, this song gently nudges you forward and gives you a small courage to face tomorrow.
It’s a warm, timeless ballad that stands as a milestone in J-pop history.
Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE
A track that directly conveys the excitement of heading to Osaka to see a long-distance lover.
Released in March 2007 as DREAMS COME TRUE’s 38th single, it was well known as the theme song for a Universal Studios Japan attraction.
The song expresses the complex feelings of the frustration of not being able to meet and the anticipation of reunion, set to a danceable four-on-the-floor beat.
The slightly grown-up-sounding Osaka dialect phrases highlight the protagonist’s endearing charm and are irresistibly cute.
The song is also included on the album AND I LOVE YOU.
It’s a perfect track to heighten those pre-meeting butterflies when you’re about to see someone you love.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
This is a moving ballad by EXILE, beloved as a classic graduation song.
Released in February 2007 as their 23rd single, the track became a milestone as the 1,000th song to reach No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
It captures the delicate emotions woven from hope and a touch of loneliness that everyone feels during the season of departure.
Parting with dear friends is painful, yet it inspires gratitude for the time spent together and the courage to step into the future.
The beautiful harmonies of ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO gently envelop those warm feelings.
It was also used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Music Fighter” and as the motif for the drama “Sotsu Uta.” It’s a song that quietly stays close to the hearts of those setting out on a new path.
Lovin’ LifeFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
The fourth single by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, a music unit that fuses hip-hop and pop.
Released in January 2007, the song became a long-running hit, breaking into the Top 10 in its sixth week and solidifying the group’s popularity.
The lyrics, which portray the small joys hidden in everyday life and the preciousness of time spent with loved ones, warmly fill listeners’ hearts.
Its catchy melody and smooth rap weave a positive atmosphere that feels like a true anthem for life.
The track is also included on the album “Funky Monkey Babys 2” and was used as Ryota Wakiya’s theme song for the Yomiuri Giants in 2007.
It’s a number that makes you cherish the simplicity of everyday life.
2000s Japanese Hit Songs | Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! A Collection of Gem-like Masterpieces (41–50)
Song of DepartureMr.Children
As a beloved national rock band, Mr.Children deliver a heartfelt medium-tempo ballad that continues to resonate with many listeners.
It’s not only about the loneliness that comes with parting, but also a warm anthem of encouragement that sings about a sure step toward the future that begins from there.
You can’t help but be moved by the image of someone holding dear memories close and striving to overcome their anxiety.
Kazutoshi Sakurai’s gentle vocals carry that message in a way that softly nestles into the listener’s heart.
Released as a single in October 2007, the song was featured as the theme for the much-talked-about film Sky of Love (Koizora) and used in an NTT East Japan commercial.
It’s a track that will surely give you a gentle push at life’s crossroads, such as graduation or a new beginning.
Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru
Many of you may have been reminded by this work that words of gratitude, more than words of farewell, can actually deepen the ache.
This is a song by Hikaru Utada, written as an insert track for the drama Hana Yori Dango 2 (Returns) starring Mao Inoue.
It resonates in the chest with a tender warmth tinged with helplessness—the feeling of cherishing not only the sweetness of a relationship, but also the unripe, fruit-like frustration and faint bitterness.
Released in February 2007, the song topped the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.
When you can’t quite escape the magical world called love, this is a track that gently validates that complicated state of mind and stays by your side.
It’s a song that surely anyone can relate to and easily make their own.