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 (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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
HabitSEKAI NO OWARI
“Habit” gained attention on social media like TikTok thanks to its unique choreography.
The band SEKAI NO OWARI, known for crafting music with a distinctive worldview, released it in 2022.
The lyrics feature irony toward a society and people who tend to label others.
Alongside a light, poppy melody line, Fukase’s vocals resonate.
It’s a genreless hit of the Reiwa era that blends elements of pop, rock, and more.
While the humorous dance became a hot topic, the song also carries a deep message.
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.