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?

Playlist

2000s Japanese Hits \| Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! Exquisite Masterpieces
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	A Little Love SongMONGOL800		A classic that sings of pure feelings for a precious person
2	astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN		BUMP OF CHICKEN’s song of youth
3	swallowtail butterflyPorunogurafiti		Singing Porno Graffitti’s classic song, Koi-Gokoro (Love’s Heart)
4	Shanghai HoneyORANGE RANGE		ORANGE RANGE’s signature summer song
5	On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z		B’z’s classic, a song that transcends the distance of love
6	A flower that blooms only hereKobukuro		Kobukuro’s popular single set in Okinawa
7	TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu		A heartrending love ballad, a masterpiece by Keisuke Kuwata
8	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		A masterpiece imbued with Yo Hitoto’s prayer for peace
9	One Lovearashi		A moving song filled with a stormy vow of love
10	GibbsShiina Ringo		Shiina Ringo’s heartrending love song, a longing for eternity
11	Wait & See ~Risk~Utada Hikaru		Utada Hikaru’s exhilarating, fast-paced hit song
12	moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro		Hit song by Chihiro Onitsuka as the theme for Trick
13	MayB’z		A poignant ballad about thinking of someone dear
14	Riding on the back of a silver dragonNakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima’s famous song, the theme of courage and hope
15	For YouUtada Hikaru		Utada Hikaru’s poignant coming-of-age song, portraying loneliness and hope
16	vogueHamasaki Ayumi		A wistful Latin-style song, the brilliance of life
17	HEAVENFukuyama Masaharu		Masaharu Fukuyama’s drama theme song smash hit
18	HOTEL PACIFICSazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern's iconic summer song echoes on the beach
19	NOT FOUNDMr.Children		Sakurai’s masterpiece, a soul-stirring song born by chance
20	Love Revolution 21Mōningu Musume.		A song of the love revolution at the dawn of the 21st century
21	fragileEvery Little Thing		The poignancy of love and the warmth of human relationships
22	Over and OverEvery Little Thing		A soulful ELT classic, the melody of love
23	sureEvery Little Thing		Bittersweet kindness, a famous song by Every Little Thing
24	See you tomorrow.Every Little Thing		A gentle love song played on an acoustic guitar
25	love letterEvery Little Thing		A timeless masterpiece: a gentle ballad that soothes the heart
26	Song of LoveEvery Little Thing		A ballad with a gentle melody that resonates in the heart
27	Two Red Starskinmokusei		The song about kinmokusei (fragrant olive) has a fresh, novel charm.
28	Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze		A nationwide hit ballad by Shonan no Kaze
29	It Takes TwoCHEMISTRY		Signature songs of CHEMISTRY, the appeal of twin vocals
30	May it be filled with kindnessJUJU		A classic song that sings of gratitude and love for a cherished person
31	If I sing to the sky175R		A moving youth anthem by 175R that resonates nationwide
32	sailing dayBUMP OF CHICKEN		Rock theme song of the One Piece movie
33	HEROMr.Children		Mr.Children's moving cheer song
34	MelissaPorunogurafiti		Pornograffitti's signature song 'Again'
35	sympathetic tearsHitoto Yo		Hitoto Yo’s debut song, a masterpiece that portrays emotion
36	Greatful daysHamasaki Ayumi		The Appeal of Ayumi Hamasaki’s Summer Classic ‘&’
37	The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP		SMAP’s classic hit is drawing attention again and remains popular.
38	SaudadePorunogurafiti		Pornograffitti’s signature song hits No. 1 for the first time.
39	cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai		Ai Otsuka's hit song shocks the music industry.
40	LOVE Tear-ColoredMatsuura Aya		Aya Matsuura’s third single, first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen
41	SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki’s hit song, an award-winning ballad
42	Butt-biting bugoshiri kajiri mushi		The Gnawing Bug song is hugely popular—fun for both kids and adults.
43	Roco LotionORANGE RANGE		Popular single song by ORANGE RANGE
44	Paradise BabyRIP SLYME		Summer song, a refreshing hit track
45	compensated datingichou BOYZ		A punk rock band brimming with rebellious spirit
46	I want to be your lover.Abe Mao		Abe’s love song about a high schooler’s unrequited love
47	Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE		The exhilaration of a long-distance relationship and the anticipation of reunion
48	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE		A moving ballad that accompanies the graduation season.
