Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
The 1990s were the era in J-pop history when CDs sold the most, and countless timeless classics were born that are still loved in the 2020s.
It was truly J-pop’s golden age, with artists and bands from a wide range of genres scoring hit after hit—an important period that greatly expanded the possibilities of Japanese music.
From among the dazzling array of brilliant 90s songs, this time we’re highlighting “tear-jerkers”: masterpieces that remain etched in both the record books and our memories.
Whether you lived through that time or you’re a younger music fan who’s recently gotten into 90s Japanese music, be sure to check them out.
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
- A hidden gem among tearjerker songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s
Tear-Jerking J-Pop of the ’90s: Hit Tracks and Heart-Wrenching Songs (41–50)
Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Urufuruzu
“Banzai ~So Glad I Love You~” is a single by Ulfuls released in 1996 that became a major hit.
Following their huge breakthrough with “Guts Da ze!!,” it was an impactful masterpiece that further accelerated their popularity.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
The ultimate go-to cheer song! A track by singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto—also known for hits like “FOREVER” and “Sono Mama no Kimi de Ite”—it was released in 1995 as her debut single.
Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Second Chance,” it became a massive hit.
Countless listeners have been encouraged by its lyrics, which tell us, “The more tears you shed, the stronger you’ll surely become.” It’s one of the masterpieces of Japanese pop music that we hope will be sung for generations to come.
her boyfriendMakihara Noriyuki
The appeal of Noriyuki Makihara as a singer-songwriter lies in his catchy melodies that stick with you after just one listen, and his unique lyrics.
Within them are stories worthy of a TV drama.
“Her Boyfriend” is one such song.
I can’t say it.Gō Hiromi
Hiromi Go, known for his trademark shout of “Japaan!!” that instantly fires up the crowd, actually has a wonderful trilogy of ballads—did you know? The three songs “Boku ga Donna ni Kimi o Suki ka, Kimi wa Shiranai” (You Don’t Know How Much I Love You), “Ienai yo” (I Can’t Say It), and “Aitakute Shikatanai” (I Can’t Help Wanting to See You) were all released in the ’90s and are equally recommendable—there’s no picking a favorite.
This song, “Ienai yo,” only peaked at No.
27 on the Oricon charts, but it still won that year’s Cable Radio Grand Prize.
Proof of his solid, enduring popularity.
Also pay attention to the lyrics by Chinfa Kan, brimming with the delicate nuances of love: being so considerate of the other person that you can’t bring yourself to confess your feelings.
I’m proudKahara Tomomi
Tomomi Kahala also produced numerous hit songs from the 1990s through the 2000s.
Among them, “I’m Proud” is known as one of her signature tracks, having won various music awards.
Pay special attention to her soaring high notes.