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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- 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 (71–80)
Soldier, run.B’z
The B’z track “Soldiers, Run,” brimming with momentum, stands out for its stirring, motivational message.
Since its 2019 release, this song has been embraced as an anthem for Japan’s national rugby team, infectiously imparting its steadfast will to keep pushing past limits to listeners.
With powerful melodies and uplifting lyrics, B’z delivers a fiery cheer to everyone striving forward—the perfect soundtrack coloring the youth of the Reiwa era.
Just listening to it makes your heart leap; it’s the kind of impact that compels you to take action.
TsukuyomiKing&Prince
King & Prince is an idol group that relaunched under a new structure in 2023, with each member demonstrating high potential as an actor and TV personality.
Their 11th single, Tsukiyomi, released as a double A-side with Irodori, was written as the theme song for the TV drama Kurosagi.
Its mysterious, exotic-sounding ensemble and melody align with the title and the drama’s imagery.
It’s an urban, cool dance tune that truly captures the spirit of the Reiwa era.
Love and romanceNovelbright
Ai toka Koi toka by the rock band Novelbright—described by vocalist Yudai Takenaka as “a bright love song that makes you suddenly want to fall in love and tell someone special how much you love them.” The lyrics portray a heart overflowing with love for a girl: the pain of not being able to see her, the impatience for the next time you can meet, and even dreaming about it because you can’t wait.
It’s guaranteed to make your heart flutter! Even if it’s been a while since you were in a relationship, just hearing this song will surely make you want to fall in love.
It’s a track that flips your romance switch on.
That gentle girlsupittsu
Spitz’s “Yasashii Ano Ko” was released in 2019, right after the start of the Reiwa era, as their 42nd single.
It was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Natsuzora and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Digital Singles Chart.
Since the drama is set in Hokkaido, Ainu words also appear in the lyrics.
The song as a whole has an upbeat groove, but the chorus is performed with a calmer rhythm, creating an interesting, reverse-of-the-usual contrast.
Starry NightYuka
This is a song by singer-songwriter Yuka, which became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “A Night When Stars Fall,” starring Yuriko Yoshitaka and Takumi Kitamura.
Fans have said things like, “It’s a grand and beautiful song,” and “I get chills the moment the chorus starts.” The beautiful lyrics—said to be inspired by the names of the drama’s characters—leave a strong impression.
It’s a romantic track that makes you want to look up at the sky and drift into gentle memories of past love.
DynamiteBTS
BTS, who enjoy global popularity, released “Dynamite” in 2020.
Its incorporation of soul and funk drew attention and landed it on music charts around the world.
The track features a somewhat retro vibe and boasts a genre-defying appeal.
Their versatile flow laid over punchy, accentuated beats is another key attraction.
With energetic lyrics that brighten listeners’ hearts, it’s a song that makes you want to move.
Be sure to give this dance track a listen—anyone can sing and dance along.
from hereSixTONES
Kaito Takahashi and Shintaro Morimoto co-starred in the much-talked-about TV drama “However, There Is Passion,” whose theme song is “Kokkara” performed by SixTONES.
The track’s appeal lies in the members’ freewheeling back-and-forth rap, a perfect match between hip-hop and a live band.
It’s a powerful number that feels like it can fire you up no matter the adversity.
With a melody and sound that stick in your head after just one listen, it’s a song that, precisely in the Reiwa era with its changing ways of listening to music, is likely to resonate with many different people.
Lie Rai Lie RaiMYERA
A song that resonates deep in your heart and shakes your soul.
Set to be released as MYERA’s debut single in January 2025.
Riding a powerful beat, it sings of the resolve to confront a world of illusion, and as you listen, courage wells up inside you.
With the concept of “STAY REAL,” it’s packed with the feelings of five people pursuing their true selves.
It might make you want to face the real you within.
Let’s dance at homeHoshino Gen
During the stay-at-home period brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that spread around 2020, Gen Hoshino’s “Uchi de Odoro” (Let’s Dance at Home) became a social phenomenon.
Sparked by Hoshino posting it on social media as a song to encourage people who couldn’t go outside, many users uploaded collaboration videos.
At the year-end 2020 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, a full-band version of “Uchi de Odoro” was performed.
It’s included on the 2021 single “Fushigi/Souzou,” so be sure to give it a listen!
CITRUSDa-iCE
Da-iCE is a dance and vocal group that delivers overwhelming performances through singing and dancing.
Their signature song, which also won the 63rd Japan Record Award, is CITRUS, released in 2020.
It sings of a straightforward love—the desire to protect the one you love.
Set against a passionate band arrangement, you can experience each member’s dazzling vocals.
The soaring high notes that unfold in the chorus convey a strong sense of resolve.
It’s a Reiwa-era hit with a dramatic progression.