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.
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
- A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth.
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- [Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes
Classic ballads of 90s J-POP: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites (31–40)
DEPARTURESglobe
globe’s biggest hit, “DEPARTURES,” is a winter ballad released in 1996.
The lyrics, expanded from a letter Komuro wrote to his lover, are captivating in part for their abstraction, which can be seen from different perspectives that bridge the present and the past.
Personally, it feels like saying goodbye to a happy past and moving forward, and the emotions likened to falling, piling snow are almost unbearably poignant.
That said, it also brings back memories of winter scenes we heard it in real time with, and the excitement that evokes images of skiing.
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.
There will be love there -A Place with Love-the brilliant green
A song by the brilliant green—often called “Buriguri”—fronted by Tomoko Kawase, who also performs under the names Tommy february6 and Tommy heavenly6.
The band was mainly active in the ’90s, and this ballad, used as the theme song for the drama “Love Again,” became a major hit.
In 2016, it was also featured as the ending theme for episode 9 of the anime “ReLIFE.” The song depicts a longing for a vast love—like an eternal miracle that might exist somewhere.
Nameless PoemMr.Children
The smash hit “Namonaki Uta” by Mr.Children became a million seller in about a week.
There are surely people who say its lyrics have encouraged them time and again.
Above all, the chorus melody is absolutely amazing.
It’s one of the quintessential ballads of the ’90s that you’ll want to listen to over and over.
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.