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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!

Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times (91–100)

RippleAo

ao – Ripple (Official Video)
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.

You As You Are (Prod. @thekontrabandz)Centipede & Rhyme Man

Mukasetsu & Inman – As You Are (Prod. @thekontrabandz)
You As You Are (Prod. @thekontrabandz) Hyakutaro & Inman

Mukade & Inman is a hip-hop duo formed by next-generation artists.

They’ve gained support for their style that portrays love and life in a real, down-to-earth way.

Their heartbreak song “Kimi no Mama (Prod.

@thekontrabandz)” depicts a couple’s changing relationship and the desire to stay the same.

With the two trading verses and their uniquely rhythmic flows, it’s a highly engaging piece.

forget-me-notAwesome City Club

Awesome City Club / Wasurena (MUSIC VIDEO)
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.

To tell you the truth,yangusukinii

Young Skinny – Actually, You Know, [Official Music Video]
To tell you the truth,yangusukinii

“Hontou wa ne,” released by Young Skinny, a group shaping the Reiwa-era music scene, is a song that deftly captures a woman’s inner voice.

Its dramatic composition fused with heartfelt lyrics stirs our emotions.

It became an explosive hit, surpassing 100 million streams shortly after release and taking the top spot on 2023’s Heatseekers Songs.

Their expansive expressive range and sound that taps into the spirit of the times bring a fresh resonance to listeners.

The music video, which adds even greater depth when you watch it, is also a must-see.

You can’t take your eyes off them as they continue to define a new form of music.

Sukitchu no! (feat. Kapi)HONEY WORKS

HoneyWorks is a creator unit gaining attention for their internet-centered activities on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Their 2023 release “Sukicchuu no!” is a song that depicts a girl’s straightforward feelings of love.

Saori Hayami, who sang the viral SNS hit “Kawaikute Gomen,” serves as the vocalist, and as part of a collaboration project, Kapi’s vocals are also featured.

Set to a rhythmic band performance, it’s a love song that strings together words of affection for one’s idol or favorite person.