49	Lovin’ LifeFUNKY MONKEY BABYS		A classic by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, an ode to everyday happiness
50	Love SongGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s moving love song, dedicated to someone special
51	Song of DepartureMr.Children		A heart-touching graduation song by Mr.Children
52	Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru		A masterpiece whose words of gratitude heighten the sense of poignancy
53	Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie		A song by Namie Amuro that encourages me
54	Happinessarashi		A powerful message song by Arashi—its uplifting vocals give your heart a push forward.
55	Love so sweetarashi		Arashi’s “Love so sweet,” a classic anthem of youth
56	I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow.Kuwata Keisuke		A poignant, lyrical masterpiece by Keisuke Kuwata that resonates with the heart
57	water lily blossomShonan no Kaze		Shonan no Kaze’s passionate summer music, singing of hope
58	SPECIAL THANKSGLAY		A celebrated GLAY ballad filled with gratitude
59	sign; mark; symbol; omenMr.Children		A moving ballad that depicts meetings and partings
60	FlowerORANGE RANGE		A heart-touching ballad by ORANGE RANGE
61	StoryAI		AI's masterpiece: a voice that resonates with the heart
62	Close your eyesHirai Ken		Ken Hirai's soul-stirring love song
63	crescent moonayaka		A masterpiece that sings of the poignant feelings of a long-distance romance
64	I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa		A classic by Thelma Aoyama that captures the loneliness of a long-distance relationship.
65	My Girlarashi		Arashi’s song, a hit about gratitude and bonds
66	dizzinessOnitsuka Chihiro		Chihiro Onitsuka: an unexpected contrast between her appearance and her music
67	A proofACIDMAN		An inspiring pioneer of post-rock
68	PerunaAkeboshi		Fusion of J-pop, folk, and electronica
69	Listen to my heartBoA		BoA's hit song becomes extremely popular in Japan
70	plastic girlCAPSULE		Yasutaka Nakata’s technopop unit
71	PIECES OF A DREAMCHEMISTRY		CHEMISTRY's 'Heaven' is a smash hit
72	LovelessCOIL		An indie home-recorded music unit
73	Midnight Déjà Vu ~The Blues of Colors~EGO-WRAPPIN’		A pop-rock band with jazz elements
74	Choo Choo YRAINEXILE		Representative hit songs of EXILE, upbeat dance
75	SCREAMGLAY × EXILE		Collaborative song by GLAY and EXILE: The Power of Hope and Bonds
76	Natsu no HikariGRAPEVINE		A band with a rock spirit and literary lyrics
77	MiracleGReeeeN		The ROOKIES theme song is a big hit.
78	AM11:00HY		HY's signature song, with a refreshing melody and moving emotion
79	UnbalancedKICK THE CAN CREW		A classic that captures the end of summer: KCC’s single
80	NEO UNIVERSEL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		A bright pop song that sings of hope for a new era
81	NukumoriMCU		A solo single that prioritizes freer expression over rhyme
82	GLAMOROUS SKYNANA starring MIKA NAKASHIMA		A blockbuster movie theme song, a track that delivers deep emotion
83	Become sharp like steelNUMBER GIRL		A single released in 2000. It’s packed with the band’s greatness.
84	Moon DropsRUI		Ko Shibasaki’s movie theme song, a mysterious and ethereal piece
85	See you againSEAMO		SEAMO’s smash-hit single boosts his popularity
86	miss youm-flo loves melody. & Ryohei		Popular love songs for duets
87	A gentle nightorange pekoe		A big hit with the title track, gentle music
88	Paradoxw-inds.		w-inds.' hit song wins the Japan Record Award
89	World’s End Supernovakururi		Quruli's innovative dance music track
90	Saga Prefecturehanawa		Hanawa introduces Saga Prefecture through a song.
91	speedAnarogu Fisshu		A two-member rock band from Nagano
92	Paradigmandāgurafu		The third single featuring the song “Tsubasa.”
93	Torianmofuraito		A local band that went on hiatus called Ammonite
94	OrionEijia Enjinia		Craftsmen of music taking on Asia
95	DIGIDIGI LALAkakoimiku		The debut of a singer-songwriter from the Kansai region
96	Blue flowerkaraa botoru		A three-piece living-room rock band from Sendai
97	late autumngagaga supi		Single track, included on an album, commercial song
98	A flower that bloomed in the desertkiseru		The formation of a sibling band was sparked by a failed entrance exam.
99	surround (as a verb); surround sound (when referring to audio/AV context)Kuramubon		Clammbon’s signature song, produced by Seiji Kameda
100	cherry blossomKetsumeishi		Ketsumeishi’s popular song themed around cherry blossoms
101	FriendKetsumeishi		An anthem of friendship, a masterpiece that portrays the cityscape and comrades
102	Song of LoveSutoroberī Furawā		Pikmin commercial song, a masterpiece portraying love for life
103	A Little LovePucchimoni		Pucchimoni’s debut single was a big hit.
104	powder snowRemioromen		Remioromen's popular song became a big hit.
