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Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times

Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times
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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!

Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times (1–10)

chantAdo

Based on a passionately dynamic EDM beat, Ado’s husky and powerful vocals shine in “Show.” It’s a work that truly lets you savor a new musical delight coloring the Reiwa era.

The unforgettable, stirring melody that sticks with you after a single listen combines with the electrifying sound born from its collaboration with Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween event, giving it the potential to become a timeless hit.

Ado already has many devoted listeners, but this track feels like it’s expanded her stage even further, making her future endeavors all the more exciting to anticipate!

idolYOASOBI

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video
idolYOASOBI

The music duo YOASOBI, who have produced many hit songs such as Yoru ni Kakeru released in 2019 and Kaibutsu released in 2021, wrote Idol in 2023 as the opening theme for the TV anime Oshi no Ko.

The song features an innovative development that truly makes it a masterpiece of the Reiwa era.

In particular, its distinctly YOASOBI-like contrasts between bright and dark sections and its intricate key changes create clever effects, offering a thrilling sensation you won’t find in their previous songs.

Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani
Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya

The song Blue Habitat, which evokes a blue sky, added a flourish to the series as the theme for the anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death.

Its exhilarating melody captured the hearts of many fans through TV screens and has been growing into a karaoke staple.

The high-speed slap bass in the chorus, in particular, is overwhelming to hear.

Despite its up-tempo feel, the exquisite blend of memorable melody and lyrics adds a perfect accent to the build-up toward the chorus.

One of the highlights is the contrast between the song’s driving momentum and its delicate expressions along the way.

My cutest partFRUITS ZIPPER

[MV] FRUITS ZIPPER - My Cutest Part
My cutest partFRUITS ZIPPER

A song that represents the Reiwa era has arrived.

This track by FRUITS ZIPPER is a catchy, pop number that sings about the importance of self-esteem and being seen by others.

Sparked by a massive hit on TikTok, it captured the hearts of many.

Released as a digital single in April 2022, it reached No.

3 on the Billboard JAPAN singles chart and also contributed to the group winning the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist.

Its bright, uplifting message is perfect for anyone who wants to feel more confident or encourage someone they care about.

It’s a song that gives you energy every time you listen—truly emblematic of the Reiwa era.

SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Subtitle [Official Video]
SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism is a piano-driven band.

They wrote “Subtitle” as the theme song for the drama Silent.

While “subtitle” is a word we often hear, it actually also means film captions.

In the song, the lyrics express a feeling of wishing they could convey emotions they can’t put into words through subtitles instead.

Given the many records it set on the music charts and its performance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it’s undoubtedly a song that represents the Reiwa era.

NIGHT DANCERimase

【imase】NIGHT DANCER(MV)
NIGHT DANCERimase

Imase’s hit song “NIGHT DANCER” has blown a fresh hole in the music scene of the Reiwa era.

The track blends an innate sense for dance music with artistry, revealing ever deeper beauty the more you listen.

Its captivating arrangement and lyrics interwoven with pure romantic feelings, along with a floating, airy sound, color the city night.

Packed with Imase’s abundant talent, “NIGHT DANCER” has become a hot topic on social media and attracted many listeners, making it a song that could be called a symbol of a new era.

Give it a listen and enjoy your own new musical discoveries.

SPECIALZKing Gnu

TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 “Shibuya Incident” non-credit opening movie / Opening theme: King Gnu “SPECIALZ” | Airing every Thursday at 11:56 PM on 28 MBS/TBS network stations nationwide!!
SPECIALZKing Gnu

SPECIALZ is the song King Gnu wrote as the opening theme for the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident.

It’s a track where distorted guitar sounds create an ominous atmosphere.

The song’s content is largely built from two elements: one is the section, continuing from the intro, that repeats the title phrase; the other is the section around the chorus where the intensity ramps up.

Since it’s filled with suggestive wording and unfamiliar phrases, it’s worth listening while pondering its meaning.

dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Dance Hall” Official Music Video
dance hallMrs. GREEN APPLE

When it comes to Reiwa-era hit songs that spark a joyful, smile-filled life, Dance Hall stands out.

The track by rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE was included on their 2022 album Unity.

Its dazzling sound blends elements of funk, soul, pop, and more.

Motoki Omori’s technically adept vocals, perfectly matched to the rhythmic performance, are sure to energize you.

It’s a song packed with positive messages that can help blow away anxieties and worries.

Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

ATARASHII GAKKO! – Otona Blue (Official Music Video)
Otona Blueatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

“Otonablue” by Atarashii Gakko! is a song whose momentum shows no signs of slowing down even long after its release.

Its 1970s-inspired musicality blends seamlessly with modern arrangements, offering listeners both a fresh surprise and a sense of nostalgia.

The build-up to the chorus is especially addictive, making you want to replay it, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by such a wide audience across ages and genders.

Its pleasant melody and catchy riffs can lift you out of the everyday and make you feel just a bit special.

Dried flowersYuuri

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -
Dried flowersYuuri

Singer-songwriter Yuuri, who was discovered by Hiro, the vocalist of the rock band MY FIRST STORY, while performing on the street in 2019, managed to make his debut as a result.

His signature song, “Dry Flower,” became a massive hit on social media platforms like TikTok, then went on to appear on charts such as Spotify and Apple Music, achieving a major nationwide breakthrough.

This pattern of internet-driven success has become more common in the Reiwa era, and this track is an indispensable hit representative of the era.