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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Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times (11–20)
broad daylightKing Gnu
As one of the defining hit songs of the Reiwa era, this standout work by King Gnu is often cited.
Featuring profound lyrics that explore life’s choices and regrets, it resonated deeply with many listeners.
Its gentle rhythm and Iguchi’s tender vocals enhance both the song’s universality and emotional depth.
Released digitally in February 2019, it was used as the theme song for the Nippon TV Saturday drama “Innocence: Wrongful Conviction Lawyer.” It reached No.
2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and surpassed 500 million streams, earning widespread acclaim.
It’s a highly recommended track for those feeling lost in life or wanting to keep moving forward.
W/X/YTani Yuuki
W/X/Y, released in 2021 by singer-songwriter Tani Yuuki, who rose to prominence mainly through social media activity.
It portrays honest feelings toward a partner or lover and resonated with listeners across a wide range of ages.
Its rap-influenced vocals glide lightly over a modern beat.
The soft melody lingers in your ears alongside his gently undulating vocal delivery.
It’s a popular Reiwa-era song depicting a loving man and woman spending time together.
Cinderella BoySaucy Dog
Cinderella Boy depicts the real love story of a man and woman who can’t be together.
Released in 2021 by the rock band Saucy Dog, it gained buzz mainly on social media.
Sung from a woman’s perspective, it’s filled with bittersweet lines that tug at your heart.
The lyrics, which capture emotions that are hard to put into words, resonated with listeners.
The story-like progression of the lyrics and the warm melody are also comforting.
With the simple performance of a three-piece band and Shinya Ishihara’s emotional vocals, it stands as a modern classic of the Reiwa era.
festivalFuji Kaze
A song that expresses the joy of life through seasonal festivals has been delivered by Fujii Kaze.
This work celebrates the various events of everyday life and emphasizes the importance of living freely.
It features lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners and a musical style that blends Fujii’s unique sensibilities.
Released digitally in March 2022, it garnered attention as an advance single from the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL.” Grounded in messages of self-affirmation and love for others, it is sure to be a reassuring companion for those facing challenges or seeking the meaning of life.
Et ceteraimase
A pop song portraying inner conflict has been born, marked by a warm piano refrain and a simple, gentle sound.
Crafted by imase, the piece delicately conveys the anxieties and struggles of romance, along with deep feelings for a loved one.
Its dramatic melody, falsetto-infused vocals, and progression that repeatedly modulates leave a strong impression.
Released digitally on August 2, 2024, the song was written as the opening theme for the Netflix-streamed anime Kimi ni Todoke 3rd Season.
It is sure to resonate deeply with those who fondly remember the youthful days swaying between pure love and friendship.
danceAdo
A groundbreaking work that vividly portrays the emotions of youth has arrived.
It captures the loneliness and struggles of people in modern society through energetic beats and a powerful vocal performance.
Released in April 2021, the track was also chosen as the theme song for NHK General’s “Yakō Ongaku: VocaloP 5min.” In addition, it achieved a tie-in with the popular game Project Sekai.
Ado’s soul-stirring singing resonates with those carrying emotional burdens, offering a momentary sense of release.
It’s a perfect song both for livening up parties and gatherings with friends, and for moments of solitary introspection.
[Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era] Hit Songs That Define the Times (21–30)
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.
