Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
The 1990s J-pop scene saw CDs sell in huge numbers and one million–selling hits being released one after another.
Songs from that era are still loved across generations, and many younger music fans likely listen to those tracks on streaming services.
In this article, we’ll spotlight recommended songs among the countless classics and hits of ’90s J-pop, focusing specifically on its most popular ballads.
From beautiful, stripped-down masterpieces centered on vocals and guitar to rock-tinged ballads, enjoy a selection of wonderful tunes whose choruses will have many people humming along.
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Classic ballads of 90s J-POP: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites (31–40)
GlassKawamura Ryuuichi
“Glass” is Ryuichi Kawamura’s second single, released in April 1997.
It was recorded during his solo activities while his then-popular band was on hiatus, and it became a million seller.
The song is characterized by its flowing piano and Kawamura’s distinctive vocals, and the music video notably features close-ups of Kawamura, who was hugely popular as a heartthrob at the time.
It is a ballad that represents the 1990s.
Forever LoveX JAPAN
X JAPAN is a legendary rock band that left behind numerous classic songs.
“Forever Love,” released on July 8, 1996, is their 14th single and one of the band’s signature tracks.
The song has many celebrity fans; it was even chosen by then–Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi as a theme for a Liberal Democratic Party commercial.
In drummer YOSHIKI’s hometown of Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, it’s used for the municipal disaster-prevention broadcast system and as a train departure melody, making it a timeless masterpiece loved across generations.
In recent years, vocalist Toshi has become popular on variety shows, but be sure to listen to his soul-stirring vocals from the band’s heyday!
Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo
The song “Kanashimi wa Yuki no Yō ni,” which sparked a massive boom in the ’90s.
He’s said to sound exactly the same live as on recordings, and his voice—both rugged and powerful—has captivated many.
It’s truly a ballad by Shogo Hamada that even men can’t help but fall for—his very best.
squallFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama is a singer-songwriter who showcases his talents in a variety of fields, from his musical career to his work as an actor.
His 14th single, “Squall,” released as a double A-side with “HEAVEN,” is also known as a self-cover of a song he originally provided to Eiko Matsumoto.
The female-perspective lyrics sung in his sexy, low register offer a different kind of appeal compared to a clear, airy female voice.
It’s a sentimental ballad number that both men and women can sing at karaoke.
Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato
Chisato Moritaka’s lyrics often feature real place names and scenery.
The song “Watarase Bridge” is also named after an actual bridge in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, and it’s said to be a sacred spot among Moritaka fans.
Lines like “The Watarase Bridge I used to cross so often, this town I thought I wanted to live in forever, but you’re no longer here…” feel very realistic, and make me think they might be drawn from Moritaka’s own experiences.
It’s one of those staple ballads you want to listen to as winter approaches.
Along with this song, “Ame” is another highly regarded Moritaka ballad—why not take this opportunity to give them both another listen?
Classic ballads of 90s J-POP: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites (41–50)
Maplesupittsu
Released in 1998 by Spitz, a rock band formed in 1987, their 19th single Kaede has been featured in various commercials and TV programs.
Its clear vocals and heartrending lyrics make it a timeless classic that resonates no matter when you listen to it.
Although it came out in the 1990s, it drew renewed attention in 2017 through Kirin Beverage’s Gogo no Kocha commercial, and it remains a beloved and enduringly popular ballad.
flower burialL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
“Hana” by the rock band L’Arc~en~Ciel, who are still active today, is a ballad that became a long-running hit.
It evokes a world of artistic beauty and vividness.
Please experience that unique world—one only L’Arc~en~Ciel can create—through Hyde’s beautiful vocals.