[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!
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[J-POP] Classic 2000s pop songs. A collection of 00s J-POP hits (21–30)
Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu
This is singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi’s 12th major-label single, which was also used as the theme song for the Daihatsu “Cast Activa” commercial.
The music video was directed by Takahashi himself, making it a work that showcases the blossoming of his talents in both music and film.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
Released in 2014 as Motohiro Hata’s 17th single, it was chosen as the theme song for the Toho 3D CG animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon.” It became Hata’s biggest hit and was also used as the CM song for NTT West’s FLET’S Hikari “Suddenly Comes” commercial.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo
It is one of Yo Hitoto’s signature songs, released in 2004 as her fifth single.
A million-selling classic, it was used as the theme song for the Toho-distributed film “Hanamizuki.” The lyrics are said to have been written in about a week, inspired by an email from a friend who was in New York at the time of the September 11 attacks.
In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez
Released in 2006 as Aqua Timez’s second single overall.
It was selected as the theme song for the animated film “Brave Story,” and with this song they made their first appearance at that year’s Kohaku Uta Gassen (the Red and White Song Battle).
In 2011, it was also used as a special commercial song for Sapporo Beer’s New Year Sports Special: the Hakone Ekiden.
Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro
It was released in 2003 as Naotaro Moriyama’s second single.
It was chosen as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki” and became Moriyama’s biggest hit.
Although the song was created in response to a friend’s wedding, it has become a piece often sung at graduation ceremonies and farewell parties.