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!
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- 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)
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.
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.
from hereSixTONES
Kaito Takahashi and Shintaro Morimoto co-starred in the much-talked-about TV drama “However, There Is Passion,” whose theme song is “Kokkara” performed by SixTONES.
The track’s appeal lies in the members’ freewheeling back-and-forth rap, a perfect match between hip-hop and a live band.
It’s a powerful number that feels like it can fire you up no matter the adversity.
With a melody and sound that stick in your head after just one listen, it’s a song that, precisely in the Reiwa era with its changing ways of listening to music, is likely to resonate with many different people.
[Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era] Hit Songs That Define the Times (81–90)
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.
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.
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.
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.