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 (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.
Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie
When you’re going through tough days or suddenly feel lonely, this is a song that truly resonates.
It’s a single by Namie Amuro, a beloved songstress across generations, released in January 2007.
Many may know it as the theme song for the drama “Himitsu no Hanazono.” With a bittersweet yet warm mid-tempo feel, its message seems to whisper, “You’re not alone,” easing the heart no matter the moment.
Embracing sorrow while inspiring hope to move forward, the song feels like a close friend gently cheering you on by your side.
It’s like a little talisman to listen to when you need the courage to take a new step.
Happinessarashi
From the very first notes of the intro, this song overflows with a positive vibe that clears your mind.
Released in September 2007 as the 20th single by the national idol group Arashi, it also became widely loved as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” starring members Kazunari Ninomiya and Sho Sakurai.
The lyrics, which speak to you and encourage you to start running forward while believing in the future even in difficult times, are truly captivating! Their straightforward and bright vocals deliver a powerful message, urging you to reach out and welcome tomorrow with your own hands.
Listen to it when you’re taking a new step or want to lift your spirits, and you’re sure to get off to a fantastic start!
Love so sweetarashi
Released in 2007 and achieving phenomenon-level popularity as the theme song for the drama “Boys Over Flowers 2 (Returns),” this is one of Arashi’s signature tracks that defined its era.
Even now, many people’s hearts still flutter when this song starts to play.
Set to a sweet, blissful melody befitting its title, the lyrics convey a pure realization that it’s that special someone who makes you shine.
Its uplifting message—that hearts remain connected even when apart—has encouraged countless listeners.
The song ranked fourth on Oricon’s 2007 annual singles chart.
It’s a hit tune that will fill the room with positivity when you sing it together with friends at karaoke.