10 of the Best Japanese Tracks from K-Pop Artists

2PM, 2NE1, After School, Big Bang, KARA, SHINee, Girls

1. TVXQ: Share The World

This single came from TVXQ's (Tohoshinki) peak in Japan, a period during which they had five members and hit number one with every release. Its use as an anime theme fit their upbeat sound perfectly, and its soaring chorus helped it become a sing-along staple at their concerts.

2. BoA: Eien

BoA got her start early in Japan and really paved the way for a lot of the artists on this list. "Eien" comes from 2009, which is definitely later in her career, but it contains the best parts of her new and old sounds. The soaring chorus punctuated with "ayy" adlibs makes it a perfect tune for a warm spring-to-summer day, and though it's nostalgic, it still sounds modern enough to fit in current playlists.

3. Girls' Generation: Paparazzi

Girls' Generation - known as Shoujo Jidai in Japan - is another SM Entertainment act that found quite a bit of success overseas. In addition to their remake singles, they produced a wide spread of electronic driven songs like "Paparazzi" and "the Great Escape" that made their Japanese discography a true career highlight.

4. 2NE1: Scream

Though 2NE1 released mostly remakes for their Japanese promotions, they created a new staple in their discography with "Scream." The funky bassline supports CL and Minzy while they trade raps and Bom's massive chorus drives the song home. Fans liked it so much that the group went on to release a Korean version for "Crush" in 2014, and it became a standard at the group's concerts and appearances.

5. AFTERSCHOOL: Shh

AFTERSCHOOL released "Shh" in 2013, and the Shinichi Osawa-produced single found the ladies experimenting with a hypnotic electronic sound. This continued the trend of Korean acts elevating their quality through Japanese arrangements and sounded right at home on the cohesive "Dress to Kill" album.

6. 2PM: Take Off

2PM's Japanese debut supported the "Ao no Exorcist" anime, and its powerful building chorus made it a memorable entry into the new market. 2PM went on to become one of the most consistently successful Korean acts in Japan, so it's safe to say that they couldn't have done it without this great first impression. Indeed, finding a healthy middle ground between your own style and a new market's tastes is often the best way to establish yourself there.

7. KARA: Jet Coaster Love

Another act that has seen quite a bit of success in Japan is KARA. Though it was songs like "Mister" and "Honey" being remade that helped propel the group to the top, once they got there, they released a series of original and worthwhile Japanese language singles. This one is perhaps the most "J-Pop" sounding of them all, and it's a natural fit for the five beauties.

8. Big Bang: Koe wo Kikasete

Big Bang is one of the most successful groups of all time both at home and abroad, and it was efforts like early Japanese single "Koe Wo Kikasete" (Let Me Hear Your Voice) that established them as a legitimate force in the industry. This saw the group harmonizing over a dreamy production that stopped just short of being a ballad and is now widely recognized as a classic in their discography at large.

9. U-KISS: Tick Tack

Though U-KISS never necessarily reached massive heights as a group, they put out consistently interesting and well-written music wherever they promoted. "Tick Tack" finds the boys with a sense of urgency, calling out for a lover. Fans answered by making the song one of their most successful both at home and abroad.

10. SHINee: 1000 Years By Your Side

Everyone knows SHINee for their upbeat dance and R&B numbers, but "1000 Years By Your Side" challenged the group with a somewhat contemporary Japanese-style ballad. They knocked it out of the park, created an emotional song worthy of its well-directed music video, and helped establish credibility in the Japanese market by releasing a hit that wasn't a remake.

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