105	Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira		Amigo, a theme song depicting friendship
106	Tree of WadatsumiHajime Chitose		Chitose Hajime’s debut single ranked 3rd in annual sales.
107	GarnetOku Hanako		A musician and keyboardist from Chiba
108	lightUtada Hikaru		Utada’s masterpiece that portrays hope and light
109	GIRL TALKAmuro Namie		Progressive music that depicts women's true feelings
110	Moon over the open seaAndō Yūko		A brilliant singer-songwriter from Kanagawa
111	Grandfather’s ClockHirai Ken		Ken Hirai's masterpiece moves people across generations.
112	JupiterHirahara Ayaka		Ayaka Hirahara’s debut song “Kaori” becomes a big hit
113	Very Very Strong ~Eine Kleine~Saitō Kazuyoshi		A song co-written by Kazuyoshi Saito and Kotaro Isaka
114	ButterflyKimura Kaera		Kaela Kimura’s wedding song is loved by many people.
115	Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken		The general’s dance captivated the public.
116	Fish HeavenShibaya Hiromi		Fish-eating promotion song: conveying health through fun wordplay
117	chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki		Christmas song by Hitoshi Matsumoto and Noriyuki Makihara
118	Your nameKumaki Anri		Singer from Nagano wins audition
119	SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu		The pain of heartbreak, a bittersweet spring song
120	Shall we travel?kuuki koudan		A multifaceted band that fuses J-pop and post-rock
121	sense of shameshuuchishin		A unit born from a quiz show, expressing their individuality
122	Tears of Polarisonsoku rain		11th single from an anime collaboration
123	Mileage of LoveRAG FAIR		RAG FAIR, a smash hit by pioneers of a cappella
124	sunset glowumineko saundzu		The beauty and familiarity of the melody
125	Always With MeKimura Yumi		The iconic song from Spirited Away, a song of hope
126	red-orangeACIDMAN		ACIDMAN’s signature song, a masterpiece of stillness and motion
127	RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION		A refreshing rock classic beloved by students
128	In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez		A powerful song about living true to yourself, resonating in the heart.
129	All or NothingB’z		A powerful B’z classic that conveys the importance of love
130	A Perfect SkyBONNIE PINK		The Shiseido commercial song is the ultimate summer anthem
131	karmaBUMP OF CHICKEN		The representative theme song of Tales of the Abyss
132	Lovers AgainEXILE		A famous song with a melancholy ballad by EXILE that became a hit.
133	Around The WorldMONKEY MAJIK		A moving song whose Eastern melodies resonate in the heart
134	World’s endMr.Children		Sakurai’s proud work with a grand, expansive worldview
135	Astrosexym-flo loves CHEMISTRY		The innovative collaboration song by m-flo × CHEMISTRY
136	RADWIMPSoshakashama		RADWIMPS' heart-stirring lyrics and music
137	AliensKirinji		Signature songs that suit non-culture spaces
138	budKobukuro		A moving song filled with Obuchi’s feelings for his mother
139	Blue BenchSasuke		Sasuke’s debut song becomes a hit out of Ōmiya.
140	My NoteSukima Suichi		A heartfelt song of growth by Sukima Switch
141	Stargazersupittsu		The theme song of 'Ainori' portrays a poignant, bittersweet love.
142	All of the YouthFujifaburikku		Fujifabric’s masterful summer classic
143	Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa		Road of Major's debut song, a big hit
144	Lifetime RespectMiki Dōsan		A standout reggae hit, an impressive piece
145	Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki		A powerful song that sings of respect for challengers
146	Song of LoveKōda Kumi		Sparkling ballad “I Want to See You”
147	Can You Keep A Secret?Utada Hikaru		A masterpiece that portrays Hikaru Utada’s emotions
148	SAKURA DropsUtada Hikaru		Utada’s “SAKURA Drops,” a healing-style classic
149	I can’t stop my love for youAiuChi Rina		Popular for its arcade tracks, with a powerful singing voice.
150	HOMEShimizu Shota		Shota Shimizu’s debut song, a ballad about family
151	Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi		Masafumi Akikawa’s soul-stirring voice and lyrics