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[Japanese Music] Masterpieces of 2000s Pop: A Collection of Hit 00’s J-POP Songs
As we find ourselves in the mid-2020s, it’s surprising to think the 2000s were already more than 20 years ago.
It’s fascinating that music and culture from that era are being rediscovered and celebrated—particularly through the so-called “Y2K” boom—led by younger generations who were born around that time.
In this article, we’re focusing on Japanese hit songs from the 2000s, gathering beloved tracks that colored the era under the broad theme of pop music.
Especially in the early 2000s, the momentum from the ’90s carried over, giving rise to massive nationwide hits.
We hope not only younger listeners but also those now in their 30s, who likely spent their youth in the 2000s, will enjoy reminiscing with these nostalgic classics!
[Japanese Music] Iconic 2000s Pop Songs: A roundup of 00’s J-POP hits (1–10)
Wait & See ~Risk~Utada Hikaru
Released in April 2000 as Hikaru Utada’s fifth single, this song—issued as her first-ever DVD single and simultaneously with the CD single “For You / Time Limit”—garnered significant attention and became a massive hit, with total shipments exceeding 1.66 million copies.
The lyrics, which quote the Serenity Prayer, convey the composure to accept what cannot be changed and the importance of having the courage to change what can.
Utada’s powerful message encourages young people to fearlessly take risks and forge their own paths.
TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu
This song is etched in the hearts of many as an iconic track that ushered in the 2000s.
Its powerful yet heartrending lyrics and unforgettable melody are perfectly matched, gripping listeners deeply.
It’s a song that prompts deep reflection on farewells with loved ones and the fate of life.
Released in January 2000 as Southern All Stars’ 44th single, it was tied in with the TBS TV program “Uunnan no Hontoko!” Within just four months of its release, it became a massive hit, selling 2.5 million copies—the highest in the band’s history.
Reflecting the unstable social climate of the 1990s while also conveying a sense of hope for a new era, the song garnered support across a wide range of age groups.
It’s also recommended for those who want to listen while reminiscing about their youth.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
The song released in March 2003 by SMAP, a national idol group now spoken of as legendary, is a pop masterpiece written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara.
Its lyrics, which affirm that each individual is special, resonated with many people and achieved triple million sales, becoming a monumental hit in Japanese music history.
The track was also used as the theme song for the drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi,” starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and the single version featured new choreography that further boosted its popularity.
It continues to be loved by many as a song that supports those who value being themselves or are embarking on a new chapter in life.
sign; mark; symbol; omenMr.Children
It was Mr.Children’s 29th single, released in 2006.
Chosen as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “14-year-old Mother,” it became a big hit.
It’s a masterpiece imbued with vocalist Kazutoshi Sakurai’s wish for listeners to truly feel the “love” that lies at the center of two polar-opposite stories.
MiracleGReeeeN
A heartwarming song depicting the small joys of everyday life became a massive hit in May 2008.
Using a wordplay on “kiseki” (miracle) and “kiseki” (trajectory/footsteps), GReeeeN expressed a life walked together with a loved one.
Chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama ROOKIES, it quickly became an iconic anthem of its time.
Alongside the drama’s popularity, full ringtone downloads surged, leading to a blockbuster success that was even recognized by Guinness World Records, and it earned the group their first No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
Singing of a deep bond—the way being with someone you love lets you be yourself and share both joy and sorrow—this song is recommended not only for couples but for anyone who cherishes someone special.
Love so sweetarashi
It was released in 2007 as Arashi’s 18th single.
Chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Boys Over Flowers 2 (Returns)” starring member Jun Matsumoto, it became a major hit.
Its relatively simple choreography gained popularity and is often used as entertainment at weddings.
cherry blossomKetsumeishi
One of the defining songs of the 2000s might well be this track by Ketsumeishi.
With cherry blossoms and romance as its themes, its lyrics poignantly depict memories of a past lover.
While rooted in hip-hop and reggae, the moving melody and RYOJI’s vocals stir listeners’ emotions.
Released in June 2005, the song was included on the album Ketsuno Police 4 and became a major hit, earning the group their first No.
1 single on the Oricon charts.
As spring arrives, you’ll often hear it playing around town.
It’s a perfect listen during cherry blossom season, and it’s also a song that stays close to your heart when you’ve gone through a farewell with someone important.