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)
Departuresglobe
Needless to say, the ’90s music scene was also the era of Tetsuya Komuro.
As a producer and songwriter, he backed numerous groups and artists, churning out an untold number of massive hits.
Among them, globe—the group Komuro himself belonged to—released DEPARTURES in 1996, which became a huge hit with total sales of 2.288 million copies.
For those who came of age in the ’90s, the moment you hear the song, memories from that time will likely come flooding back.
It was also used in JR SKISKI commercials, and remains a beloved winter staple to this day.
Beyond its superb melody, the lyrics skillfully depict lovers’ scenes and inner landscapes where past and future intersect, showcasing Komuro’s innate talent.
SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA
It’s a massive, smash-hit song born in the Heisei era—so famous that adding any explanation almost feels boorish.
Beyond its record-breaking 2.822 million copies sold, it sparked an unprecedented boom across Japanese society, thanks also to the classic drama it theme-songed, “The 101st Proposal,” and its iconic line, “I won’t die!” Because it’s so overwhelmingly well-known, those who remember that time might feel a bit embarrassed by it now, but listening again reveals just how exquisitely crafted the song is.
The instantly recognizable intro, ASKA’s uniquely phrased, brilliant lyrics and melody, CHAGE’s flawless harmonies, the airtight ensemble—just listening wraps you in an indescribable sense of awe.
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.
Rusty NailX JAPAN
This is the 10th single by X JAPAN, a five-member rock band that climbed to global prominence with a metal sound long said to be difficult to gain a foothold in the J-pop scene.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Kimi ga Mienai,” the track features a cool arrangement that moves from a mysterious harpsichord opening into a driving rock sound.
Its classical ensemble—more than just sheer intensity—likely tugged at both the tear ducts and heartstrings of many listeners.
A rock number whose beauty stands out, it’s a quintessential showcase of X JAPAN at their best.
Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho & WANDS
“More Than Anyone in the World, Surely” is a smash-hit single born from a collaboration between Miho Nakayama and the rock band WANDS.
It was incredibly popular and truly a song that defined its era.
At a time when collaborations weren’t all that common, it was a forward-looking track that anticipated the times.