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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- Also great for karaoke with friends! Youthful songs that hype up the Reiwa era
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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 (21–30)
Goodbye DeclarationChinozo
Debuting with the dawn of the Reiwa era, “Goodbye Declaration” has been loved by many listeners.
Since its release in April 2020, it quickly made a name for itself, racing past 10 million views on YouTube in no time.
Its popularity even led to a manga serialization, shining a bright light on Chinozo’s creativity.
Embracing every listener with a sense of fun, its momentum shows no signs of stopping.
Though it’s a challenging piece as a Vocaloid track, it’s a song that’s sure to get the crowd going if you can sing it.
Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI is a band known for creating many warm, uplifting songs.
The track they wrote specifically as the opening theme for the anime ONE PIECE is “Saikō Tōtatsuten” (The Highest Point).
This song is linked to the anime’s storyline and sings about the protagonists’ exploits.
It also carries a message meant to encourage those going through tough times, so it’s sure to resonate even with people who haven’t watched the anime.
And after listening, I think it will leave you feeling positive.
sparkleFuji Kaze
This is a song by Fujii Kaze, a singer-songwriter also known for uploading piano-and-vocal performance videos to YouTube since his school days.
He gained rapid attention in late 2019 with releases like “Nan-Nan w” and “Mou Eewa.” His 2021 track “Kirari” was written specifically for Honda’s VEZEL commercial.
When the ad first aired, the track hadn’t been released yet, and it drew so much attention online that people were clamoring to hear the full version as soon as possible.
It’s one of the signature songs by an artist who truly represents the Reiwa era.
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy
This is a song by Vaundy, who began posting his music on YouTube in 2019 and made a big splash after appearing in the 73rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2022.
Despite a title that suggests something different, its heartrending lyrics and overwhelming vocal performance have captivated many fans, especially younger listeners.
According to Vaundy, the title ‘Kaiju no Hanauta’ and the identically pronounced word with different kanji that appears in the lyrics have different meanings.
He has said, ‘I’ll talk about what this means someday.’ It seems we’ll have to wait a bit longer to hear the true meaning behind this song.
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki
Masaki Suda is highly acclaimed not only as an actor but also as a singer.
All of his songs are excellent, and you can’t help but feel that each one could be considered his signature track.
Among his many songs, “Machigai Sagashi” is especially moving.
Many people may have a strong impression of it because it was the theme song for the drama “Perfect World,” starring Tori Matsuzaka.
The track was produced by Kenshi Yonezu.
It’s a song that resonates with anyone, regardless of gender or age.
horizonback number
Back Number’s “Suiheisen” (Horizon) was written for high school students who had been aiming for the 2020 Inter-High School Championships, which couldn’t be held due to the impact of COVID-19.
The music video was uploaded as a surprise on the band’s official YouTube channel and drew such a response that it surpassed 100 million views.
In 2021, to commemorate the successful holding of that year’s Inter-High, the song was re-released as a digital-only single and reached No.
1 on the Billboard charts.
BlessingYOASOBI
Since its release in 2022, YOASOBI’s “The Blessing” shot up the charts in no time.
Its synth sound wrapped in an energetic rhythm feels like a powerful wind that propels you to live positively each day.
The lyrics, depicting a determined rush toward hope, have captured many hearts, offering courage and cheers to everyone standing at a crossroads.
The subtly gleaming verse melodies and the chorus that surges all at once are also striking, making it a song full of charm that instantly lifts the listener’s spirits.
electric shockYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu’s “Kanden” was written as the theme song for the TBS drama MIU404.
Released as a digital single in 2020 (Reiwa 2), it topped Oricon’s Digital Single Chart.
It’s a funk number featuring a lavish horn section, with a brisk rhythm and a sophisticated, mature sound.
The music video, shot at Toshimaen—an amusement park that closed in 2020—also drew attention, surpassing 10 million views just four days after its release.
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
Since its release in 2020, “Mela!” has been beloved as a staple cheer song.
It’s a track by the rock band Ryokuoushoku Shakai, and it was recently chosen as a set piece for a dance project as well.
In this song, beyond traditional band instrumentation, they add synthesizers and sample handclaps to create a lively sound.
The lyrics are positive, encouraging people who are doing their best, so combined with the sound, it’s sure to get you hyped.
It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu
A simple love song by Macaroni Enpitsu, overflowing with affection for someone you adore.
The lyrics make you feel that “you don’t need fancy, cool words or over-the-top gestures to express love—what matters is the heart,” and it makes your chest tighten with emotion.
Regardless of gender, you might think, “If someone felt this way about me, I’d be incredibly happy.” It’s a song that makes you want to cherish the ordinary days you spend with the person you love more than ever, and it conveys the importance of small happinesses.