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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- Only masterpieces born in the Reiwa era! Spring songs recommended for teens
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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
Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times (41–50)
Racing into the NightYOASOBI
The unit that turns novels into music, YOASOBI, rose to fame with “Yoru ni Kakeru,” released in December 2019.
It was YOASOBI’s first digital-only single and dominated various charts in 2020, becoming such a massive hit that it felt like everyone had heard it.
The track’s distinctive sound—starting with the release-cut piano—was also groundbreaking.
The animated music video drew attention as well, and the YouTube upload has been viewed over 250 million times.
Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times (51–60)
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Sorry for Being Cute feat. Chuutan (CV: Saori Hayami)HONEY WORKS
HoneyWorks’ “Kawaikute Gomen feat.
Chu-tan (CV: Saori Hayami)” gained popularity primarily on TikTok.
Its catchy and cute lyrics captivated many listeners.
In particular, the “I tried dancing” series took the No.
1 spot on the TikTok Weekly Top 20 for three consecutive weeks.
Saori Hayami’s gentle voice adds depth to the track, and the lyrics convey the charm of a devoted woman.
HoneyWorks’ music is appealing for its accessibility, so if you haven’t experienced it yet, be sure to check out their other songs on music streaming services.
This adorable tune is sure to put a smile on your face for the day.
Summertime CinderellaRyokushokushakai
“Summertime Cinderella” is Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s seventh single and was selected as the theme song for the TV drama “Midsummer Cinderella.” Its sweet yet energetic arrangement—combining poignant piano and strings with a sense of speed—colors the scorching season.
The high-register vocals sketch a summer love story that makes your heart dance after just one listen.
It’s a track that can be said to establish the status of a hit song symbolizing a new era.
Its flowing melody and refreshingly cool lyrics are sure to exhilarate music lovers.
Without a doubt, it’s one of the masterpieces that will leave its mark on the Reiwa era.