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)
Until the world endsWANDS
WANDS, whose restart in 2019 with a new vocalist also made waves, evokes nostalgic memories of their 1990s heyday, when they delivered numerous hits and stood at the center of the so-called “Being-kei” movement.
A landmark song in which WANDS shifted toward a harder rock orientation and presented a lyrical world distinct from J-pop-style love songs is “Sekai ga Owaru made wa…” released in 1994.
It was also used as the ending theme for the hugely popular anime SLAM DUNK, so many people remember the song together with the series.
It’s one of those tracks that someone is sure to sing when forty-somethings go to karaoke.
Wrapped in the sparkle and fragility of youth, and in a nostalgia to which we can never return, it’s a song that brings hot tears to your eyes.
Just by you being herekome kome CLUB
Holding the record of roughly 2.895 million copies sold, this is a massive hit and a gem of a song by Kome Kome Club that remains in J-pop history.
Its sales speak for themselves, and many who remember that time will recall the acclaimed 1992 drama “Sugao no Mama de,” for which this song was the theme.
Even younger listeners might find the famous opening hook that begins with “Tatoeba~” vaguely familiar.
Beyond Tatsuya Ishii—aka Carl Smoky Ishii—showcasing his superb vocal ability over a timeless melody, the lyrics move you in a special way by expressing gratitude to a loved one simply, without complex phrasing.
Why not let this song carry those feelings that you may find too embarrassing to say out loud in everyday life?
Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo
The 14th single by the solitary singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada, who continues to assert his unique worldview and presence with strongly protest-tinged messages and rock sounds that remain faithful to Japanese.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni,” it was also released as his 23rd single.
With a deep, husky vocal and richly layered choral work, it’s an irresistibly catchy number.
Especially for those familiar with the drama, its rollercoaster-like plot will overlap with the song and likely bring you to tears.
Although originally released in 1981, it remains unfaded to this day—an immortal classic in J-Pop.
Because I Want to See You ~Missing You~Matsuda Seiko
This is the 40th single by singer-songwriter Seiko Matsuda, known as a top idol representing the 1980s who continues to be active today with her overwhelming vocal ability and expressive power.
Released as a double A-side single together with “Ashita e to Kakidashite Yukou” (“Let’s Dash Toward Tomorrow”), the song was used as the ending theme for the debate variety program “Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle.” Its dramatic melody, woven by her cute yet emotional vocals, carries a poignancy that can bring tears to your eyes even if you aren’t a fan.
It’s a timeless ballad that encapsulates the allure of Seiko Matsuda—an artist who cannot be contained by the category of “idol.”
Robinsonsupittsu
With their gentle band ensemble, transparent evergreen vocals, heart-wrenchingly bittersweet melodies, and lyrically rich songs written from a unique perspective, Spitz are beloved not only by music fans but also by fellow musicians.
There are surely people who feel their tear ducts loosen the moment they hear the voice of frontman Masamune Kusano.
Among the many tear-jerking melodies in Spitz’s catalog, let me introduce Robinson, the masterpiece that brought them widespread recognition.
The instant the memorable arpeggio by guitarist Tetsuya Miwa—known for his striking hairstyle and sunglasses—resounds, you’ll feel your heart gently unravel.
The monochrome music video is also wonderfully nostalgic, so be sure to check it out together with the song.