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
Tearjerking J-Pop from the ’90s: Hit Songs and Weep-Worthy Tracks (11–20)
Poem of SunlightLe Couple
This is the fifth single by the music duo Le Couple—whose unit name comes from the French word meaning “couple” or “married couple”—a real-life husband-and-wife pair who disbanded in 2007.
Used as an insert song in the hugely popular TV drama Under One Roof 2, it became a long-running hit and ultimately sold over a million copies.
The gentle vocals and arrangement, which evoke the song’s title, may bring scenes from the drama to mind for some listeners.
With sentimental lyrics that tenderly envelop the heart, it’s a song that can move you to tears just by listening.
Someday Merry ChristmasB’z
The moment the music box timbre tracing the chorus melody begins to play, many people can’t help but get teary-eyed, right? B’z have produced many exquisite ballads, and although this isn’t even a single, its popularity and recognition are outstanding.
The song first appeared on the 1992 mini-album “FRIENDS.” It’s been included on many best-of compilations and has become a quintessential J-pop standard—so much so that you’ll hear it somewhere every Christmas season.
The beautiful acoustic guitar arpeggios, the story-driven, superb lyrics, and the restrained yet gorgeous melody—every aspect is nothing short of perfect.
It’s also known for having several versions, and it’s fun to listen while enjoying the differences among them.
I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN
A four-piece rock band, T-BOLAN, which disbanded at the height of its popularity but reignited longtime fans’ passion when it resumed activities in 2017.
This is their second single.
The song was used as the ending theme for ‘’92 Paris–Le Cap’ and as an insert song in the TV drama ‘Hotel Woman,’ and is known as one of T-BOLAN’s signature ballads.
Its husky vocals and lyrical melody have captivated many listeners—some may still find themselves moved to tears even today.
It is an evergreen classic that represents the 1990s J-pop scene, an era renowned for its many masterpieces.
rainMoritaka Chisato
This is the 11th single by singer-songwriter Chisato Moritaka, who is active across multiple fields beyond her music, including MC work and magazine columns.
Known among fans as a highly popular ballad, it blends her cute vocal tone with heartrending lyrics in an exquisite balance.
The clear, transparent feel that evokes the title and the dramatic arrangement brilliantly build the song’s world.
With a beautiful yet wistful melody that can bring tears to your eyes, it’s a heart-wrenching, guaranteed tearjerker.
Thanks.DREAMS COME TRUE
This is the 17th single by the duo DREAMS COME TRUE, released as a charity single in response to the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
It was also used as the campaign song for “Sorette Nittere?” The stylish sound and arrangement evoke the Pat Metheny Group, well-known in the worlds of jazz and fusion.
Rather than focusing on heartbreak itself, the lyrics express gratitude toward the presence that stays by your side during such times, inspiring not tears of sadness but warm tears instead.
It’s a track that stirs the heart and the tear ducts, making you recall the irreplaceable people in your own life as you listen.