Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times
As the era shifted from Heisei to Reiwa, the way we listen to music has changed dramatically.
People buy CDs less often now, and more of us listen to music through subscription services.
It’s also no longer unusual to see up-and-coming young artists emerging, active mainly on social media and video platforms.
Amid these changes, many popular songs have been born in the Reiwa era and are loved by countless people every day.
In this article, we’ll showcase, all at once, the hit songs that took the era by storm from Reiwa Year One onward, including the latest smash hits!
- Just listening to it gives me chills! A moving song released in the Reiwa era
- Songs that were popular in 2020. A roundup of hit songs from Reiwa 2.
- [February 2026] Trending Songs: A roundup of the hottest viral tracks right now
- [2026] Must-listen! This Year's Best Japanese Hit Songs
- Only masterpieces born in the Reiwa era! Spring songs recommended for teens
- Only famous artists! Anime songs that energize the Reiwa era
- Also great for karaoke with friends! Youthful songs that hype up the Reiwa era
- Hit songs of the Reiwa era I want to recommend on Instagram Stories
- Even for those not confident in their singing! Easy-to-sing karaoke songs released in the Reiwa era
- New-era masterpieces meet culture! Reiwa-era tracks that went viral on TikTok
- Great for singing along or just listening! An energizing Reiwa-era feel-good song bursting with power.
- Songs that hype you up just by listening—recommended tracks from timeless classics to the latest releases
- Wedding song recommendations! Love songs born in the Reiwa era
[Reiwa Era Masterpieces] Hit Songs that Define the Era (61–70)
Vanillakyanai
Kyanai, a next-generation artist who began his music career in 2019, quickly went viral on social media with his song “Vanilla.” The lyrics, which sing of love for someone dear, and his powerful vocals are wonderful—so I hope you’ll give it a listen first.
From here on there are spoilers, so please be aware.
According to Kyanai, “Vanilla” has a hidden backstory: it portrays a relationship with a lover who has passed away.
With that in mind, you can interpret a different layer of meaning in the song.
I love youback number
Back Number’s “I Love You,” the theme song for the TV drama series Asadora “Soar High!,” moved the hearts of many.
This song, which portrays a delicate first love, captivates with its simple structure and poetic lyrics.
Plus, its relaxed tempo and lower key make it great for karaoke.
The gentle melody and lyrics that slip easily into the heart offer warmth to listeners.
Tenderly wrapping feelings of love, “I Love You” can be seen as a defining song of the Reiwa era music scene.
TsukuyomiKing&Prince
King & Prince is an idol group that relaunched under a new structure in 2023, with each member demonstrating high potential as an actor and TV personality.
Their 11th single, Tsukiyomi, released as a double A-side with Irodori, was written as the theme song for the TV drama Kurosagi.
Its mysterious, exotic-sounding ensemble and melody align with the title and the drama’s imagery.
It’s an urban, cool dance tune that truly captures the spirit of the Reiwa era.
Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS
RADWIMPS, a rock band that began their activities in 2001 when they were students, has long enjoyed strong support in the Japanese rock scene.
It’s still fresh in our memories that in 2016 they reached listeners who don’t usually listen to bands by providing the music for the film Your Name.
The song they made a hit in the Reiwa era is this one—the theme song for director Makoto Shinkai’s film Weathering with You.
With its beautiful piano accompaniment, the piece has a different charm from their previous rock tunes and showcases a new side of RADWIMPS.
Love and romanceNovelbright
Ai toka Koi toka by the rock band Novelbright—described by vocalist Yudai Takenaka as “a bright love song that makes you suddenly want to fall in love and tell someone special how much you love them.” The lyrics portray a heart overflowing with love for a girl: the pain of not being able to see her, the impatience for the next time you can meet, and even dreaming about it because you can’t wait.
It’s guaranteed to make your heart flutter! Even if it’s been a while since you were in a relationship, just hearing this song will surely make you want to fall in love.
It’s a track that flips your romance switch on.
gardenFuji Kaze
Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, who is talented with various instruments such as piano and saxophone.
The song “Garden,” included on his second album LOVE ALL SERVE ALL, exquisitely blends a soothing, moving beat with his gentle vocals.
The lyrics convey a message about nurturing life’s important milestones through the changing seasons.
The grand, soul-tinged arrangement seems to have the power to stir the listener’s heart.
It’s truly moving.
single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu
Ichizu, released by the rock band King Gnu in 2021 and chosen as the theme song for the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, resounds with a band sound that races at high speed.
The lyrics sing of straightforward feelings for a loved one, and the passionate band performance leaves a strong impression.
Despite its stoic band sound, it conveys a rich sense of expansiveness.
It’s a track you can enjoy by focusing on each individual instrument or by immersing yourself in the overall rock sound.
