List of best-selling singles in 2001 (Japan)

The list of best-selling singles in 2001 in Japan is determined by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) based on physical CD single sales. This list reflects the musical tastes and trends prevalent within the Japanese music market during that year. Typically, the top-selling singles represent a diverse range of genres, including pop (J-pop), rock, and occasionally, enka (traditional Japanese ballads). Artists featured often include both established stars and rising talents, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Japanese music industry.

The rankings are compiled based on data collected from retailers across Japan, encompassing both large chain stores and smaller independent record shops. While digital downloads have become increasingly significant since 2001, at that time, physical single sales were the primary metric for measuring commercial success. As such, this list provides a valuable snapshot of the most popular songs purchased in Japan during that specific year. Historical data like this is useful for analyzing music industry trends and the popularity of specific artists within Japan during that period. It also helps to understand how the music market has evolved over time. Detailed information regarding specific chart positions and sales figures can usually be found on the Oricon charts, which are a well-known source of Japanese music sales data, though the RIAJ certification data also provides important insights.