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 (51–60)
EdisonSuiyōbi no Campanella
Another song that drew attention for being performed on THE FIRST TAKE is Edison.
The one singing it is Wednesday Campanella, with Uta as the newly appointed vocalist—still fresh in our memories.
The melody has a hip-hop vibe, and the lyrics are crafted to rhyme with the title, Edison.
Repeated phrases appear throughout, so it’s guaranteed to stick in your head.
The instrumental break has an electro music feel as well, which is part of its charm.
It’s a unique musical style unlike anything else, so I hope you’ll give it a listen first.
flameLiSA
LiSA, who is hugely popular among both adults and children, won the Japan Record Award for her song Homura.
It was written as the theme song for the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train.
Its achievement as a million seller and being performed two years in a row on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen are also memorable.
The lyrics, depicting the struggle to move forward after losing a loved one, resonated with many people and likely contributed to its massive success.
By the way, she also performed this song on THE FIRST TAKE, and that performance is a must-see as well.
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism’s “Pretender” was released on May 15, just after the era name changed to Reiwa.
Chosen as the theme song for the film The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Romance, which was released the same year, it reached No.
1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and became a massive hit that represents the Reiwa era.
The track showcases the band’s appeal with Satoshi Fujihara’s clear, soaring high tones and a stylish sound that’s undeniably cool.
The music video on YouTube has racked up over 350 million views.
The Zero Sense10-FEET
One song that seems poised to become a representative anime theme of the Reiwa era is “Dai Zerokan.” It’s a track by the rock band 10-FEET and serves as the ending theme for the animated film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.
As the movie became a worldwide hit, the song also achieved major success.
Contributing factors likely include the way it plays during a striking scene in the film and lyrics crafted with the story in mind.
Those who saw the movie probably felt compelled to listen to it over and over again.
ReiwaGōruden Bonbā
Golden Bomber, who sparked a huge craze with “Memeshikute,” has released a track befitting the new Reiwa era.
Its title: “Reiwa.” Even from that straight-down-the-middle name, you can sense Golden Bomber’s unchanged, no-nonsense spirit.
Framing the two eras—Reiwa and Heisei—as if they were people and depicting how they connect, the song is an up-tempo, sure-fire crowd-pleaser.
Shut up.Ado
Released in 2020, “Usseewa” is Ado’s first major-label digital-only single.
It quickly went viral, especially on social media, generating huge buzz and topping various Oricon and Billboard charts.
However, its provocative lyrics sparked mixed reactions in the public, and the song contains social satire characteristic of the Reiwa era.
The music video posted on YouTube has been viewed over 100.09 million times, so be sure to check it out!
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism’s digital single “Cry Baby,” which heralds a new era, is one of their signature songs, released in May 2021.
Fresh in our memories as the opening theme for the TV anime Tokyo Revengers, the track presents a new sensibility by fusing a flowing piano melody with bass.
The powerful drum beats create a tense atmosphere, and the message embedded in the lyrics energizes listeners.
Its striking key changes and development are likely why it continues to captivate everyone from middle schoolers to adults.
Chu, diversityano
“Chu, Diversity,” released in 2022 as a digital-only single by singer and TV personality Ano, takes its title from her desire to be a symbol of diversity herself.
In today’s world, where terms like “diversity” and “inclusion” are common, the song’s message fits perfectly with the times.
Its sound is an irresistibly fresh, boundary-defying electropop vibe that’s very her.
The music video, which visualizes the beauty of diversity, is also fascinating—be sure to check it out along with the track.
Fuzzy NavelConton Candy
The song Fuzzy Navel by the next-generation rock band Conton Candy resonates with listeners’ complex and delicate emotions.
It’s a love song that beautifully captures both the sweetness and bitterness of romance, with an enchanting melody and catchy phrases that instantly seize the heart.
Vocalist Tsumugi Yashima’s distinctive voice vividly conveys the joys and sorrows of love with emotional nuance.
Their music portrays the pains and pleasures of everyday life with realism, breathing new life into the music scene.
Give Fuzzy Navel a listen and experience the world of Conton Candy for yourself.
Kaikai KitanEVE
A singer-songwriter who gained attention through online music activities such as being an utaite and Vocaloid producer, Eve made his major-label debut in 2019.
This is his fourth major digital single.
Used as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, the track features thrilling guitar phrases and a high-tempo arrangement that really gets you pumped.
Its dynamic melody, spanning a wide vocal range, heightens anticipation for the anime just by listening.
With lyrics that evoke a sense of story and a modern ensemble that sticks in your ears, it’s a hit tune emblematic of the Reiwa era.
