[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)
I’m Here feat. Thelma AoyamaSoulJa
This song, which sings of the bittersweet feelings of a long-distance relationship, surely tightened the chests of many who heard it in real time back then.
Amid the loneliness and frustration of not being able to meet, the pure, unwavering love for the other person comes through painfully clearly in SoulJa’s straightforward lyrics and Thelma Aoyama’s emotional vocals.
Released as a single in September 2007, it was also well known as the ending theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV.” CD sales exceeded 200,000 copies, and it’s included on SoulJa’s signature album “Spirits.” It’s the kind of classic that, when you listen to it on a night when you miss someone dear, fills you with a tight, nostalgic ache—and makes you want to duet it with a friend, pouring your feelings into every line.
I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow.Kuwata Keisuke
The sweeping ensemble of grand piano and strings stirs the heart, doesn’t it? This piece was released in May 2007 as singer-songwriter Keisuke Kuwata’s first solo single in about five years—he’s also known as the frontman of Southern All Stars.
It was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Operation Love,” so many people may remember it.
While lamenting the past, its lyrical words entrust a modest hope to the future, resonating deeply as they ride on Kuwata’s characteristically expressive melody.
When life brings you to a halt, this song gently nudges you forward and gives you a small courage to face tomorrow.
It’s a warm, timeless ballad that stands as a milestone in J-pop history.
[Japanese Music] Classic Pop Songs of the 2000s: A Compilation of 00’s J-POP Hits (31–40)
powder snowRemioromen
This is the seventh single by Remioromen, a three-piece rock band that announced a hiatus in 2012.
Released in November 2005, it was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears,” becoming the band’s biggest hit and signature track.
The song overlays the fleeting nature of snow that disappears the moment you touch it with the emotional distance and frustrating miscommunication between lovers.
Even while knowing they may never fully understand each other, the pure, single-minded feelings for the other person tighten the chest.
The piercing high notes in the chorus—a highlight—are extremely well-known, and the song is widely beloved as a winter karaoke staple.
It resonates even more deeply when you’re going through a bittersweet romance.
Can You Keep A Secret?Utada Hikaru
Should I keep hiding these feelings of “love” as they are, or what should I do? This song by Hikaru Utada skillfully portrays a thrilling emotional state reminiscent of the push-and-pull of romance.
Released in February 2001, it was used as the theme song for the smash-hit drama “HERO” starring Takuya Kimura.
The single became the first million-seller of the 21st century and was later included on the acclaimed album “Distance.” Set to an R&B-inflected groove, the lyrics depict a precarious sense of distance with someone sharing a secret, hinting at the depth of her talent even as a teenager at the time.
It resonates when you want to feel the fluttering excitement of new love or the bittersweet frustration of a slightly more grown-up romance.
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.
GibbsShiina Ringo
A love song by Sheena Ringo in which possessiveness toward a lover and the fear of losing them pierce the heart painfully.
Released in January 2000, this work was a lead single from the acclaimed album Shōso Strip.
It debuted at No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and received the Excellence Award at the 42nd Japan Record Awards, among other high honors.
Though the protagonist wants to believe in eternity, their sensitivity leads them to see a future lie in the word “forever.” Many listeners may find themselves relating to the depth of love that equates their relationship with that of a legendary couple.
weeeekNEWS
NEWS is an idol group that keeps evolving as they overcome countless trials.
Their seventh single was released in November 2007 and drew attention for being written by GReeeeN.
From the playful call-and-response in the intro, the song bursts into a fast-paced rock sound that instantly lifts your spirits.
While it sings about the everyday reality from Monday to Sunday and a vague anxiety about the future, its irresistible brightness seems to laugh those worries away.
The track was also used in a “Crymson / RUSS-K” commercial and, together with the album “pacific,” reached No.
1 on the charts simultaneously.
It’s a song that revitalizes a work-weary heart and gives you the energy to face tomorrow—truly like an energy drink in musical form!