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
[Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era] Hit Songs That Define the Times (71–80)
Because you are hereUru
Written as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Theseus no Fune” (Theseus’ Ship), Uru’s “Anata ga Iru Koto de” is a digital single released in 2020 that reached No.
1 on Billboard’s download chart.
It’s a moving ballad with lyrics that evoke the family love—centered on a father and son—portrayed in the drama.
Interestingly, the music video instead focuses on a mother and daughter, so be sure to check it out.
Starry NightYuka
This is a song by singer-songwriter Yuka, which became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “A Night When Stars Fall,” starring Yuriko Yoshitaka and Takumi Kitamura.
Fans have said things like, “It’s a grand and beautiful song,” and “I get chills the moment the chorus starts.” The beautiful lyrics—said to be inspired by the names of the drama’s characters—leave a strong impression.
It’s a romantic track that makes you want to look up at the sky and drift into gentle memories of past love.
CITRUSDa-iCE
Da-iCE is a dance and vocal group that delivers overwhelming performances through singing and dancing.
Their signature song, which also won the 63rd Japan Record Award, is CITRUS, released in 2020.
It sings of a straightforward love—the desire to protect the one you love.
Set against a passionate band arrangement, you can experience each member’s dazzling vocals.
The soaring high notes that unfold in the chorus convey a strong sense of resolve.
It’s a Reiwa-era hit with a dramatic progression.
[Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era] Hit Songs That Define the Times (81–90)
chameleonKing Gnu
King Gnu’s song “Chameleon,” which continues to energize the new era, will be remembered as a hit number that colors the Reiwa period.
It shot to prominence when it was chosen as the theme song for the 2022 serial drama “Do Not Say Mystery.” Its beautiful ballad—where lyrics depicting the ever-changing human heart over time intersect with a wistful melody—powerfully moves listeners.
The music video, with its superb blend of pure storytelling and visual art, draws viewers into the depths of the song.
Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai
This is the 10th digital single by Dai Hirai, a singer-songwriter who has gained popularity with his surf-music-based style, gentle vocals, and ensemble.
The arrangement featuring piano and acoustic guitar, along with his emotional, tender voice, feels so comforting.
In today’s J-pop scene, where diverse musical styles are flourishing, its simple yet refined melody resonates all the more and may soothe the fatigue of busy days.
With timeless beauty and an exquisite organic atmosphere, it’s a track you’ll want to hear precisely in this moment.
Let’s dance at homeHoshino Gen
During the stay-at-home period brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that spread around 2020, Gen Hoshino’s “Uchi de Odoro” (Let’s Dance at Home) became a social phenomenon.
Sparked by Hoshino posting it on social media as a song to encourage people who couldn’t go outside, many users uploaded collaboration videos.
At the year-end 2020 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, a full-band version of “Uchi de Odoro” was performed.
It’s included on the 2021 single “Fushigi/Souzou,” so be sure to give it a listen!
wrinkle alignmentVaundy
One of the defining hits of the Reiwa era is a song by Vaundy themed around deep human connections and the passage of time.
Its lyrics symbolically portray the bonds and memories born from spending long periods together, resonating with listeners and moving them deeply.
The track was released digitally in April 2021 and was originally written as a song for a vocational school commercial.
It was later featured in commercials for Maruha Nichiro and JACCS, gaining recognition across a wide audience.
The song is also included on the album “replica” and has garnered strong support from many fans.
It’s a recommended listen when reflecting on life’s milestones or memories with someone special.