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!
- A revival hit driven by social media! Heisei-era masterpieces that are resonating with Gen Z today
- Nostalgic yet new! Songs that made a comeback and became revival hits on TikTok
- A collection of songs that sold well in the Reiwa era. Catchy hits you can’t help but hum along to [Carefully Selected Edition]
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times
- Showa-era songs that went viral on TikTok / revival hit songs
- A Showa-era song that had a revival hit on YouTube Shorts
- Nothing but masterpieces! Hit songs from the Reiwa era that are perfect for background music
- Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Included! A J-POP Hit Song Special
- Songs that were popular in 2020. A roundup of hit songs from Reiwa 2.
- Songs that sold in the Showa era are resonating again today. A collection of timeless classics passed down across generations.
- New-era masterpieces meet culture! Reiwa-era tracks that went viral on TikTok
- A lineup of timeless masterpieces to pass down to future generations! Ballad songs born in the Reiwa era
Revival hit songs that made a comeback in the Reiwa era. A collection of beloved classics (1–10)
cherrysupittsu
This hallmark track by Spitz weaves together a refreshing melody and wistful harmonies with exquisite balance, gently resonating with listeners’ hearts.
One of its biggest draws is the room it leaves for listeners to map it onto various life moments, like meetings and farewells.
Released in April 1996 as their 13th single, it’s also included on the classic album Indigo Chiheisen.
It garnered support from the outset and became a million seller.
The song continues to be widely heard in the media, including its use in NTT East Japan’s commercials that began airing in 2019.
It’s perfect for enjoying a drive in the warm spring air.
Highly recommended both for those who want to feel positive as they step into a new chapter of life and for those who want to bask in a touch of nostalgia.
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
A classic of wintertime that shines in J-POP history and, in recent years, has enjoyed a resurgence through social media, this is one of Kōmi Hirose’s signature numbers.
Its straightforward theme of wishing for love to come true blends perfectly with an uplifting, breezy dance-pop sound, and that powerful, soaring high-tone voice really lingers in your ears.
Released as a single in December 1993, the track appears on the acclaimed album “SUCCESS STORY.” Chosen as the commercial song for the sporting goods retailer Alpen, it became a massive hit, spending 21 weeks on the charts.
It has been loved for many years, even being selected as the theme song for the drama “Geren de-meshi,” airing from April 2025.
Highly recommended for those who want to crank up the mood on a winter drive.
Midnight DoorMatsubara Miki
A pinnacle of city pop where a sleek, metropolitan nighttime sound blends exquisitely with the bittersweet scene of a farewell.
Its delicate portrayal of love’s end resonates across eras, moving countless hearts.
Released in November 1979 as Miki Matsubara’s debut single, the song was later included on the acclaimed album “POCKET PARK.” Sparked by a cover video posted in October 2020, it returned to the spotlight in the Reiwa era, gaining love across borders and generations—played even at international sporting events.
With its beautiful sound and slightly husky yet steady vocal timbre, it’s a perfect classic for nighttime drives or quiet moments alone.
Revival hit songs that broke out again in the Reiwa era: A collection of beloved classics (11–20)
tropical nightRIP SLYME
Let me introduce a track brimming with a glossy, mature allure that can even make the muggy heat of a summer night feel pleasant.
Centered on a midsummer night’s love affair, this piece is an addictive number where humor and sensuality blend exquisitely.
Released as a single by RIP SLYME in July 2007, it was later included on the album “FUNFAIR.” It gained attention as the song used in the “Coke + iTunes Campaign” commercial, and in recent years it’s been regaining popularity thanks to social media.
Rooted in hip-hop, its melodic, silky sound is perfect as BGM for a nighttime seaside drive.
Surrender to the comfortable beat and enjoy a smooth, grown-up moment—this is a classic I highly recommend.
SUMMER SONGYUI
When the sun starts to shine brightly, isn’t this a song many people can’t help but want to listen to? It’s a breezy pop tune that portrays summer scenes like the sea and blue skies, along with the exhilaration of budding romance, in a true-to-life way.
Released as a single in July 2008, it reached the top of the charts despite having no tie-in at the time.
It was later included on the album “HOLIDAYS IN THE SUN.” YUI’s crystal-clear vocals and the buoyant, lively band sound are truly moving.
The song is written from a female perspective and can also be enjoyed as a continuation of the story that began with “Laugh away,” which depicts spring.
It has been rediscovered mainly through social media, surpassing 1.1 billion total streams.
This is a track I’d recommend to everyone who’s excited for the start of summer vacation.
March 9Remioromen
This is a heartwarming slow ballad that stirs up feelings of gratitude toward loved ones as the seasons change.
Focusing on the small joys of everyday life, the protagonist’s warm emotions—envisioning dreams for the future together—resonate through Ryota Fujimaki’s gentle yet powerful vocals.
Originally released as a single in March 2004, the song became a major hit after being featured in the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” Its 2007 re-release also drew attention as a commercial theme song, and it continues to be cherished by younger generations through social media.
Although it was originally created to celebrate a friend’s wedding by the band Remioromen, its universal message of love makes it ideal for those marking milestones such as graduation.
As you embark on a new chapter, we encourage you to listen while thinking of the people who have supported you.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
It’s a classic that blends the sweet tang of first love with the bittersweet aftertaste of a love that has ended.
Written and composed by Hikaru Utada, the song vividly captures the melancholy of the moment of parting.
You can feel the wish that, even if one day you fall in love again, your former lover will remain someone special in your heart.
Released as a single in April 1999, it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Majo no Joken” and became a massive hit.
In 2022, an original drama inspired by the song was released worldwide, bringing it back into the spotlight across generations.
It’s a love song recommended for those who, while holding on to unforgettable memories, want to take a new step forward—because the protagonist’s struggle to recover from heartbreak and face ahead is so deeply relatable.