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 from the ’90s. Hit songs and sob-worthy tracks (21–30)
suddenlyFIELD OF VIEW
For those who spent their youth in the 1990s, Field of View is a rock band filled with nostalgia—very much evocative of the heyday of trendy TV dramas.
“Totsuzen” is a single that could be called one of their signature songs.
It was a hit.
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
It’s a big hit released in 1997 by Elephant Kashimashi, known as Erekashi, a song whose melancholic, curt-edged masculinity can move you to tears.
The music video, beginning in monochrome, was also striking—especially Hiroji Miyamoto’s near-expressionless presence that perfectly mirrored the song’s protagonist.
Although Erekashi, who debuted in 1988, had their solid talent recognized within the industry and by devoted music fans, they were a “for those in the know” band until this song came out.
It wasn’t just their biggest hit; it was the track that sparked their breakthrough.
Since it was used in the Fuji TV drama “Tsuki no Kagayaku Yoru Dakara” (Because It’s a Moonlit Night), many people may remember it alongside the drama’s storyline.
Tear-Jerking J-Pop from the ’90s: Hit Songs and Cry-Inducing Tracks (31–40)
It always begins with rain.ASKA
ASAKA’s “The Beginning Is Always Rain” is a ballad that, even now, I can’t help but want to listen to whenever the rainy season arrives.
The melody, the lyrics, and ASKA’s vocal delivery—every aspect is perfect.
I recommend listening to it alone on a rainy night.
My Room, My Dress Shirt, and MeHiramatsu Eri
Eri Hiramatsu’s “Room, Y-Shirt and Me” became a huge hit as a song that truly symbolizes the 1990s.
Its striking lyrics, the hallmark of a true singer-songwriter, are a major part of its appeal.
Even today, it’s still frequently played on TV and radio.
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 am here.Yamazaki Masayoshi
This is a song released in 1998 by Masayoshi Yamazaki, a renowned Japanese singer-songwriter who is also highly regarded as an actor.
It was used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Kiseki no Hito,” in which he starred, and debuted at No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
The song became a major turning point that led to his breakthrough.
With the warm tones of acoustic guitar, the elegant resonance of strings, vocals that begin as if speaking and soar into an emotionally explosive chorus sure to move listeners to tears, and lyrics that convey feelings in a straightforward way—there’s truly nothing to criticize.
It’s a gem of a ballad that showcases not only his songwriting sensibility but also his exceptional talent as a guitarist to the fullest.
Believe in your dreamsTokunaga Hideaki
Debuting in 1986 with a one-of-a-kind voice and striking good looks, Hideaki Tokunaga has continued to create era-defining classics.
Since the 2000s, his cover album series “VOCALIST,” featuring songs by female artists, has been a massive hit.
He truly embodies what it means to be a “singer,” maintaining a commanding presence throughout his career.
His biggest hit, “Yume o Shinjite,” released in 1990, is a medium-tempo masterpiece that was also used as the theme song for the anime Dragon Quest.
While it’s naturally a timeless classic that resonates with listeners of any generation, the older you get, the more you come to appreciate the nostalgic beauty of its melody and the lyrics that gently encourage you without being pushy.