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