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]NEW!
- 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.
- 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
- Just listening to it gives me chills! A moving song released in the Reiwa era
Revival hit songs that broke out again in the Reiwa era: A collection of beloved classics (11–20)
tropical nightNEW!RIP 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 SONGNEW!YUI
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 9NEW!Remioromen
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 LoveNEW!Utada 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.
Friday ChinatownNEW!Yasuha
This work vividly brings to life city neon and the scenes of people passing by.
Its sophisticated, urban arrangement merges beautifully with vocals that seem to shift temperature with each breath.
Rather than evoking exoticism, it offers a world that lets you sense the scent of the night.
It’s the debut single that marked Yasuha’s start as a singer-songwriter, released in September 1981.
It peaked at No.
69 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart at the time, and was later included on the acclaimed album “TRANSIT.” In recent years, it has spread to younger generations and overseas via social media as a representative City Pop track, sparking a revival hit and renewed attention.
Recommended for those who want to enjoy a pleasant night drive or bask in a nostalgic mood.