5 Music Hits in Japan 2021

11/05/202111/24/2021

When looking at Japan’s top 5 as of the month of October, you can find a mix of international musical influences as well as some Japanese rising stars- from BTS to Fujii Kaze. I listened to the top 5 songs in Japan as of October 6th, and as a music fanatic, here is my opinion on some of the most popular songs in Japan.

CONTENTS

きらり(Kirari) by Fujii Kaze

This song has such a fun beat, with soft vocals changing octaves throughout the song. The song also picks up from the slower start, making it a tune you can definitely bop to! Fujii Kaze has been one of Japan’s biggest rising stars, and I can certainly see why. His sound reminds me of a lot of English indie-pop, with a romantic sound. There also are certainly influences from 80’s western pop music as well! Fujii’s look definitely fits the sound too, and it’s no surprise that fans are obsessed with him! When I translated the lyrics of the song “きらり(Kirari),” they ended up being about running wild and freeing yourself from a darker past, moving towards something better and shiner despite the struggle of getting there. Fujii also writes as if someone is along this journey with him, which reinforces the romanticism of the song. Roughly translated, the song ends with the powerful lyrics, “If I’m with you, then with no doubt, with no doubt
The coming days and the shoddy past too, everything is shining.”

ドライフラワー (Dry Flower) by 優里 (Yuuri)

My first thought when I heard this song was I thought it sounded like David Archuleta, like the guy that won American Idol! As a fan, I say that as a compliment! Also if you like Daughtry or any sappy love ballads from 2000s pop, this song is right up your alley. When I translated the yrics to English, I was shocked to find that this song is actually about heartbreak. Yuuri’s (優里) breakup-ballad features some great vocals, beautiful guitar, and a whole lot of heart. This Japanese artist is definitely getting featured on my Spotify playlists!

Permission to Dance by BTS

I don’t know where, when, or how… but after listening to this song I realized I had heard it many times before. I guess that’s just the power of one of the biggest boy bands in the world, BTS. Even though they are Korean, they dominate the Japanese charts just like they do everywhere else in the world. In typical boy band fashion, their music is poppy, exciting, and perfect to dance to! Their lyrics also are predominantly english, which I did not expect. After doing some of my wn digging, I found myself loving the band’s style, and while I wasn’t a part of the BTS fanbase before, I will definitely be listening to more of their music from this point on.

Butter by BTS

BTS fanbase, please don’t hurt me but this one just wasn’t as good as Permission to Dance. It’s not bad per say, but it gave me the feeling like I’ve been stuck in forever 21 for way too long. However I do see the intrigue, and so does Japan apparently. Once again the lyrics are mostly english, and there even is a rap part. This song I have also heard somewhere I can’t recall, and after the third listen I think I got some of the lyrics down! If you like Justin Timberlake’s new music, this song might be a hit for you.

水平線 (Suiheisen) by back number

This song deserves a place on Japan’s number one spot. The band back number captures the same feeling that you get when you watch a movie and it has that perfect romantic-comedy ending. Over the years, this Japanese rock band has had some big hits in Japan, such as a very successful Christmas song. The band has sold out many concerts, and has created powerful anthems such as this one. I love the vocals in this band from lead singer Iyori Shimizu and Kazuya Kojima. The rest of back number’s discography is also worth diving into, their work having all different sounds for all different vibes.