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 songs and sob-inducing tracks (51–60)
Let’s break up. Let’s disappear—me from you, and you from me.Daikoku Maki
Maki Ohguro is known for refreshing songs like “La La La,” but she also sings such heartrending tracks.
Even as it conveys the assertiveness of the strong women typical of Ohguro, there’s a lingering sense of putting on a brave face that brings tears to your eyes.
The melody line also carries that distinctly 90s sentimental feel—very nice.
A Love Song I Couldn’t SingOda Yūji
Known as an iconic song of the 1990s, this piece is a love song packed with Yuji Oda’s charm.
Released in February 1991, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It was also used as the image song for Suzuki’s “Cervo Mode,” leaving a lasting impression on many listeners.
The song portrays youth—college-era love and parting, and young people stepping into the working world.
The world woven by Oda’s clear, crystalline vocals and heartfelt lyrics beautifully captures the emotions of young people at the time.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who’s ever struggled to express their feelings to someone important or who feels nostalgic for their youth.
JulianPRINCESS PRINCESS
Princess Princess can be called the original girls’ band in Japan.
They were hugely active from the 1980s through the 1990s.
They have many tearjerker songs, but this time I especially recommend their popular track “Julian.”
Tonight is Boogie BackOzawa Kenji feat. Suchadarapaa
‘Konya wa Boogie Back’ by Kenji Ozawa featuring Scha Dara Parr is truly a masterpiece that shines brilliantly in the Japanese music scene.
It has been covered many times by various artists.
Even now, it has a charm that doesn’t feel dated at all.
Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato
Speaking of Chisato Moritaka, she’s a singer-songwriter who released numerous classic hits in the ’90s.
When you see her beauty and her songwriting talent, you can’t help but question the saying that heaven doesn’t grant two gifts.
“Watarasebashi” is also a very famous ballad.