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
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[Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era] Hit Songs That Define the Times (81–90)
chameleonKing Gnu
King Gnu’s song “Chameleon,” which continues to energize the new era, will be remembered as a hit number that colors the Reiwa period.
It shot to prominence when it was chosen as the theme song for the 2022 serial drama “Do Not Say Mystery.” Its beautiful ballad—where lyrics depicting the ever-changing human heart over time intersect with a wistful melody—powerfully moves listeners.
The music video, with its superb blend of pure storytelling and visual art, draws viewers into the depths of the song.
wrinkle alignmentVaundy
One of the defining hits of the Reiwa era is a song by Vaundy themed around deep human connections and the passage of time.
Its lyrics symbolically portray the bonds and memories born from spending long periods together, resonating with listeners and moving them deeply.
The track was released digitally in April 2021 and was originally written as a song for a vocational school commercial.
It was later featured in commercials for Maruha Nichiro and JACCS, gaining recognition across a wide audience.
The song is also included on the album “replica” and has garnered strong support from many fans.
It’s a recommended listen when reflecting on life’s milestones or memories with someone special.
Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai
This is the 10th digital single by Dai Hirai, a singer-songwriter who has gained popularity with his surf-music-based style, gentle vocals, and ensemble.
The arrangement featuring piano and acoustic guitar, along with his emotional, tender voice, feels so comforting.
In today’s J-pop scene, where diverse musical styles are flourishing, its simple yet refined melody resonates all the more and may soothe the fatigue of busy days.
With timeless beauty and an exquisite organic atmosphere, it’s a track you’ll want to hear precisely in this moment.
Diamond Smilenaniwa danshi
Naniwa Danshi is a male idol group that draws attention with songs and dances that make the most of their glamorous looks.
“Diamond Smile,” included on their 2022 album 1st Love, matches sparkling phrases with a dazzling sound that evokes their image.
Their sweet, gentle vocals are sure to soothe you.
Pay attention to the choral work that showcases each member’s unique charm.
It’s a Reiwa-era idol song that wraps listeners’ hearts like a prince.
single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu
Ichizu, released by the rock band King Gnu in 2021 and chosen as the theme song for the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, resounds with a band sound that races at high speed.
The lyrics sing of straightforward feelings for a loved one, and the passionate band performance leaves a strong impression.
Despite its stoic band sound, it conveys a rich sense of expansiveness.
It’s a track you can enjoy by focusing on each individual instrument or by immersing yourself in the overall rock sound.
Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS
RADWIMPS, a rock band that began their activities in 2001 when they were students, has long enjoyed strong support in the Japanese rock scene.
It’s still fresh in our memories that in 2016 they reached listeners who don’t usually listen to bands by providing the music for the film Your Name.
The song they made a hit in the Reiwa era is this one—the theme song for director Makoto Shinkai’s film Weathering with You.
With its beautiful piano accompaniment, the piece has a different charm from their previous rock tunes and showcases a new side of RADWIMPS.
Heralding springyama
A prime example of the new Reiwa-era hit-making rule—breaking through via social media—is yama’s “Haru wo Tsugeru.” Released in 2020, the track was used in a wide range of TikTok posts and reached No.
1 on Spotify’s Viral Chart.
It’s a song defined by yama’s husky, emotional vocals and a driving dance beat.
At the end of 2020, yama appeared on the popular YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE to showcase their vocals.
It’s love, right?wacci
Wacci’s “Koi Daro” tells us that there’s no such thing as a reason for falling in love—that love is what makes you care for someone regardless of any conditions.
It’s a warm, gentle love song that quietly encourages those who feel self-conscious about their looks, age, education, or other insecurities and tend to hold back from romance.
If you’re worried whether your partner truly loves you, or afraid that confessing to your crush might lead to rejection, why not draw courage from this song and take the leap to share your feelings?
RippleAo
Singer-songwriter ao, who rose to prominence through internet-centered activity, drew attention with her 2022 release “Ripple.” Inspired by encountering a movie poster, the song was created around that moment and portrays the act of facing oneself.
It features a modern beat rooted in electronica.
Her supple vocals evoke a sense of limitless possibility stretching into the future.
It’s a Reiwa-era hit packed with charm, including its subtly ambient-tinged sound.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
A song by singer LiSA that became the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Thanks in part to the anime’s explosive popularity, the track drew a great deal of attention, and of course LiSA’s powerful vocals—refined by her many iconic anime songs—are undeniably cool.
With its heavy beat and breakneck drive, it’s a guaranteed top-tier rock tune.
An iconic track that swept across Japan with the dawn of the Reiwa era.
