A collection of beloved classics that made a comeback in the Reiwa era as revival hits.
Revival hits—songs that once dominated an era or enjoyed a devoted following—are stepping back into the spotlight in the Reiwa era.
Thanks to triggers like social media, TV dramas, and commercials, nostalgic melodies are reaching younger generations and continuing to be loved across age groups.
Maybe you’ve had that moment of surprise: “I’ve been hearing this song a lot lately, and it’s actually an old track!” This time, we’ve picked a wide range of revival hits that have come back to life in Reiwa.
From songs that bring back memories to timeless classics you’ll be discovering for the first time, be sure to check them out!
Revival hit songs that made a comeback in the Reiwa era. A collection of beloved classics (1–10)
Naughty SunNEW!ORANGE RANGE
Here’s a signature summer tune from ORANGE RANGE that evokes the blazing summer sun.
Its driving beats and catchy call-and-response overlap to create an irresistible mix that freely crosses between rock and pop.
Released as a single in July 2007, it was chosen as the opening theme for the smash-hit drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~,” generating buzz and reaching No.
3 on the weekly Oricon chart.
It was later included on the classic album “PANICFANCY,” and has remained widely loved even in the Reiwa era as a revival hit.
It’s a high-energy anthem perfect for moments when everyone wants to go all out and get hyped—like cheering on school clubs or singing at karaoke.
Good job, summer!NEW!HALCALI
A captivating number where playful vocals and a Latin-tinged track are perfectly matched, featuring HALCALI’s laid-back rap! Riding on a humorous, breezy rhythm, the pop-and-hip-hop fusion delivers a strangely addictive sound.
Originally released in September 2003, it became a beloved track from the album “Halcali Bacon,” which reached No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart.
There’s even a production anecdote that Tomoyuki Tanaka, the producer, recorded the temp rap himself.
In fact, it suddenly went globally viral on social media in 2025, with TikTok views surpassing 6 billion by February—a staggering surge.
In March 2026, this early-2000s classic was even re-released with an added instrumental version.
Be sure to check it out.
silhouetteNEW!KANA-BOON
A rock number whose exhilarating guitar riffs set your heart ablaze.
It conveys how memories of the past remain as indelible shadows in your heart, and the resolve to protect what truly matters even as you grow.
It’s bursting with positive energy.
The track is a single by KANA-BOON released in November 2014.
It was used as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.
It was also included on the album TIME, and even in the Reiwa era it continues to be loved in Japan and abroad, with events such as a listening session held in November 2024.
When you listen to it as an adult, it brings back all kinds of memories and really hits home.
Highly recommended for anyone facing obstacles and in need of encouragement.
Take it along for a drive and enjoy it at full throttle.
Sign of LoveNEW!PUFFY
PUFFY, the vocal duo that led the music scene of the Heisei era.
Their signature song here was written and composed by Masamune Kusano of Spitz and produced by Tamio Okuda.
Its sophisticated melody and a touch of wistfulness are elevated into feel-good pop by their effortlessly relaxed vocals.
Released as a single in March 1998, it was also included on the classic album “JET CD.” Beloved as the theme song for Shiseido’s TISS commercial, it enjoyed a revival hit in 2022 sparked by social media videos.
It has also been selected as the Japanese end theme for the Disney & Pixar film “When I Become a Beaver,” set for release in 2026.
It’s the perfect number for lifting your spirits or enjoying music across generations.
come againNEW!m-flo
This song portrays the bittersweet feeling of giving up on an unresponsive lover and trying to forget by dancing the night away at a club.
Its appeal lies in the sound where an irregular rhythm influenced by UK-born 2-step intersects with sophisticated melodies and rap.
Unbound by existing frameworks, this work has been loved across generations for many years.
It’s the ninth single by the musically diverse group m-flo, released in January 2001, and it was used in a commercial for Kanebo Cosmetics’ “TESTIMO.” It reached a peak of No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and is also included on the classic album EXPO EXPO.
It’s a perfect recommendation for when you want to lift your mood in a stylish space on a weekend night, or when you’re ready to break free from a past romance and take a fresh step forward.