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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- 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 (81–90)
RippleAo
Singer-songwriter ao, who rose to prominence through internet-centered activity, drew attention with her 2022 release “Ripple.” Inspired by encountering a movie poster, the song was created around that moment and portrays the act of facing oneself.
It features a modern beat rooted in electronica.
Her supple vocals evoke a sense of limitless possibility stretching into the future.
It’s a Reiwa-era hit packed with charm, including its subtly ambient-tinged sound.
It’s love, right?wacci
Wacci’s “Koi Daro” tells us that there’s no such thing as a reason for falling in love—that love is what makes you care for someone regardless of any conditions.
It’s a warm, gentle love song that quietly encourages those who feel self-conscious about their looks, age, education, or other insecurities and tend to hold back from romance.
If you’re worried whether your partner truly loves you, or afraid that confessing to your crush might lead to rejection, why not draw courage from this song and take the leap to share your feelings?
DynamiteBTS
BTS, who enjoy global popularity, released “Dynamite” in 2020.
Its incorporation of soul and funk drew attention and landed it on music charts around the world.
The track features a somewhat retro vibe and boasts a genre-defying appeal.
Their versatile flow laid over punchy, accentuated beats is another key attraction.
With energetic lyrics that brighten listeners’ hearts, it’s a song that makes you want to move.
Be sure to give this dance track a listen—anyone can sing and dance along.
Heralding springyama
A prime example of the new Reiwa-era hit-making rule—breaking through via social media—is yama’s “Haru wo Tsugeru.” Released in 2020, the track was used in a wide range of TikTok posts and reached No.
1 on Spotify’s Viral Chart.
It’s a song defined by yama’s husky, emotional vocals and a driving dance beat.
At the end of 2020, yama appeared on the popular YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE to showcase their vocals.
forget-me-notAwesome City Club
This is a song by the rock band Awesome City Club that drew attention as an inspiration song for the film “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet.” Awesome City Club made their major-label debut in 2015, and the band scored big hits with tracks like “Outsider,” which incorporated dance-pop elements.
Released in the Reiwa era, this song has a different vibe from “Outsider,” standing out as a rock ballad with exquisite harmonies from the male–female twin vocals.
I’m excited to see what kind of music they’ll release next.
force majeureVaundy
In 2019, Vaundy posted the music video for his first original song on YouTube, and in November of the same year he released Tokyo Flash, which would later become one of his signature tracks.
His stylish and analytically crafted songs quickly captured the ears of listeners across Japan and propelled him to stardom.
Among his works, Fukakouryoku, released in 2020, was also featured in a Spotify commercial, so many people have likely heard it.
This sophisticated sound that absorbs elements from all kinds of genres can be considered one of the defining characteristics of hit songs in the Reiwa era.
Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times (91–100)
Diamond Smilenaniwa danshi
Naniwa Danshi is a male idol group that draws attention with songs and dances that make the most of their glamorous looks.
“Diamond Smile,” included on their 2022 album 1st Love, matches sparkling phrases with a dazzling sound that evokes their image.
Their sweet, gentle vocals are sure to soothe you.
Pay attention to the choral work that showcases each member’s unique charm.
It’s a Reiwa-era idol song that wraps listeners’ hearts like a prince.