[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!
Playlist
| [Japanese Music] Masterpieces of 2000s Pop: A Collection of Hit 00’s J-POP Songs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | Wait & See ~Risk~Utada Hikaru | play_arrow | Utada’s first DVD track becomes a 1.66-million-selling smash |
| 2 | TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu | play_arrow | A famous song from the 2000s, a massive hit by Southern (Southern All Stars) |
| 3 | The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP | play_arrow | SMAP’s classic song “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana” (Only One Flower in the World) |
| 4 | sign; mark; symbol; omenMr.Children | play_arrow | Theme song of “Mother at Fourteen,” a classic love song |
| 5 | MiracleGReeeeN | play_arrow | GReeeeN's 'Kiseki' is a massive hit. |
| 6 | Love so sweetarashi | play_arrow | Theme song of Hana Yori Dango 2, a smash hit |
| 7 | cherry blossomKetsumeishi | play_arrow | The classic song Sakura by Ketsumeishi is moving. |
| 8 | SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu | play_arrow | A poignant classic: one of Fukuyama’s signature songs about the feelings of love. |
| 9 | PIECES OF A DREAMCHEMISTRY | play_arrow | A J-R&B hit that portrays the dreams and hopes of youth |
| 10 | Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira | play_arrow | A popular unit song from a TV drama goes million-seller |
| 11 | Becoming a Thousand WindsAkiyama Masashi | play_arrow | A moving song that sings of feelings for someone who has passed away |
| 12 | Just… I want to see youEXILE | play_arrow | A heartrending breakup song—an EXILE classic that resonates with the heart |
| 13 | JupiterHirahara Ayaka | play_arrow | Ayaka Hirahara’s iconic song that gives courage and hope |
| 14 | SEASONSHamasaki Ayumi | play_arrow | The Appeal of Ayumi Hamasaki’s Classic Song “SEASONS” |
| 15 | swallowtail butterflyPorunogurafiti | play_arrow | Pornograffitti’s classic song, Love and Despair |
| 16 | Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterHilcrhyme | play_arrow | An inspiring classic that portrays love through the four seasons |
| 17 | Secret of my heartKuraki Mai | play_arrow | Detective Conan ending theme, early signature songs |
| 18 | cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai | play_arrow | Ai Otsuka’s popular love song became a big hit. |
| 19 | I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa | play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the heartache of a long-distance romance. |
| 20 | White LoversKuwata Keisuke | play_arrow | Keisuke Kuwata’s Coca-Cola commercial song becomes a big hit |
| 21 | Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu | play_arrow | Yu Takahashi's 12th single and commercial song |
| 22 | road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE | play_arrow | A moving ballad that accompanies the graduation season. |
| 23 | In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez | play_arrow | Brave Story theme song, first appearance at the Kōhaku (Red and White) music festival |
| 24 | Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze | play_arrow | A Clumsy Love Story by Shonan no Kaze |
| 25 | dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo | play_arrow | Theme song of the film 'Hanamizuki,' a masterpiece written after the terrorist attack |
| 26 | Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE | play_arrow | The exhilaration of a long-distance relationship and the anticipation of reunion |
| 27 | Lovin’ LifeFUNKY MONKEY BABYS | play_arrow | A classic by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, an ode to everyday happiness |
| 28 | Song of DepartureMr.Children | play_arrow | A heart-touching graduation song by Mr.Children |
| 29 | I’m Here feat. Thelma AoyamaSoulJa | play_arrow | A poignant long-distance love song that stirs the heart |
| 30 | I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow.Kuwata Keisuke | play_arrow | A poignant, lyrical masterpiece by Keisuke Kuwata that resonates with the heart |
| 31 | powder snowRemioromen | play_arrow | Love in the snow, a timeless masterpiece filled with aching feelings |
| 32 | Can You Keep A Secret?Utada Hikaru | play_arrow | Utada Hikaru’s classic song “First Love” |
| 33 | Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro | play_arrow | Motohiro Hata’s smash hit song “STAND BY ME” |
| 34 | GibbsShiina Ringo | play_arrow | Shiina Ringo’s heartrending love song, a longing for eternity |
| 35 | weeeekNEWS | play_arrow | NEWS’s 7th single is an upbeat song. |
| 36 | Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru | play_arrow | A masterpiece whose words of gratitude heighten the sense of poignancy |
| 37 | Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie | play_arrow | A song by Namie Amuro that encourages me |
| 38 | Happinessarashi | play_arrow | A powerful message song by Arashi—its uplifting vocals give your heart a push forward. |
| 39 | FlowerORANGE RANGE | play_arrow | A heart-touching ballad by ORANGE RANGE |
| 40 | Close your eyesHirai Ken | play_arrow | Ken Hirai's soul-stirring love song |
| 41 | crescent moonayaka | play_arrow | A masterpiece that sings of the poignant feelings of a long-distance romance |
| 42 | A Little Love SongMONGOL800 | play_arrow | A classic that sings of pure feelings for a precious person |
| 43 | HOTEL PACIFICSazan Ōrusutāzu | play_arrow | Southern's iconic summer song echoes on the beach |
| 44 | Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro | play_arrow | Loved as a youth anthem and a graduation song |
| 45 | The Maiden with Flaxen HairShimatani Hitomi | play_arrow | Hitomi Shimatani's CM song smash hit |
| 46 | astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN | play_arrow | BUMP OF CHICKEN’s song of youth |
| 47 | Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki | play_arrow | “Tegami” is the set piece for the junior high school music competition. |
| 48 | budKobukuro | play_arrow | An emotional song filled with love for my mother, winner of the Japan Record Award |
| 49 | I have wings on my backKinKi Kids | play_arrow | A captivating song of folk music resonates in the heart. |
| 50 | StoryAI | play_arrow | Cherish the present, the time spent with those you hold dear. |
| 51 | WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro | play_arrow | A hit song co-written by Ayaka and Kobukuro |
| 52 | Best friendNishino Kana | play_arrow | A moving song about friendship is creating a buzz. |
| 53 | Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā | play_arrow | Golden Bomber's explosive hit song |
| 54 | Merry XmasBoA | play_arrow | BoA’s first Christmas song is a big hit |
| 55 | Best FriendKiroro | play_arrow | Kiroro’s classic that portrays gratitude to a best friend |
| 56 | The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari | play_arrow | Ikimono-gakari’s first Olympic theme song |
| 57 | 365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48 | play_arrow | NHK morning drama theme song, an emotional track with Sayaka Yamamoto as the center |


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