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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- Even for those not confident in their singing! Easy-to-sing karaoke songs released in the Reiwa era
- 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
[Reiwa Era Masterpieces] Hit Songs that Define the Era (61–70)
Tokyo FlashVaundy
Since its release on November 29, 2019, Vaundy’s debut single “Tokyo Flash” has continued to draw attention in the music scene.
The track’s distinctive sense of weightless drift speaks to the depth of his musical sensibilities, and its sound—an updated, contemporary take on city pop—is a major part of its appeal.
The lyrics are sprinkled with phrases that capture the complexity of his relationship with “you,” irresistibly pulling listeners in.
Amplifying a cosmopolitan atmosphere, this song is an anthem for a new era that everyone—not just music fans—should hear at least once.
Vanillakyanai
Kyanai, a next-generation artist who began his music career in 2019, quickly went viral on social media with his song “Vanilla.” The lyrics, which sing of love for someone dear, and his powerful vocals are wonderful—so I hope you’ll give it a listen first.
From here on there are spoilers, so please be aware.
According to Kyanai, “Vanilla” has a hidden backstory: it portrays a relationship with a lover who has passed away.
With that in mind, you can interpret a different layer of meaning in the song.
Melancholy Cherry Blossomsatarayo
Atoyoi’s graduation ballad beautifully portrays the feeling of wishing to reunite someday in the same place, while savoring familiar scenery and bittersweet memories.
It expresses the emotion of how an ordinary spring landscape suddenly feels special as the moment of parting draws near, through a gentle melody and emotionally rich lyrics.
Released in March 2023, the song tenderly accompanies listeners with vocals and sounds that are at times heartrending and at times warm.
It’s a track for those taking a new step with the arrival of spring, and for anyone experiencing a farewell with a dear friend.
ultramarineYOASOBI
YOASOBI’s “Gunjō” was created based on a story text published on the official website for Bourbon’s Alfort Mini.
It’s a refreshing song that colored the youth of many high school students, serving as the theme for the dance club support project on Nippon TV’s information program Sukkiri and being selected as the entrance march for the 94th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 2022.
With its message, “It’s okay to be yourself,” and “Even if you’re scared, if you trust yourself and keep moving forward, the path will surely open up,” this song has surely encouraged many listeners.
Umillennium parade, Belle
millennium parade is a project led by Daiki Tsuneta, the vocalist of King Gnu, which became a nationwide rock sensation after releasing “Hakujitsu” in 2019.
This song was created as the main theme for the 2021 film Belle (Ryū to Sobakasu no Hime), with singer-songwriter Kaho Nakamura—who also voices a character in the movie—performing under the in-film character name Belle.
Blending elements from genres ranging from classical to pop, the track, paired with Nakamura’s rich, resonant vocals, is exceptionally compelling and is undoubtedly one of the significant hit songs of the Reiwa era.
PAKUasmi
“PAKU” is a powerful song that’s blazing a trail in the Reiwa era and beloved by many young people.
It’s a pop tune distinguished by lyrics that are cute yet carry a strong message.
Spreading rapidly by word of mouth on social media, especially TikTok, the song has now had a major impact across Japan.
asmi’s distinctive voice, laced with a hint of mischievous charm—its fresh tone that sometimes reveals a glimpse of what lies within—surely lifts your spirits.
It’s a hit that captures listeners’ hearts and truly represents the Reiwa era.
Because you are hereUru
Written as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Theseus no Fune” (Theseus’ Ship), Uru’s “Anata ga Iru Koto de” is a digital single released in 2020 that reached No.
1 on Billboard’s download chart.
It’s a moving ballad with lyrics that evoke the family love—centered on a father and son—portrayed in the drama.
Interestingly, the music video instead focuses on a mother and daughter, so be sure to check it out.
PARTY PEOPLESixTONES
SixTONES, a male idol group, released “PARTY PEOPLE” in 2022.
It features a dazzling electronic sound reminiscent of Latin and surf music.
With lyrics that sing, “Let’s enjoy summer to the fullest!” it hints at a passionate romance.
Paired with their effortlessly flexible choral work, the track pulses with a light, danceable beat.
Give this high-energy number a listen—it’ll blow away your everyday stress and worries.
heartaimyon
“Heart” by Aimyon portrays a brave young woman earnestly trying to convey her feelings to the one she loves.
It’s a cute yet slightly bittersweet song that seems to speak for every girl in love who secretly wishes, “Please accept my true, heartfelt feelings.” Many fans are captivated by the highly relatable lyrics and Aimyon’s sweet voice, praising it as “a rhythm so pleasant you want to keep listening forever” and “lyrics that gently nestle up to a heart in love.”
gardenFuji Kaze
Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, who is talented with various instruments such as piano and saxophone.
The song “Garden,” included on his second album LOVE ALL SERVE ALL, exquisitely blends a soothing, moving beat with his gentle vocals.
The lyrics convey a message about nurturing life’s important milestones through the changing seasons.
The grand, soul-tinged arrangement seems to have the power to stir the listener’s heart.
It’s truly moving.