[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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[Japanese Music] Classic 2000s pop songs. A roundup of hit tracks from 00’s J-POP (41–50)
StoryAI
Released in 2005 as AI’s 12th single, this song carries a strong message: if we don’t cherish the time we spend with our loved ones in this very moment, we might not be able to see them tomorrow.
It’s also a song that has often been covered by male artists.
[Japanese Music] Masterpieces of 2000s Pop. A roundup of 00’s J-POP hit songs (51–60)
WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro
This song, released in 2007 as a collaboration among the three artists, was created after Ayaka and Kobukuro—who are on the same record label—performed together on Fuji TV’s “Music Fair.” It reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is also very popular for karaoke as a song that’s fun to harmonize.
Best friendNishino Kana
It was released in 2010 as Kana Nishino’s ninth single.
Chosen as the second song for DOCOMO’s “Ganbare Jukensei” (Good luck, exam-takers) campaign, its lyrics about female friendship resonated with many women, making it a classic often used at graduation ceremonies and weddings.
Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā
It was released in 2009 as Golden Bomber’s seventh single.
This song is performed entirely through dance and became extremely popular for karaoke and party acts, making it their biggest hit.
They are an air band known for their provocative performances.
Merry XmasBoA
It was released in 2004 as BoA’s 15th single.
Chosen as the commercial song for Toshiba’s “au CDMA 1X WIN W21T,” it became a big hit as BoA’s first Christmas song.
During the music video shoot, the snowfall that happened by chance was used as-is as part of the production, creating a fantastical snowy world.
Best FriendKiroro
Released in 2001 as Kiroro’s 10th single, it became a major hit after being selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan.” The song expresses gratitude to a cherished best friend, and it is often used at graduation ceremonies and weddings.
The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari
Released in 2012 as Ikimonogakari’s 24th single, it became a major hit after being chosen as the theme song for NHK’s broadcasts of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Among Ikimonogakari’s songs, it has the longest running time and features an open, grand sound.